Immediate steps to take if you are a Canadian injured in a motor vehicle accident in the United States. 1. call the police.  2. If you or anyone else is injured, request an ambulance or, if able, go to an emergency department. 3. Contact a cross-border accident attorney now to get advice on the next steps to take.  As a Canadian injured in the United States, you may have insurance coverage available for healthcare in the United States, including your auto accident policy, travel medical insurance, and even limited OHIP coverage.  An experienced cross-border attorney can help you with your immediate questions after an accident, or help identify someone that can assist.  

As an attorney licensed to practice law in multiple US states and the province of Ontario, I have had the opportunity to work with many Canadians injured in car and motorcycle crashes throughout America.  Over my 20 plus years of experience, I have worked with countless attorneys in just about every US state.  I am the lawyer that other lawyers call upon when they have questions or need help with representing a Canadian injured in the United States.  In fact, in 2020, I wrote the book on cross border accident cases for Canadians injured in the United States.   If you were injured in a crash in the US and I am unable to personally help you, I will try my best to put you in touch with someone who can.  Contact us day or night to get help after an accident in the United States.  We can be reached toll free anywhere in the US or Canada at 1-866-234-6093.

Contact us for a FREE Consultation with an experienced Canada-USA injury attorney . 

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". 

If you are a Canadian injured in a car accident while visiting Florida, you may need a lawyer in both Florida and Canada.  The law of the state where the car crash occured, such as Florida, will control with respect to your rights to bring a lawsuit to recover for your pain and suffering and economic losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages.  The law of state where the accident occurred, will also control all of the procedural rules for bringing a claim, such as time limits, notice requirements, insurance disclosure, etc.  So, following an accident in Florida, a Canadian will very often have a claim that can only be handled by a Florida practicing attorney.  This is usually not the end of the story, however.  Canadians will almost always have rights and benefits in their home province also. This could include no-fault benefits, which in Ontario can be as high as $1,000,000.  These benefits cover medical expenses, services and lost wages, in addition to claims you might have in Florida.  Additionally, there may be rights to underinsured motorist benefits under your Canadian auto insurance policy, in the event that the at-fault driver is either uninsured or underinsured.  

As the snowbird attorney, I regularly assist Canadians that have been injured in cross-border car accidents while visiting Florida or other states.  Having a practice both in Canada and the United States allows us to help you recover all of the money damages for your losses in both countries. 

Contact us for a FREE Consultation with an experienced Canada-Florida injury attorney . 

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". 

As a personal injury lawyer with experience in both Canadian and US legal systems, I'm here to provide you with a comprehensive primer on the basics of personal injury lawsuits in the US, shed light on key differences between Canadian and US legal systems, and offer valuable advice on how Canadians can safeguard their rights and pursue rightful compensation. Let's delve into this crucial topic together.

Understanding Personal Injury Law in the US, with a Focus on Florida

• Negligence and Liability: Personal injury law in the US, including Florida, revolves around the concept of negligence. To succeed in a personal injury claim, it must be proven that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and the breach directly caused the plaintiff's injuries. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that compensation may be reduced or, in some circumstances, completely barred, if the plaintiff is found partially at fault.
• Statute of Limitations: Time is of the essence in filing a personal injury claim in Florida. The statute of limitations sets a deadline within which a claim must be filed. For personal injury cases, including car accidents and slip-and-fall incidents, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the incident.
• No-Fault Car Insurance: Florida operates as a "no-fault" car insurance state. This means that after a car accident, each party's own insurance typically covers their medical expenses and some economic losses, regardless of who was at fault. However, in cases of severe injury or significant financial losses, a personal injury claim can still be pursued against the at-fault party.

Key Differences Between Canadian and US Legal Systems

• Tort Law Variations: While both Canada and the US share the concept of tort law (dealing with civil wrongs), there are variations in how tort law is interpreted and applied. These differences can affect liability, compensation, and legal procedures.
• Past and Future Medical Expenses: Medical bills in the United States can be much higher than in Canada.  As such, past and future medical expenses play a large role is assessing the value of a personal injury claim in Florida. 
• Legal Costs: The "loser pays" principle is less commonly applied in the US than in Canada.  In Florida, there are circumstances, through Proposals for Settlement where the losing party may be responsible for paying a portion of the winning party's legal costs. 

