If you were hurt while visiting Miami—whether in a rental car crash, a hotel slip-and-fall, or a cruise ship accident—Florida law gives you the right to seek compensation. But the rules here are unique, and the clock starts ticking fast.
At Stabinski Law, we’ve helped visitors from across the U.S. and around the world recover damages after unexpected injuries in Florida. Here’s exactly what to do next, how Florida’s laws work, and why hiring a local Miami attorney makes all the difference.
What to Do Right Away If You’re Injured on Vacation
Accidents are disorienting, especially when you’re far from home. Follow these seven steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Get medical help immediately. Call 911 or visit urgent care. Many injuries (like concussions or soft-tissue damage) aren’t obvious at first.
2. Report the incident. Notify the police, property manager, or cruise staff. Always ask for a written report.
3. Document everything. Take photos of your injuries, the scene, and any unsafe conditions.
4. Collect witness info. Get names, phone numbers, and statements if possible.
5. Save receipts and medical records. Keep documentation of every expense tied to the accident.
6. Avoid signing anything. Don’t sign waivers, releases, or accept quick payouts without legal advice.
7. Contact a Florida injury lawyer. Local laws, deadlines, and insurance rules are complex—having counsel early is key.
Florida Fast Facts for Vacation Injuries
Quick Legal Reference
- Injury lawsuits: Must be filed within 2 years (Florida HB 837, 2023).
- Cruise ship claims: Notice due in 6 months; suit within 1 year (46 U.S.C. § 30508).
- Car accidents: Florida’s no-fault law covers up to $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) (Fla. Stat. § 627.736).
- Comparative fault: If you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages (Fla. Stat. § 768.81).
- Slip-and-falls: You must prove the business knew or should have known about the hazard (Fla. Stat. § 768.0755).
Knowing these essentials helps you make smart decisions before evidence or deadlines slip away.
Miami Welcomes Millions—and Accidents Happen
With record-breaking tourism and PortMiami, the world’s busiest cruise port, the city is alive year-round. Crowded attractions, rental cars, water sports, and nightlife make accidents almost inevitable. Data regularly show a spike in serious crashes during spring break alone.
Out-of-state visitors face extra challenges: unfamiliar roads, different insurance systems, and companies that may prioritize profits over safety. When an accident occurs here, Florida law, not your home state, controls the outcome.
Common Injury Scenarios for Tourists in Miami
Rental Car Accidents
Tourists often rent cars, but that comes with risks. Florida’s aggressive drivers, confusing streets, and tourist-heavy traffic corridors contribute to a high incidence of collisions. And if your rental coverage is unclear or limited, receiving reimbursement can be challenging.
Slip-and-Falls at Hotels or Restaurants
Injury cases often arise from wet pool decks, poor lighting, broken stairs, or uneven flooring. These premises liability claims fall under Florida law, which requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions.
Cruise Ship Injuries
PortMiami handles over 7.5 million passengers annually. If you’re hurt onboard or during a cruise-sponsored excursion, your case likely falls under federal maritime law, not state law. Most major cruise lines include forum-selection clauses that require lawsuits to be filed in Miami federal court.
Boating, Jet Ski & Water Tours
Operators are required to follow safety protocols, but many fail to do so. Equipment failures or untrained guides can result in serious injuries. These claims often involve layered liability between tour companies, equipment providers, and insurers.
Scooter & Bike Accidents
Miami’s walkable neighborhoods and rental scooter culture sound fun—until someone gets hit. Many of these devices lack proper regulation or insurance backing, which significantly complicates injury claims.
Where to File & What Law Applies
When an accident happens on vacation, figuring out where to bring a claim can be confusing. Florida law applies to most injuries that happen within the state, but cruise, rental, and international cases can follow different rules.Â
Use this quick guide to understand which laws govern your situation, where to file, and how long you have to act.
