Maison Law represents tourists injured in California while on vacation. If you or a loved one has been injured while visiting California, the Personal Injury Attorneys at Maison Law can help you understand your legal right to compensation. If your medical bills are piling up and you’re unsure of how to take legal action against someone in California, contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
How Can a Vacation Accident Attorney Help?
Let’s say you’re vacationing in the scenic Monterey Bay, California. You and your family elect to spend the afternoon at the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row. But your ideal afternoon takes a sudden turn for the worst as you slip on a wet tile floor in front of an aquatic exhibit and injure your lower back. Not only is your vacation cut short, but you’re unable to return to work and your injury requires major surgery.
While you have the option to file a claim against the responsible party’s insurance, insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlement amounts that will not come close to covering the full extent of your damages. That’s where partnering with a personal injury attorney can help. An attorney looks at the full scope of your damages, rather than only the immediate ones. These damages include:
- Present and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Cost of medical equipment or medical modifications to your life due to your injury
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
If the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement, then an attorney will file a lawsuit against them on your behalf. At Maison Law, we have years of experience representing vacation accident victims and ensuring they receive the maximum amount of coverage for their injuries. Whether you were involved in a car accident, truck accident, or slip-and-fall while visiting California, contact us today for free to discuss your legal option with a reputable California Personal Injury Attorney.
Most Common California Tourist and Vacation Accidents
Vacations are supposed to be about exploring a new place, trying something new, or making memories with your family. California’s mountainous and oceanic landscape gives tourists endless options while on vacation. In fact, many adventurous tourists will attempt what local Californians refer to as a “California Double,” where you attempt to snowboard and surf all on the same day. With Big Bear Mountain only a two-hour drive from the Pacific Ocean, this is an obtainable feat for those willing to make the trek.
However, as most California drivers can attest, the more you travel around California, the higher the risk you take of getting in an accident. According to the Transportation Injury Mapping System, there were over 40,000 car accidents in Los Angeles County in 2022, with over 58,000 people suffering serious injuries. Even though the majority of vehicle accidents happen to local drivers, visiting drivers are still at risk while on vacation. The most common California tourist and vacation accidents include:
- Car accidents: a surge in traffic accidents occur around major holidays due to congested intersections and impaired driving
- Burn injuries: fireworks, cooking accidents, and campfire injuries are common injuries suffered by California tourists
- Recreational Injuries: Boating, snowboarding, surfing, hiking, and physical sports injuries are all prevalent when people vacation in an active/outdoor place like California
- Alcohol-related Incidents: falls, fights, and impaired driving are more likely while on vacation or celebrating a holiday
Types of Vacation Injuries
Going on vacation is usually a time when we let our guards down more than usual and leave the daily stress at home. We engage in activities we wouldn’t normally do and we open ourselves up to new ways of living. But what tourists can forget while on vacation is that they’re subject to the same risks in a new place as they would be in a familiar setting. Some of the most common vacation injuries include:
- Pool injuries/drowning
- Water Park Accidents
- Water Ski/Jet Ski Accidents
- Amusement Park Injuries
- Premises Liability Injuries
Steps to Take After a California Vacation Accident
If you’re injured while on vacation in California, the next steps you take will play a crucial role in receiving a successful settlement. Here’s how we recommend you handle the situation:
- Seek medical attention: it is important to seek medical treatment immediately after suffering an injury. This is not only beneficial to your health, but to your personal injury claim as well. Any delay in medical treatment can only hurt your claim. So, even if you do not think your injury requires medical treatment, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor anyway.
- Report the injury: whether you’re injured on private or public property, it is important to report the injury to the property owner, a store manager, or the police. This will be dependent on where and how your accident occurred, but it is recommended to have immediate documentation of the accident.
- Document the scene: take your own photos of the scene and get witness statements, as well as their information. This will strengthen your case and make it difficult for the insurance to deny your claim.
- Follow up on your injuries with a doctor: Anything you’ve sustained from your accident will become a part of your case and you will need a doctor to corroborate your injuries, especially if your condition worsens and you require additional treatment.
- Contact Maison Law: our attorneys are experienced at protecting injured victim’s right to compensation. Most accident victims find themselves overwhelmed after suffering and fail to realize the enormous impact a serious injury can have on their lives. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your options and get you the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
What Kind of Settlement Can I Expect from a Vacation Accident in California?
When it comes to personal injury accidents, no case is the same. The circumstances are always different with every accident, but the extent of your injuries will largely determine your settlement amount. These items can be calculated based on your economic damages and non-economic damages, which include:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Loss of income, as well as the reduction in your earning capacity you’ve suffered from your accident
- Cost of living with your injury, such as making your home disability accessible, purchasing a wheelchair or crutches, hiring a nurse or housekeeper
- Damage done to your property during the accident
- Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Stress and anxiety due to the nature of your accident
- Your mental state after a life-changing accident
If you were found partially to blame for the accident, you are still entitled to compensation. California adheres to the Comparative Negligence Law, which states:
“Under the pure comparative negligence rule, the state allows the plaintiff to claim damages for the 1% they are not at fault even when they are 99% at fault.”
So, if you were partially at fault, but still got injured, you still reserve the right to compensation, it will just be reduced by the percentage at which you were at fault.
FAQs
Q: Can the insurance company tell me which doctor I have to see?
A: No, you can see your own doctor. If you need a referral to a specialist, give us a call, and we’d be happy to recommend a good physician or other healthcare provider.
Q: What do I do if I have to take time off of work after being injured while on vacation?
A: Keep a record of the time you missed from work. Even if you’re still being paid through sick or vacation time, keep track of the money you’re losing by not being at work.
Q: What if I can’t afford a personal injury lawyer?
A: Maison Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. We operate on a “no win, no fee” policy.
Contact a California Tourist and Vacation Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s carelessness, premise liability, or any undue action, the Personal Injury Attorneys at Maison Law can help. At Maison Law, we’ve handled numerous California vacation accidents and understand what it takes to reach a successful outcome. We’ll provide you with a custom solution that meets your legal needs and maximizes your compensation. Call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
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