As a Canadian visiting Florida, it is important to understand the legal rights and protections available to you in the event of a car accident. In the state of Florida, individuals who are involved in car accidents have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and damages. However, navigating the legal system in a foreign country can be complex, which is why it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.

Here are some important things that Canadians should know if they are injured in a car accident while visiting Florida:
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1. Report the Accident: It is important to report the accident to the police as soon as possible and get a copy of the police report. The report will serve as important evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention: If you are injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A medical professional can diagnose and treat your injuries and provide a written record of your treatment, which will be important evidence in a personal injury claim.
3. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer: Navigating the legal system in Florida can be complex, which is why it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
4. Know the Statute of Limitations: There are time limits to file a claim.  In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years from the date of the accident. This means that you have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
5. Understand Insurance Coverage: In Florida, drivers are required to have a minimum amount of insurance coverage. However, this coverage may not be enough to fully cover your damages and injuries. It is important to understand your insurance coverage and the options available to you in the event of a car accident.
6. Consider the Cost of Legal Services: In the United States, it is common for personal injury lawyers to work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they do not charge any fees unless they win your case. This can be an attractive option for Canadians who are injured in a car accident in Florida, as it can help reduce the cost of legal services.

If you are a Canadian who is injured in a car accident while visiting Florida, it is important to understand your rights and take the necessary steps to protect them. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Florida.  The Snowbird Attorney can guide you through the legal process, including determining who can be held liable for your injuries. Call me today for your free consultation at 1-866-234-6093.

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". ​

Canadian drivers are accustomed to auto insurance, and generally enjoy peace of mind with the knowledge that most vehicles on Ontario roadways are adequately insured.  When Canadian residents travel to the United States, however, the unfortunate reality is that most US vehicles will have less insurance coverage than is typical in Canada.  Why does this matter to Canadian drivers?  It matters because if a Canadian resident is involved in a crash caused by a US vehicle, there is a significant risk that the at-fault vehicle will not have adequate insurance.  This is particularly true in snowbird states such as Florida, which is one of only two US states that does not mandate insurance coverage for bodily injury. That means, if an at-fault driver in Florida collides with a Canadian, the Florida vehicle may not have any insurance coverage to pay for the injuries caused because it they are not required to carry any auto insurance to pay for bodily injury.  It has been estimated that over 20% of Florida vehicles do not have insurance coverage for bodily injury.  Even if there is insurance coverage in place for bodily injury, there is a good chance that the limits will be low - often less than $50,000 in coverage. 

For a Canadian that is injured in a Florida car accident, the lack of coverage is a major concern.  A car accident that results in injuries for a Canadian can lead to immediate and significant health care expenses.  If a Canadian resident injured in a Florida car accident is taken to hospital and treated, the medical bills will add up quickly. In our practice, we regularly meet Canadians that have well in excess of $100,000USD in medical expenses from Florida hospitals and physicians.  

So what is a Canadian resident to do if they are injured in Florida and have thousands of dollars in US medical bills?  Fortunately, for many Ontario residents, they will have access to  Ontario underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.  Simply put, Ontario auto insurance policies protect you when you are hurt in a car accident, even in the United States.  The law surrounding these claims and the cross-border issues that arise are complex, but in many cases a Canadian resident will be able to advance claims in both Ontario and Florida.  It is important to note that, with few exceptions, Florida law will apply in very significant ways so most Ontario lawyers are not well equipped to assist with these cases.  

If you are a Canadian resident that has been injured in a Florida car accident, we can help. The Snowbird Attorney is here for Canadians injured in Florida. Call us day or night to get more information and request a Free Consultation.  
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". 

​The Snowbird Attorney, Andrew Iacobelli understands that being involved in a motor vehicle accident is frightening especially when you are a Canadian injured in Florida.   Andrew is often referred to as the Lawyer for Canadians, the Snowbird Lawyer or Snowbird Attorney because he has helped countless Canadians that have been injured in the United States. 

The Snowbird Attorney regularly represents Canadian residents who have been seriously injured while visiting the United States and can coordinate access to benefits from your Ontario Insurance policies, as well as available policies from US insurers. Where necessary, we have a network of professionals within the United States as well.
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Following an accident or injury in the United States, you may be worried and confused about your legal rights and options.  It’s difficult to deal with a serious accident when you are a Canadian injured while visiting Florida.  In addition to worrying about your health and well-being, you may be faced with a complex insurance claims process, expensive medical bills and many more decisions. Insurance companies and healthcare representatives may be asking you to make decisions and sign documents.  You will have many questions.

Attorney, Andrew Iacobelli recognized an important need to reach Canadian residents that have been injured in Florida to not only share important information but to also allow Canadians to reach out to a Personal Injury Lawyer who can help with Snowbird Accidents. “Ask the Snowbird Attorney” is an online group where members can discuss their concerns, ask questions and will help you decide if you need to speak with The Snowbird Attorney. Have you been injured in Florida and have questions? We encourage you to join the group at: Ask The Snow Bird Attorney | Facebook.

Before speaking with the insurance company, it is important to know your rights and you do not have to
face the consequences of an accident in the United States alone.  Personal injury attorney, Andrew Iacobelli, is experienced in cross-border personal injury cases and maintains offices in Ontario, Canada and Florida, USA.  Andrew is the author of  "Are You a Canadian Injured in the United States? Claim the Damages and Insurance Coverage the Right Way".  Call us for a FREE CONSULTATION at 1-866-234-6093.  We are available 24/7.

If you are a Canadian injured in an accident while visiting Florida and the driver of the other vehicle does not have insurance, you may still be able to claim compensation for your injuries.  Ontario auto insurance policies provide protection if you are involved in a car accident with uninsured or inadequately insured driver while visiting Florida.  This insurance coverage is in addition to no-fault statutory accident benefits, which may also be available to Ontario residents injured in Florida.  The Uninsured Claim will be advanced against your Ontario Auto Insurer in Ontario, although some aspects of Florida law will apply.  That is, Ontario law on damages applies while the laws governing liability are controlled by Florida law.  There are important distinctions between Ontario and Florida law on liability.  Significantly, some of the harsh Ontario laws such as the deductible and threshold should not apply in an Uninsured Claim in Ontario, as the Courts have held that those are liability provisions.  If this sounds somewhat complicated, that is because it can be.  Get informed about your rights by obtaining advice from a lawyer with experience handling Florida uninsured claims in Ontario.  

Attorney Andrew Iacobelli is a licensed attorney in the State of Florida and licensed lawyer in the Province of Ontario. He has offices located in Palm Beach County Florida, and Richmond Hill Ontario.  Through these offices, Andrew regularly assists Canadians that have been injured while visiting Florida.  All cases are unique and may have aspects that need to be advanced in the United States and Canada.  We are happy to review the circumstances of your case so that you can make an informed decision.  Consultations are Free and there is no obligation.  To learn more, call us at 1-866-234-6093 or complete an online contact form to request a Call.