Florida is a beautiful and entertaining state to visit all year. It is a place to make memories with loved ones, from going sightseeing to participating in water activities. Unfortunately, it can also be a place where accidents happen and someone gets hurt. More often than not, such accidents happen on the road.
Car crashes are scary enough, but when they occur outside your home state, you add on the stress of not being familiar with state laws and not knowing where to go for help. Here are some tips to make driving in Florida easier.
Ways to prevent a car accident
Prevention is the top priority, so do your part to increase your safety:
- Never get behind the wheel after drinking.
- Make sure you get enough sleep and take breaks to avoid drowsy driving.
- Look up directions and set car settings before hitting the road.
- Follow traffic laws and speed limits.
Also, be aware of and stay away from distracted drivers. Currently, Florida does not allow police to pull over drivers for cellphone use as a primary offense. With little risk of punishment, many people may text and drive, raising the risk of an accident.
How to respond after an out-of-state car accident
Despite your best efforts, a collision may still occur. The steps to take are the same no matter where you are: Call the police, exchange information with the other motorist and seek prompt medical attention. Gathering evidence is even more important during a vacation. Take plenty of photos of the scene and damage, document your injuries and talk to witnesses. You may also want a local attorney to handle the case, due to his or her knowledge of and experience with state laws and courts.
Although Florida is a no-fault state, your home state may not be, which affects insurance compensation. Either way, make sure you have sufficient auto insurance to cover compensation no matter who is at fault. This is also important in case the other party lacks insurance or you are driving a rental car.