Florida is home to some of the busiest cruise ship ports in the world. Not only do U.S. residents flock to the state’s cruise ports to set sail for the Caribbean, but visitors from around the world buy cruises specifically to visit Florida’s ports of call. Unfortunately, while this is good for Florida’s tourism industry, it presents risks for both visitors and local residents. We regularly hear from tourists and locals living near Florida’s cruise ports who have questions about hiring a Florida car accident attorney.
Understanding Why Florida’s Port Areas Are So Dangerous for Drivers and Pedestrians
Why are Florida’s cruise ship terminals so dangerous? Here are two of the primary ways that port areas create unique risks for drivers and pedestrians:
1. Congestion, Distractions, and Rushing to Get Where Passengers Need to Go
Cruise ship departure and return dates can be extremely busy times in Florida’s port cities and the surrounding areas. On departure dates, cruise passengers are often in a rush to get to their ship before it departs, and, in many cases, they are distracted looking at their phones or GPS screens to figure out where they need to go. These factors, combined with increased traffic congestion, mean that car accidents are much more likely.
The same risks exist on days when cruise ships return to Florida’s ports from trips to the Caribbean and farther afield. Once passengers disembark, there is often a mad rush to beat traffic or get to the airport in order to catch flights home. Distracted driving, aggressive driving, and traffic congestion each present accident risks on their own, and when they are combined, this can create a very high-risk situation for everyone on the road.
2. Unfamiliarity with Local Roads When Visiting Florida’s Port Cities from Out of Town
Transient passengers who are visiting Florida cities as ports of call can also present risks. Similar to out-of-town drivers trying to make their way to ports for departure, tourists exploring Florida’s port areas will frequently be both distracted and unfamiliar with the local roads. Tourists have a tendency to ignore signs, crosswalks and crossing signals as well. All of these factors can make tourists dangers to themselves and others—with tourists frequently being to blame for pedestrian, bicycle, scooter, rideshare and other accidents.
When tourists are late getting back to their cruise ships, this is one scenario in particular in which they will often make bad decisions. Ignoring stop signs and signals, crossing the street in front of approaching vehicles, and attempting to get cars to stop so that they can cross are all common—and they are all dangerous. Even if a driver sees a pedestrian in his or her path, other drivers may not be expecting the driver in front of them to suddenly slam on the brakes.
Filing a Claim for a Car Accident in One of Florida’s Port Cities
With all of this in mind, what should you do if you get injured in a car accident in one of Florida’s port cities?
As with all types of accidents, there are some important steps you should try to take to protect your legal rights. Whether you are a local resident or are visiting from out of town, in this scenario, you should:
1. Document the Accident as Thoroughly as Possible
Use your phone to take plenty of photos and videos at the scene of the accident (if it is not too late). It is important to try to document the accident as thoroughly as possible. Keep all of your photos and videos (even if you have duplicates) to share with your attorney.
2. Record the Names and Contact Information of Witnesses and Those Involved
If possible, you should record the names and contact information of witnesses and those involved in your accident. If you were involved in an accident with a car, truck or SUV, you should record the driver’s license plate and insurance information as well. Being able to identify those involved will be essential for asserting your legal rights, and witnesses may be able to provide key information in support of your claim.
3. Get the Medical Care You Need
Whether you are a local resident or you are on vacation, it is important to get the medical care you need. Even if you are on vacation, right now, your health needs to be your priority. If you are on a cruise, you may be able to get the treatment you need in the ship’s infirmary, but you should not hesitate to seek treatment on land if necessary.
4. Prioritize Your Physical, Emotional and Financial Recovery
Moving forward, you will need to prioritize your physical, financial and emotional recovery. This is important for protecting your health and your legal rights. Once again, even if this means cutting your vacation short, you need to do what is best for yourself and your family long-term.
5. Contact a Florida Car Accident Attorney
Regardless of whether you are able to take photos or talk to witnesses at the scene of the accident, you should contact a Florida car accident attorney promptly. Your attorney will be able to send an investigator to the scene to preserve any evidence that is available. Your attorney will also be able to explain everything you need to do to protect yourself, and he or she will be able to get to work right away, working to recover proper compensation on your behalf.
Talk to a Florida Car Accident Attorney at Searcy Denney for Free
Do you need to know more about filing a claim for an accident in one of Florida’s cruise port areas? If so, our lawyers are available to speak with you, and we strongly encourage you to contact us right away. To speak with an experienced Florida car accident attorney at Searcy Denney for free, call 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can reach you online now.
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