Legal Guide for Tourists Injured in California

Maison Law helps people that are injured in accidents throughout California. Accidents don’t check your zip code. Whether you’re visiting Los Angeles, driving the Pacific Coast Highway, or just in town for a quick weekend in Napa, an unexpected injury can leave you far from home—and unsure of what to do next. But here’s the good news: your rights don’t disappear just because you’re not a California resident. Our legal team works with tourists all the time—and we know how to guide you through the process, no matter where you’re from. Set up a free consultation today.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer if I Was Hurt While Visiting California?

If you were in a minor accident in California and you’re feeling okay, you may not need legal help at all. But, visitors can face all kinds of situations that locals might not. The more serious your injuries are, the more important it is to have someone looking out for your interests—especially when you’re trying to recover while also figuring out what happens next from miles away. That’s where we come in. We can help you and your family by:

• Finding out what really happened and who may be at fault.
• Walking you through your legal options in plain English.
• Talking to the insurance companies for you.
• Helping gather evidence—even while you’re back home.
• Keeping you updated and supported through every step.
  
  

You’re not required to hire a lawyer, but when you’re going through an injury from out of state, it helps to have someone local who understands the system. We’ll make the process easier—so you can focus on getting better, getting home, and moving forward.

What Types of Accidents Could Happen to a Tourist in California?

When you think of California, your mind likely immediately jumps to one of the state’s numerous tourist attractions. Data from VisitCalifornia projected that in 2025 alone, there would be:

• 5 million visitors to the state.
  
  

But understanding your options if you’re visiting and injured in an accident starts with actually looking at what could happen to you. California has a little of everything—beaches, mountains, cities, and winding highways. But with so many people coming and going, especially in tourist-heavy areas, accidents can happen in all sorts of ways:

• Car accidents in unfamiliar areas – Whether you’re driving a rental car on the 101 or navigating narrow streets in San Francisco, it’s easy to make a wrong turn or get hit by someone else who’s not paying attention.
  
  
• Getting hit by a car while on foot – Popular destinations like Hollywood, Santa Monica, or Fisherman’s Wharf see heavy foot traffic. Crosswalks get crowded, drivers get impatient, and serious injuries can happen in a split second.
  
  
• Bike and scooter accidents – Many visitors rent e-bikes or scooters in places like Venice Beach or San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. These rides are convenient—but they also come with risks, especially around traffic or uneven pavement.
  
  
• Slip-and-falls – From hotel lobbies to amusement parks like Disneyland or Universal Studios, a slippery floor or broken step can cause serious injuries. And when it happens on private property, figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always straightforward.
  
  
• Outdoor accidents – California is known for its outdoor adventures—kayaking, hiking, wine tours, whale watching. But not all tour operators take proper safety precautions. If something goes wrong, it may not just be “bad luck.”
  
  
• Public transit accidents – Buses, trolleys, rideshares—visitors rely on many forms of transit. When drivers are careless or vehicles aren’t maintained, riders can end up injured.
  
  

Getting hurt during a vacation or business trip can throw everything off. You may need medical care in a place you don’t know, and once you’re back home, dealing with California insurance laws or liability questions from across the country can be overwhelming.

Who’s Legally Responsible If You’re Hurt While Visiting California?

Getting hurt while on vacation is never part of the plan. But if it happens in California—whether in Monterey, San Diego, or somewhere off Highway 1—the legal process starts with one key question: Who’s responsible?

The good news is, California law doesn’t treat tourists any differently than residents when it comes to personal injury. You still have the right to file an injury claim, and the legal standards for proving fault are the same. The challenge, especially when you’re just passing through, is figuring out who was negligent and how to hold them accountable.

Liability—meaning legal responsibility—usually comes down to whether someone failed to act in a way that keeps others safe. In California, that could be:

• A driver who ran a red light or wasn’t paying attention
• A property owner who didn’t fix a hazard in a store, hotel, or Airbnb
• A business or tour company that didn’t follow proper safety procedures
• A government agency responsible for unsafe sidewalks, roadways, or transit systems
• A product manufacturer if faulty equipment caused your injury
• An employer if their employee hurt you while on the job
  
  

Accidents involving tourists often include extra layers—rental car companies, short-term property managers, or even event organizers. That’s why documenting the details early and knowing how California’s liability laws work is so important. It’s also important because, ultimately, this legal responsibility is going to tell you who you’ll file your claim against and pay for your damages.

What Damages Can You Recover as a Tourist Injured in California?

If you’ve been hurt while visiting California, you’re allowed to file a personal injury claim—just like anyone else who lives here. And because the impact of your injury might stretch far beyond your time in the state, it’s especially important to account for everything the accident has cost you. Your claim can be handled through:

• An insurance claim outside of court
• A personal injury lawsuit, if insurance doesn’t fully cover your losses
  
  

In either case, California law allows you to recover several types of damages, including:

• Medical bills – This includes ER visits, surgery, prescriptions, rehab, follow-up care—even treatment you might need once you’re back in your home state or country.
  
