What to Do If You're Injured in a Car Accident Out-of-State

Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones, and for many people, that means driving long distances to make it home for the holiday. Heavy traffic, unfamiliar roads, and driver fatigue can make holiday travel more stressful and increase the risk of accidents. A car crash is scary under any circumstances, but being involved in an accident hundreds of miles from home can make an already overwhelming situation even more complicated. Whose insurance policy covers the accident? Will your auto policy protect you while driving in Florida? If you've been injured in a car accident while traveling, you don't have to figure out the insurance and legal process on your own, for a free case review contact Kushel Law Group for a free case review 24/7 by filling out our online form or calling us at (561) 940-0100. 

What Happens When You're in a Car Accident Out-of-Town?

One of the biggest challenges of being injured in a car accident while traveling is that the laws and insurance requirements may be different from what you're used to at home. Every state has its own rules regarding insurance coverage, fault, and deadlines for filing a personal injury claim. These differences can affect what compensation you may be entitled to and how much time you have to pursue a claim.

Your insurance coverage may also be more complicated than you think. Depending on where the accident happens and the terms of your policy, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, medical payments coverage, and other benefits may apply differently than they would in your home state. Don't assume that your coverage works exactly the same everywhere you travel.

You may also need an attorney familiar with the laws of the state where the accident occurred. In many cases, the laws of the state where the crash happened will govern important aspects of your injury claim, and you may need an attorney licensed in that state to pursue your case.

The bottom line? If you're injured while traveling, don't assume the laws and insurance protections you're familiar with at home automatically apply. Understanding which state's laws govern your claim, what insurance coverage is available, and which legal deadlines apply is an important first step in protecting your rights. You don’t have to navigate this on your own. Talk to Kushel Law Group to learn more. 

What if You Get in a Car Accident in Florida? Here’s What You Need to Know

With the holiday season approaching, Florida gets an influx of visitors traveling to celebrate with family and friends. In 2025, Florida had a record 4.65 million travelers over Thanksgiving, and over 4,500 crashes. If you're injured in a car accident while visiting Florida, here's what you need to know about your rights and the next steps to take.

Florida's 14-Day PIP Rule

The 14-day PIP rule is one of the most important things to know for anyone injured in Florida. If you're involved in a car accident, don't wait to seek medical attention. Whether you're a Florida resident or visiting from out-of-state, you need to receive medical treatment “within 14 days after the motor vehicle accident” to remain eligible for Florida PIP benefits. This requirement could also apply to accidents involving rental vehicles, depending on the insurance coverage available. Missing the 14-day deadline could mean losing your right to compensation to help cover medical expenses.

How Does No-Fault PIP Work in Florida?

Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own PIP insurance can help cover certain expenses after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. You usually don't have to prove another driver's negligence to receive eligible PIP benefits.

‍What Does Florida PIP Insurance Cover?

Under Florida law, qualifying PIP coverage usually pays:

• 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses.
• 60% of qualifying lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working.
• Up to $5,000 in death benefits for eligible survivors.

Florida PIP can provide up to $10,000 in combined medical and disability benefits per person. However, medical coverage is capped at $2,500 unless an authorized provider determines you have an emergency medical condition, which may qualify you for up to $10,000. A policy deductible or other coverage limitations may reduce your benefits.

How Out-of-State Car Insurance Coverage Works in Florida

Your existing auto insurance policy may offer additional protection if you're involved in a car accident in Florida, depending on your coverage and policy terms. This can include:

• Medical expenses.
• Property damage.
• Collision coverage.
• Uninsured motorist coverage, if you're hit by a driver without adequate insurance.

Before traveling to Florida, review your policy or contact your insurance provider to understand which coverages apply out-of-state and what protections you have if an accident happens.

How Does Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law Affect What You Can Recover?

Florida's modified comparative negligence law can affect how much compensation you’re about to recover after an accident. If you're partially at-fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. However, if you're found more than 50% responsible, you usually can’t recover damages with most accident claims.

Car Accident Attorneys in Boca Raton, Florida: Contact Us 24/7 For a Free Case Review

If you live out-of-state and were injured in a car accident in Florida, don’t try to navigate insurance laws and the claims process on your own. Kushel Law Group’s experienced Boca Raton car injury attorneys are here to help out-of-state visitors know their rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our office is located in Boca Raton, and we also proudly serve clients in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, and all of Southern Florida.

We’re here for you! Contact us for a free case review today by filling out our online form or calling us at (561) 940-0100.

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FAQs

Will my car insurance cover out-of-state accidents?

Most insurance policies cover accidents out-of-state, however, it depends on your policy and coverage. Be sure to review your insurance before traveling.

What should you do after a car accident in Florida?

After a car accident in Florida, call 911, document the scene with photos, gather witness information, seek medical attention as soon as possible, and contact a personal injury attorney at Kushel Law Group so we can discuss your case.

Is Florida a no-fault state for drivers?

Florida is a no-fault state, so drivers can use their own PIP insurance first to cover eligible medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused the crash.