Injured While Visiting Florida from Canada? Here’s What You Need to Know

Florida is a popular travel destination for Canadians seeking warm weather, beaches, and entertainment. With over 3.5 million Canadians visiting Florida annually, the state is a hotspot for snowbirds, vacationers, and business travelers. However, accidents can happen during any trip, whether you’re visiting Miami, Orlando, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale. If you’re a Canadian visitor who’s been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or any other personal injury incident in Florida, knowing your legal rights and how to protect them is essential.

Since 1963, Wolfson & Leon has represented injured domestic and international visitors to Florida, helping them recover compensation and return home with peace of mind. With attorneys and staff who speak Spanish and Portuguese, we’re ready to guide you through the complexities of Florida law and help you get the justice you deserve.

Common Types of Accidents for Canadian Visitors in Florida

While exploring Florida’s cities, beaches, and resorts, visitors can encounter various hazards that lead to injuries. Some of the most common accidents include:

1. Car Accidents

• Canadians driving their own vehicle, a rental car, or traveling as a passenger in a rideshare (e.g., Uber or Lyft) may be injured in car accidents caused by speeding, distracted driving, or negligence.

2. Slip and Fall Accidents

• Wet floors in hotels, poorly maintained sidewalks, or dangerous pool areas can cause serious slip and fall injuries, such as fractures, head trauma, and back injuries.

3. Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

• Florida is known for its warm climate, making biking and walking common among visitors. Unfortunately, many Canadian tourists are injured by negligent drivers while cycling or walking in tourist-heavy areas.

4. Boating Accidents

• With access to beaches and water activities, Florida sees numerous boating-related injuries, especially on jet skis and charter boats. Many of these accidents result from operator negligence or failure to follow safety protocols.

5. Hotel and Resort Injuries

• Injuries in hotels and resorts may occur due to poorly maintained premises, broken furniture, or negligent security, leading to slips, falls, assaults, or other dangerous situations.

6. Theme Park Accidents

• Popular attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens see millions of tourists every year. Mechanical failures, inadequate maintenance, or staff negligence can lead to injuries.

Insurance Coverage for Canadian Visitors Injured in Florida

If you’re injured in Florida, you may be wondering whether your Canadian insurance policies—such as auto, health, or home insurance—will help cover your medical expenses or lost wages. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Canadian Auto Insurance

• If you’re involved in a car accident in Florida while driving your own vehicle, most Canadian auto insurance policies provide some level of coverage for accidents in the U.S.
• No-fault benefits: Most provinces, like Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, have no-fault insurance systems that provide immediate medical and rehabilitation coverage regardless of fault.
• Liability coverage: If you’re found responsible for the accident, your liability coverage may protect you up to the policy limit. However, pursuing additional compensation may require filing a claim through the at-fault party’s insurance or through legal action.

2. Travel Health Insurance

• Many Canadians purchase travel health insurance before traveling to Florida, as Canadian provincial health coverage (such as OHIP in Ontario) does not fully cover medical expenses in the U.S.
• Travel insurance can help cover emergency hospital visits, ambulance services, surgeries, and medications, but you may still need to file a personal injury claim to recover additional expenses like long-term care, lost income, or pain and suffering.

3. Canadian Homeowner’s Insurance

• Some homeowner’s policies may include liability protection if you’re involved in an accident, but this is typically limited. Relying solely on homeowner’s insurance is not recommended for serious injuries sustained in Florida.

Rights of Canadian Visitors Injured in Florida

As a Canadian injured in Florida, you have the same legal rights as U.S. citizens to pursue compensation for your injuries. These rights include:

• Right to compensation for medical expenses: This includes current and future medical costs, rehabilitation, and travel-related medical expenses.
• Right to compensation for lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
• Right to pain and suffering compensation: You can seek damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Right to pursue compensation from negligent parties: Whether you were injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or boating accident, Florida law allows you to hold the at-fault party accountable.

Statute of Limitations in Florida

It’s important to note that Florida imposes a 2-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. Acting quickly after an injury is critical to protecting your right to compensation.

Wolfson & Leon: Helping Canadian Visitors Since 1963

At Wolfson & Leon, we have decades of experience handling personal injury claims for international visitors, including Canadians injured while on vacation or business in Florida. Our firm understands the unique challenges Canadians face, such as dealing with insurance companies in two different countries or handling legal matters after returning home.

We offer:

• Multilingual support: Our attorneys and staff speak Spanish and Portuguese, ensuring that language barriers never hinder your case.
• Comprehensive legal guidance: From dealing with medical providers to negotiating with insurance companies and filing lawsuits, we handle every aspect of your case.
• Free consultations: We’ll evaluate your case, discuss your options, and provide recommendations—at no cost to you.

Steps to Take If You’re Injured in Florida

1. Seek immediate medical attention: Your health and safety should be the first priority. Get medical care and ensure that your injuries are documented.
2. Report the incident: If you’re in a car accident, call the police. If you’re injured on private property, report it to the property manager or owner.
3. Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards that caused the accident. Collect contact information from witnesses and involved parties.
4. Keep all medical records: These will be critical when seeking compensation.
5. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney: A Florida-based lawyer familiar with international visitor cases can help you navigate the process.

Why Wolfson & Leon Is the Right Choice for Canadian Visitors

• Over 60 years of experience: We’ve been representing injured visitors since 1963, handling a variety of personal injury cases across Florida.
• Tailored representation for Canadian clients: We understand the nuances of cross-border claims and how Canadian insurance policies interact with Florida law.
• Multilingual support: Our firm ensures that language is never a barrier to justice.
• No upfront fees: You don’t pay unless we win your case.

Major Canadian Cities We’ve Helped Visitors From:

We’ve represented clients from the most populated regions of Canada, including:

• Vancouver (British Columbia)
• Toronto (Ontario)
• Calgary (Alberta)
• Montreal (Quebec)
• Ottawa (Ontario)
• Edmonton (Alberta)
• Winnipeg (Manitoba)
• Halifax (Nova Scotia)

Contact Wolfson & Leon Today

If you’ve been injured while visiting Florida, don’t wait. Call Wolfson & Leon at 305-285-1115 for a free consultation with our Florida Personal Injury Lawyers. We’ll help you understand your legal options, handle the complexities of international insurance claims, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Let us take care of the legal details while you focus on recovering and returning home safely.