  
• Lost income – This covers any lost income from missed work or a loss of earning potential if your job situation changes because of your injuries.
  
  
• Property damage – This covers repair/replacement costs for any damaged property, like your luggage, electronics, car damage, or anything else.
  
  
• Pain and suffering – This covers costs related to your physical pain from your injuries. You can get separate damages for the emotional distress you go through.
  
  
• Reduced quality of life – If your injury has made it hard to enjoy life the way you used to—whether that means hiking, working out, or simply playing with your kids—this loss can be recognized.
  
  

Every case is unique, and what you’re eligible to claim depends on the circumstances of your accident, the extent of your injuries, and the available evidence. But whether you were hurt on a walking tour in San Francisco or slipped at a resort in Palm Springs, you don’t lose your legal standing just because you were visiting.

What If the Accident Ends Up Being Fatal?

When a tourist dies in an accident while visiting California, the loss is devastating—for the family, for loved ones back home, and for everyone left searching for answers in an unfamiliar place. While no legal process can undo what happened, California law does allow certain family members to file a “wrongful death” claim, including:

• A spouse or registered domestic partner
• Children, if there’s no spouse or partner
  
  

If neither of those are available, other relatives may be able to file, including parents, siblings, or a “personal representative” of the deceased’s estate, if one is named in a will. Unlike a typical injury claim, a wrongful death claim involves different damages:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical bills related to the accident
• Lost financial support (such as income, benefits, or retirement)
• Loss of companionship, care, or guidance
• Emotional suffering
• In some cases, punitive damages if the at-fault party’s behavior was especially reckless
  
  

Families still have just two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim in California. That window can go by quickly—especially if you’re out of state or dealing with legal processes from where you live.

What Information Do You Need If You’re Injured While Visiting California?

When you’re away from home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially after an injury. But the sooner you can gather the right information, the easier it is to protect your rights. Here’s what to collect, if possible:

• Photos of the scene – This includes injuries, property damage, and anything that might explain how the accident happened (like a broken handrail or poorly marked crosswalk).
  
  
• Names and contact information – Get details for any witnesses, the at-fault party, and the property owner or manager.
  
  
• Incident reports – If police, hotel staff, or business owners made a report, ask for a copy.
  
  
• Medical records – Keep a file of every visit, diagnosis, treatment, and recommendation you receive—from the ER to your home doctor.
  
  
• Travel records – Save itineraries, receipts, and proof of what your trip was supposed to look like. These details can help show what you missed or how your plans were disrupted.
  
  

Even if you’re back home now, you can still build a strong injury claim. Our team can help gather additional evidence from local sources, deal with insurance companies, and keep your case moving—without you having to fly back for every step. But there’s a few other things you can do.

How Else Can You Protect Your Claim If You’re Hurt While Visiting California?

As a tourist, you may not know the area, the local laws, or even where the nearest hospital is. That makes protecting your injury claim even more important. Here’s a few ways you can do that:

• Get checked out – Even if you feel okay, see a doctor right away. Some injuries take time to show up, and a medical record helps prove the accident caused your injuries.
  
  
• Call the police – If you’re in a serious accident, especially a car crash, call local police. Their report can be a key part of your claim.
  
  
• Report the accident to the right people – As soon as you’re safe, tell the property owner or manager what happened. Whether it’s a hotel, store, or tourist attraction, ask them to document it.
  
  
• Exchange information – In a car accident or other incident involving someone else, swap contact and insurance details. This helps sort out who’s responsible, and makes filing a claim easier.
  
  
• Take photos – Snap pictures of the scene, any injuries, damaged property, or hazards (like wet floors or broken steps). These images can help tell your side of the story.
  
  
• Gather witness details – If anyone saw the accident, get their name and contact info. Their statement could support your claim later.
  
  
• Save your receipts – Keep all bills related to the accident—medical care, travel changes, even hotel stays if your trip was cut short.
  
  
• Stay off social media – Don’t post about the accident or talk to insurance companies extensively. What you say could be used against you, so it’s best to just stick to the basics of what happened.
  
  

Tourist accidents can be especially stressful because you’re trying to recover in a place that’s not home. But acting quickly and documenting as much as you can will make a huge difference in protecting your claim—especially once you’ve returned home.

Maison Law Provides Legal Help for Tourists Hurt in California

If you were injured while visiting California, you don’t have to handle the legal process on your own—or try to make sense of it from hundreds or thousands of miles away.

Our team works with travelers and tourists every day. We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with doctors, bills, and insurance adjusters when you’re not even sure what your rights are in a different state. We’ll walk you through your options clearly and handle the legal side of things so you can focus on getting better. Whether you were hurt in a rideshare accident in LA, tripped at a hotel in Napa, or slipped in a store in Santa Cruz, we can help you take the right next steps. Get started today with a free consultation.