Howard Coker | January 15, 2026 | Personal Injury
Jacksonville is a popular destination for tourists thanks to its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, professional sports, and year-round warm weather. Unfortunately, accidents can happen even on vacation. If you’re visiting Jacksonville and suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be unsure what steps to take or whether you have legal options—especially if you live out of state.
The good news is that tourists generally have the same legal rights as Florida residents when it comes to personal injury claims. Here’s what you should know if you’re injured while visiting Jacksonville.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should always come first. If you’re injured in an accident—whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, boating incident, or another type of injury—seek medical care right away. If the injury is serious, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates important documentation linking your injuries to the accident. Delaying care can make injuries worse and may give insurance companies an excuse to question the seriousness or cause of your injuries.
Report the Incident
Depending on how the injury occurred, it’s important to report the incident to the appropriate authority:
- Car accidents: Call law enforcement so an official police report is created.
- Hotel or resort injuries: Notify management and request a written incident report.
- Slip and falls in stores or attractions: Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
- Beach or public property injuries: Report the incident to local authorities or park services if applicable.
Always ask for a copy of the report or confirmation that one was made.
Document Everything You Can
If you’re physically able, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the scene.
This may include:
- Photos or videos of the accident scene, hazards, or vehicles involved
- Contact information for witnesses
- Names of businesses, drivers, or property owners involved
- Your own notes about what happened while details are still fresh
Because tourists often leave the area shortly after an accident, early documentation can be especially important if you need to pursue a claim later.
Understand That Florida Law Applies
If your injury occurred in Jacksonville, Florida law governs your claim—even if you live in another state or country. This includes Florida’s personal injury statutes, insurance rules, and deadlines.
For example, Florida has specific rules for car accidents, including requirements related to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. In other cases, such as premises liability or boating accidents, fault and negligence laws will apply. Understanding how Florida law affects your situation is critical to protecting your rights.
You Can File a Claim From Out of State
Many tourists worry that leaving Florida means they lose their ability to pursue a claim. That’s not true. In most cases, you can still file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit even after returning home.
An experienced Jacksonville personal injury attorney can handle communication with insurance companies, gather evidence, and manage deadlines on your behalf. Much of the legal process can be handled remotely through phone calls, email, and video meetings.
Compensation May Be Available
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses (including future treatment)
- Lost wages or missed work opportunities
- Pain and suffering
- Travel expenses related to medical care
- Long-term disability or reduced earning capacity
The value of a claim depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, who was at fault, and how the injury affects your daily life.
Be Mindful of Deadlines
Florida law limits how long you have to file a personal injury claim. These deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, vary depending on the type of case. Missing a deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation altogether.
Because tourists may be focused on travel plans or recovery after returning home, it’s easy to lose track of these important time limits. Speaking with a lawyer sooner rather than later can help ensure your claim stays on track.
Contact Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’re injured while visiting Jacksonville, consulting a local personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference. A lawyer familiar with Florida law, local courts, and insurance practices can explain your options and help protect your rights—so you can focus on healing.
Contact Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team is prepared to help injured visitors pursue compensation and navigate the legal process, even after they’ve returned home.
We serve Duval County and its surrounding areas.
Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers
136 E Bay St #5438
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 356-6071
Find us with our Geo Coordinates: 30.32569719086265, -81.65515220132858
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Attorney Howard Coker is the founder of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Law, he has dedicated his career to representing individuals in serious personal injury cases. With more than four decades of courtroom experience and over 350 jury trials, Howard is recognized as one of Florida’s top trial attorneys. His commitment to justice ensures every client receives the strong, personalized representation they deserve. Check our recent case results.
Location: Jacksonville, FL