Legal Options for Tourists Injured While on Vacation in San Diego
San Diego is one of the best places to live in America. It's also a great place to visit all year round. Spring and summer are especially popular given the San Diego County Fair, Comic-Con International, the Pride event, Balboa Park, and the many beaches up and down the coast.
But if you get into an accident while vacationing in this city, what legal options do you have?
I'd like to explore what tourists should do if they get injured vacationing in San Diego. If you have been injured while visiting the city, I can connect you with a San Diego personal injury lawyer who will not charge a retainer. You won't have to pay your attorney unless they can secure compensation for you.
What to Do if You're Injured While Visiting San Diego
Whether you were in a crash or a slip, trip, and fall accident, I encourage you to take the following steps:
- Ensure that you and any travel companions are okay
- Call 911 to contact first responders and medical personnel
- Take photos or videos to document the incident
- Get the contact information of any witnesses or parties involved
- File an incident report with law enforcement when they arrive at the scene
Whatever you do, avoid admitting fault for anything that occurred during the accident. This could be used against you if you want to pursue litigation.
Why You Should Speak With a San Diego-Based Personal Injury Lawyer
When you are able to do so, you should contact a lawyer based in San Diego County to discuss legal options.
Even if you are visiting from a foreign country, working with an attorney here in Southern California has a number of benefits when first reviewing your case.
Knowledge of the Local Area
A car accident lawyer in San Diego knows the local area well. The attorney can use that knowledge of San Diego roads, highways, intersections, or venues to help get a better understanding of what happened and tell the story of your case.
Understanding of California State Law
A premises liability lawyer in San Diego will know important state laws that apply to your case. This includes the statute of limitations to submit a legal claim and other key filing deadlines to keep your case on the right track.
Close Attention to Your Case
As you focus on recovery at home and returning to normal activities, your lawyer in San Diego can monitor your case and provide updates as they arise. There is a real peace of mind to working with a diligent and trusted lawyer in Southern California following a terrible accident.
A San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Can Help With Many Types of Tourist Accidents
Don't just assume a personal injury lawyer can help with a slip and fall or a car crash. Tourists and visitors have unique situations since they are away from home. An attorney can keep that in mind while working on your case.
Accidents Involving a Rental Car
If your vacation accident involved a rental car, your attorney can look into negligence on the part of various parties. For instance, if you were hit by a drunk or intoxicated driver, you could sue for damages since they were likely at fault for the collision and should not have been behind the wheel.
Sometimes the rental car company will bear responsibility for the collision due to poor maintenance of a vehicle or simply providing a person with an unsafe vehicle.
Collisions Involving Ubers or Lyfts
Rental cars aren't the only means of getting around. Plenty of tourists rely on rideshare apps to go sightseeing and get to and from each destination.
For tourists involved in an accident with or while riding in an Uber or Lyft, a personal injury lawyer can consider who was negligent in the crash and help secure maximum compensation.
Injuries at a Hotel, Airbnb, or Vrbo
We expect the places we're staying at to be safe, secure, and free from potential causes of harm. Sadly, issues with security, slippery floors, and exposed wiring at even luxury accommodations can happen.
In such instances, a visitor to San Diego could file a lawsuit against a hotel, Airbnb, or Vrbo. A skilled attorney can let you know if you have a case.
Accidents at the San Diego County Fair
The San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds boasts many rides and attractions. However, accidents can happen. In 2011, two people were injured on the Techno Power ride. And there was also a terrible E. coli outbreak at the 2019 San Diego County Fair.
Organizers have taken more precautions to ensure safety, but a personal injury attorney can help you should these precautions fail.
Accidents at San Diego Comic-Con
More than 100,000 fans flock to San Diego every year for Comic-Con. With so many people in the area, the risk of serious accidents all over the city increases, and not just at the convention center downtown. Just recently, a Brazilian steakhouse in the Gaslamp Quarter burned down during Comic-Con weekend. Thankfully no one was injured, but this just goes to show the potential for hazards during major gatherings.
If you experienced any accidents and injuries while attending Comic-Con, you should speak with a personal injury lawyer about seeking compensation.
Accidents at a San Diego Beach
This city is home to many wonderful beaches, including Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Torrey Pines. Unfortunately, accidents can occur at the beach, some of which may be due to inexperienced lifeguards, intoxication, or inattentive people operating a boat or water scooter.
A skilled attorney can help you seek damages following injuries or accidents while visiting a beach in San Diego.
Trips and Falls While Walking Around San Diego
Finally, it's worth noting that San Diego's sidewalks are in dire need of repair. The uneven pavement and broken streets have led to severe injuries for locals and visitors alike.
If you were harmed because of broken sidewalks in front of a business or residence, an accident attorney can help you file a lawsuit over damaged San Diego sidewalk injuries.
Get the Legal Help You Need: Contact My San Diego Law Office Today
Do not hesitate to seek legal help if you've been injured while visiting San Diego. To share your story with a legal professional, contact my law office in San Diego. The initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose simply by discussing your injuries.
About Charles T. Hoge
Charles T. Hoge has practiced law since 1983. He opened his own firm in Downtown La Jolla in 2016. The Hoge Law Firm has been recognized by both U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as a leading practice for commercial litigation and employment law.