Florida remains one of the highest traveled-to states in America. As a center of tourism and business, Florida sees millions of out-of-state drivers cross our borders each year. In most cases, out-of-state drivers carry insurance from their home state which is almost always different than the required coverages for Florida. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident involving an out-of-state driver and vehicle, it is important that they know:

You can bring a claim against an out-of-state driver and their insurance company. Most insurance companies are national and international companies. Whereas they provide different levels of coverage, depending on what state a driver lives in, the coverages are generally valid in any state the driver travels. If you have been injured by an out-of-state driver, you are entitled to view a copy of their insurance policy to see what coverage is available.

Drivers from other states can be made to appear in Florida Courts. If you are involved in an accident and notice the other vehicle has a license plate from another state, you might immediately wonder if you will ever see that person again. What if they just flee the state and go back to their home state? Florida Courts can summon an out-of-state driver into a Florida Court by use of what is commonly known as the Long-Arm Statute (Fl. Stat. 48.193). This law provides that when a driver crosses into Florida, they automatically consent to appear in Florida Courts in the event of an automobile accident.

CAUTION: It is important that you obtain as much information as possible following any auto accident, but especially one involving an out-of-state driver. Ensure that you speak with law enforcement and gather such information as to driver’s name, address, vehicle make/model, and license plate number and state.

Call the law office of Dan Newlin & Partners at (407) 888-8000: When a person is injured in an auto accident at the hands of an out-of-state driver, we immediately conduct a detailed investigation to acquire crucial date needed to identify all potential responsible parties. OUR INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES DO NOT STOP AT THE FLORIDA BORDER! My team and I will exhaust all efforts to locate and indentify out-of-state drivers and vehicle owners to ensure that you are able to pursue a claim for your injuries and damages. Don’t leave any stone unturned. Call us today… you deserve a fighting chance!

Last year, nearly 85 million tourists visited Florida to enjoy our wonderful sunshine, larger-than-life attractions and all around family fun. As tourism remains a central part of our local economy, those numbers will increase year-by-year. With the influx of so many tourists, there are bound to be thousands of rental vehicles on the road in Central Florida at any given time. If you are involved in an automobile accident involving a rental vehicle, there are many important things you should know:

If you are injured by the driver of a rental vehicle, that driver’s insurance company is primarily responsible. If you are involved in an auto accident with the driver of a rental vehicle it is important that you attempt to get that person’s personal auto insurance, as it will be the primary source of compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage. If the driver does not have that information on them, ensure that either you, or the law enforcement officer, get the driver’s full name, address, and driver’s license number.

By Florida Law, the Rental Company is only required to provide $10,000 of coverage to the renter, and it only acts as secondary coverage. If you are injured by the driver of a rental vehicle, you may bring claims for your injuries and damages against both the driver’s personal auto insurance and the Rental Company. However, unless the renter elects extra coverage, the Rental Company will only be liable for $10,000 of your injuries and damages. Furthermore, this $10,000 will only be available if the renter does not have personal auto insurance or has inadequate coverage to compensate the injured party.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE DETAILS OF THE RENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE RENTAL COMPANY AND THE RENTER!

How do I find out what coverage is available for me to pursue for my injuries and damages? Call the law office of Dan Newlin & Partners at (407) 888-8000: An accident involving a rental vehicle can often be complicated. It is important to act quickly to determine what coverages are available through the renter and through the Rental Company. My team of highly skilled investigators works quickly and diligently to determine who the responsible parties are and what coverage is available. Remember, you owe use NOTHING for any investigative work we do for you claim, unless we win your case. We are always ready to answer any of your questions and concerns involving accidents with rental vehicles. Please contact me today directly for a free consultation.