Scenario | Law That Applies | Where to File | Typical Deadline |
Injury in Florida | Florida negligence / premises law | County where injury occurred | 2 years |
Cruise departing from Miami | Maritime law + contract terms | U.S. District Court (S.D. Fla.) | 1 year |
Car crash (tourist or rental) | Florida no-fault (PIP) & negligence | County court | 2 years |
Injury abroad (excursion) | Foreign law + travel insurance | Usually in foreign venue | Varies |
Even if you’ve already returned home, your Miami attorney can file and litigate locally—no second trip required.
How Different Insurance Policies Handle Vacation Injuries
Once you know where to file your claim and which laws apply, the next question is simple: who pays for what?
Vacation injuries often trigger multiple policies—travel insurance, auto coverage, health plans, or hotel liability. Understanding how these overlap helps prevent coverage gaps, denied claims, and missed reimbursements.
The table below outlines the main insurance types for tourists injured in Florida and what to do first under each.
Coverage Type | What It Covers | Your First Step |
Travel Insurance | Emergency treatment, evacuation, trip interruption | Notify insurer ASAP and document expenses |
Health Insurance | ER or hospital care (may be out-of-network) | Keep itemized receipts and discharge notes |
Auto / rental coverage (PIP) | Up to $10K for medical bills | Report to both rental company and insurer |
Hotel / Airbnb liability | Injuries from unsafe property | Request an incident report and keep a copy |
Having multiple overlapping policies can create confusion; our attorneys help coordinate all claims to maximize your recovery.
Why Choose a Miami-Based Law Firm Like Stabinski
Deep Knowledge of Florida Courts and Laws
From cruise injuries to car crashes and premises claims, we navigate Florida’s legal system every day. We know how local judges think, how insurers negotiate, and what it takes to win in Miami-Dade.
On-the-Ground Advantage
Evidence doesn’t wait. Our team moves fast to secure CCTV footage, inspect properties, and locate witnesses before details fade. Having your attorney here means stronger proof and quicker progress.
Representation While You Recover
Whether you’re back home or overseas, we handle every filing, hearing, and negotiation so you can focus on healing—not travel logistics.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work entirely on contingency: no retainers, no hourly bills, no surprises. If you don’t recover compensation, you owe nothing.
Seamless Communication Anywhere
We stay in touch by phone, email, or video call—keeping you updated in real time wherever you are in the world.
At Stabinski, we work with tourists and their injury claims every single day. We put our decades of experience to work for you. Isn’t it time you had someone you trust on your side?Â
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Vacation Injury
1. Waiting too long for medical treatment.
Even short delays can worsen injuries and give insurers room to argue your claim isn’t serious. Get evaluated immediately. Documentation matters.
2. Handling insurance calls on your own.
Adjusters know tourists are at a disadvantage. They often push quick, low settlements. Talk to a Florida injury lawyer before giving statements or signing anything.
3. Leaving Florida without collecting evidence.
Once you’re home, it’s hard to recover security footage, witness info, or incident reports. Take photos, save receipts, and get written documentation before you leave.
4. Posting about the accident online.
Insurers routinely monitor social media. A single photo or caption can be twisted to downplay your injuries. Stay offline until your case is resolved.
5. Assuming you can’t file a claim because you live elsewhere.
Florida courts regularly handle cases for out-of-state and international visitors. If the injury occurred in Florida—or on a cruise departing from Miami—you can pursue compensation here.
Avoiding these missteps protects your credibility, strengthens your evidence, and helps ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Fight for the Justice You Deserve After a Florida Vacation Injury
Your injury doesn’t disappear just because you boarded a plane home. At Stabinski Law, we help visitors like you hold negligent businesses, drivers, and cruise lines accountable. We treat every client with personal attention, because you’re not just a case file to us. You’re a person who trusted Miami to deliver a great experience, and someone else broke that trust.
We’ll fight to make it right.
Talk to a Miami Personal Injury Attorney Today
If your vacation turned into a nightmare, don’t let it end with unpaid bills and unanswered questions. Contact Stabinski Law today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, assess your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve—so you can focus on recovery.