Protecting Your Rights and Seeking Compensation
If you are a Canadian injured in the United States, there are steps you can take to protect your rights to bring a claim.  These steps include:

• Prompt Medical Attention: Seek medical treatment promptly and maintain thorough records of your injuries, treatments, and medical expenses.
• Preserve Evidence: Gather and preserve evidence from the scene of the incident, including photographs, witness statements, and relevant documents.
• Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Get help from a reputable personal injury attorney, particularly one with knowledge of both Canadian and US legal systems. A skilled attorney will guide you through the process, protect your rights, and maximize your chances of fair compensation.
• Timely Action: Adhere to the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Florida. Delaying legal action may result in forfeiting your right to seek compensation.

Canadians navigating personal injury lawsuits in the US, especially in Florida, requires a solid understanding of the legal landscape and procedures. As Canadians seeking justice and compensation, it's crucial to be informed, prepared, and supported by legal professionals who can bridge the gap between the Canadian and US legal systems. Remember, your rights and well-being deserve protection, and with the right guidance, you can navigate the complexities of personal injury law and pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.
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Contact us for a FREE Consultation with an experienced cross-border injury attorney. 

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way". 

I hope this article finds you in good health, but if you're here, it's likely that you or a loved one are facing the challenging situation of dealing with an injury while in the United States. While the circumstances might be less than ideal, I want you to know that you're not alone. Navigating healthcare and insurance after an injury in the US can be complex, but with the right knowledge and steps, you can ensure you receive the care you need and the compensation you deserve. In this article, we'll walk through the essential steps you should take to effectively manage medical treatment, insurance claims, and the associated bills if you are a Canadian injured in the United States.

Understanding Your Coverage
First and foremost, it's crucial to understand your Canadian health insurance coverage while you're in the US. Many provinces provide limited coverage for emergency medical expenses incurred while abroad, but it's important to verify the specifics with your provincial health authority. Depending on your plan, you might need to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement later. Keep all medical receipts and documentation; they'll be invaluable when filing your insurance claim.

If you have purchased travel health insurance, contact your insurance provider immediately.  They can guide you through the process to make sure you are covered for healthcare expenses while in the United States. 

Finding Suitable Healthcare Providers
After ensuring you're aware of your coverage, the next step is finding suitable healthcare providers. Seek out reputable medical facilities. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from locals, hotel staff, or even your Canadian embassy or consulate. Research is key; you want to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Managing Medical Bills

• Managing medical bills can be overwhelming, but it's a vital aspect of your journey to recovery. Here's how to approach it:
• Ask for Itemized Bills: Request itemized bills for all medical services received. This breakdown will help you understand the charges and ensure accuracy.
• Keep Records: Maintain a detailed record of all medical expenses, including bills, receipts, and any communication with healthcare providers.
• Contact Your Insurance Provider: Get in touch with your Canadian health insurance provider as soon as possible. Inform them about your situation, provide necessary documentation, and inquire about the claims process.
• Consider Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, contact your travel insurance provider as well. They might cover additional expenses beyond what your provincial health plan does.

Consult with a Cross-Border Injury Lawyer
One of the most valuable steps you can take to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve is to consult with a cross-border injury lawyer. Navigating the legal and insurance systems of another country can be overwhelming, but an experienced lawyer can provide you with essential guidance and support. Here's how a cross-border injury lawyer can assist you:

• Expertise in Cross-Border Laws: A lawyer experienced in cross-border injury cases understands the intricacies of both Canadian and US laws. This expertise is invaluable when dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings.
• Maximizing Compensation: Your lawyer will work diligently to maximize your compensation by assessing the full extent of your injuries, losses, and future needs. They'll ensure that you're not only reimbursed for medical bills but also compensated for pain, suffering, lost wages, and potential long-term effects.
• Navigating Complex Legal Processes: Filing a personal injury claim in a foreign country involves navigating complex legal processes and timelines. Your lawyer will guide you through every step, ensuring that all necessary documents are filed correctly and on time.

Dealing with an injury while in the United States can be challenging, but remember that you have options and resources at your disposal. Hiring a cross-border injury lawyer, like myself, can significantly ease the burden and enhance your chances of a successful recovery process. As you focus on your health and well-being, let a skilled legal professional handle the complexities of your case, ensuring that you receive the compensation you need and deserve.

Wishing you strength and a successful journey to recovery,
Andrew Iacobelli


Contact us for a FREE Consultation with an experienced cross-border injury attorney. 

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death in Canada and the United States.  Andrew is the author of "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way".