With year-round sunshine, beaches, and attractions, Miami draws millions of visitors from around the world. However, that influx of tourists also brings more traffic, and with it, more accidents involving out-of-state and international drivers unfamiliar with local roads. If you were hurt in a crash caused by a tourist, you might wonder whether you can still recover compensation.
The answer is yes. Florida law allows you to pursue financial recovery, but the process can be more complicated when the at-fault driver isn’t a Florida resident.
Our Miami car accident lawyers explain how insurance coverage, fault, and jurisdiction work in these situations can help you protect your rights and move forward confidently after a tourist-caused accident.
Why Tourist-Related Car Accidents Are So Common In Miami
Our Miami personal injury lawyers know that Miami’s roads are busy year-round, and the city’s role as a global destination creates unique driving challenges. According to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor Bureau (GMCVB), there were over 28 million visitors to Miami-Dade County in 2024. That same year, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported over 59,000 car accidents.
Visitors often rent cars immediately after long flights, navigate busy routes like I-95, and rely heavily on GPS. Due to these conditions and their unfamiliarity with Miami, tourist drivers cause collisions due to:
- Distracted driving due to navigation devices or sightseeing
- Hesitation or confusion at intersections
- Fatigue after travel
- Inexperience with Florida’s high-speed highways or aggressive traffic flow
Even when the person who hit you isn’t from Florida (or the U.S.), you still have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
How Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System Applies To Tourist-Caused Accidents
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning each Florida driver first turns to their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which provides:
- 80% of the necessary medical treatment costs
- 60% of lost income, up to your coverage limit
This applies even if the at-fault driver was a tourist. However, if your injuries are serious, causing permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability, you can step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the negligent driver.
Tourist drivers from other states are usually insured under policies that extend to Florida. International drivers, on the other hand, may rely on coverage from a rental company or international insurance provider.
Proving Fault When The At-Fault Driver Is From Another State Or Country
Determining liability in a crash with a tourist involves many of the same steps as any other car accident claim, but the logistics can be more complicated.
Evidence that helps establish fault includes:
- Police reports from the Miami Police Department or the Florida Highway Patrol
- Eyewitness accounts
- Photos or video footage from the accident scene
- Surveillance or traffic camera evidence
- Rental car agreements or international driver documentation
If the at-fault driver is from another state, their personal auto insurance policy typically provides bodily injury coverage that applies while they’re driving in Florida. If the driver is from another country, liability may depend on whether their rental car company or travel insurer extends coverage to U.S. crashes.
The Role Of Rental Car Insurance After A Miami Tourist Accident
Many visitors drive rental vehicles, which adds another layer of insurance to consider. When a tourist rents a car, there may be several overlapping insurance policies:
- The driver’s personal policy from their home state or country
- The rental car company’s coverage, which typically includes a minimum level of liability insurance
- Credit card or travel insurance, which may provide secondary protection for damages or injuries
Understanding which policy applies is crucial for ensuring you pursue all available compensation.
Challenges In Pursuing A Claim Against A Tourist Driver
Car accident claims involving tourists can be more complex than standard local cases. Common challenges include:
- Locating the at-fault driver once they return home or leave the country
- Dealing with multiple insurance companies, sometimes across jurisdictions
- Communication barriers due to language differences
- Coordinating evidence and service of legal papers for out-of-state defendants
Despite these challenges, victims still have legal recourse. Florida law allows you to file suit against a non-resident who causes an accident while driving in the state. The key is gathering strong evidence early and documenting your losses thoroughly.
Damages You Can Recover After A Tourist-Caused Car Accident
If you were hurt by an out-of-state driver’s negligence, your potential compensation could include both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses, such as emergency care, hospital stays, therapy, and prescriptions
- Future medical needs for ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life
Every case is unique, and the total recovery depends on the severity of your injuries, the insurance coverage available, and the evidence supporting your insurance claim.
What To Do Immediately After A Crash With A Tourist Driver
Taking the right steps after a collision can make all the difference in protecting your personal injury claim. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 and report the accident to local law enforcement (Miami Police or Florida Highway Patrol).
- Seek medical care right away.
- Exchange information; get the driver’s license, insurance card, rental agreement, and contact details.
- Document the scene with photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and injuries.
- Notify your insurance company and keep detailed records of every bill and communication.
- Contact a personal injury attorney regarding your case.
Prompt action preserves evidence and ensures you meet insurance reporting deadlines.
Why Legal Guidance Matters In Tourist-Related Car Accident Claims
Tourist-related car accident cases involve layers of insurance and jurisdictional complexity that can overwhelm most people recovering from injuries. A lawyer who handles cross-state or international driver cases can:
- Identify every potential source of insurance coverage
- Communicate with out-of-state or foreign insurers
- File the necessary paperwork to preserve your claim under Florida’s statutes of limitation
- Negotiate for full and fair compensation based on your damages
Having professional legal guidance allows you to focus on your health while someone else manages the logistics and communication involved in securing your recovery
Take The Next Step Toward Financial Recovery
A car accident involving a tourist driver can disrupt your life, but it doesn’t have to derail your future. Florida law provides clear paths to compensation for local drivers injured by out-of-state or international visitors. With prompt action, detailed documentation, and the right legal support, you can protect your rights and pursue the recovery you deserve.
If you were injured in a crash caused by a visiting driver, contact Anidjar & Levine today for a free consultation. Our team can explain your legal options, help you navigate insurance challenges, and guide you through every step of your Miami car accident claim.
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