What If I Was Hit By A Snowbird?

Population numbers in the state of Florida swell during the cooler months as snowbirds head south to escape the harsh northern winters. While this influx of seasonal residents brings economic benefits to the region, it also leads to more congested roads, which can result in more car accidents.

Have a conversation with an Orlando personal injury attorney if you were injured in a car crash involving a snowbird. It is normal to wonder how a driver’s part-time residency could impact your insurance claim. The answer depends on several factors, including their home state, their insurance coverage, and Florida’s injury laws.

How Residency Can Complicate a Car Accident Claim

Snowbird is a term commonly used to describe individuals (often retirees) who live in Florida during the winter months and return to their home state in the summer. These seasonal residents typically split their time between two homes, maintaining ties in both locations.

In the Orlando area, the snowbird population can be significant during peak season, which runs roughly from November through April. Many of these visitors come from the Northeast, Midwest, and Canada, bringing different driving habits and varying insurance policies with them.

When you’re involved in an accident with another Florida resident, filing a claim and pursuing damages tends to follow a straightforward process under Florida’s no-fault insurance laws. But if the at-fault driver is a snowbird, their out-of-state residency can complicate matters.

Here are a few ways snowbird status can affect a personal injury recovery process:

• Insurance policy differences. Snowbirds often maintain insurance policies from their home states, which may not offer the same personal injury protection (PIP) coverage required in Florida. Depending on their policy, they may or may not have sufficient coverage to pay for your medical bills and other damages.
• Jurisdictional challenges. If a lawsuit becomes necessary, questions can arise about where the legal action should be filed. This can impact timelines, procedures, and even your ability to collect compensation if a judgment is awarded.
• Difficulty locating drivers. Should a snowbird leave Florida and return home shortly after the crash, tracking them down for legal proceedings or settlement negotiations can be difficult. This can delay your claim or create logistical headaches.
• Rental or leased vehicles. Many part-time residents drive rental cars or vehicles registered in their home states, which may further complicate insurance claims.

You don’t have to navigate legal complexities alone. An experienced Orlando personal injury attorney understands how to deal with out-of-state drivers, interpret various insurance policies, and build a strong case for full compensation.

Connect with Legal Support Right Away

An attorney can help determine liability, communicate with insurers across state lines, and file any necessary legal actions in the proper jurisdiction. Time is of the essence, especially if the at-fault driver has already returned to their home state.

Is there a driver from out of state involved in your accident recovery plan? Whether the snowbird was here for a few weeks or several months, you deserve fair compensation. Connect with attorneys at Israoui Law, professionals who can help you move forward with confidence. Call 407-381-4529 for the personal attention you deserve. Always speak to an experience accident injury attorney before speaking to any insurance company.