Disclaimer: This Inside South Florida segment is sponsored by The Law Offices of Anidjar and Levine, Accident Attorneys. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and does not reflect the same of WSFL-TV.
Summer travel season is in full swing, and whether you're driving to a theme park, boarding a cruise ship, or heading out of the country, there are important legal and safety considerations to keep in mind.
Glen Levine, senior partner at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, said Florida's summer weather is one of the first things drivers should prepare for.
"If you're in the state of Florida, you're traveling, you're driving to Disney, or you're just going somewhere obviously, you know, we have these wonderful Florida summer rains, which you got to really be careful about, but just understanding the same rules apply, making sure like your insurance is up to date and kind of all of those things," Levine said.
For those planning a cruise, Levine said many travelers overlook a critical detail buried in their booking documents.
"Most people don't understand that the contract for your cruise ship, or your ticket for your cruise ship, is a contract and it governs your rights if you actually have an accident on the cruise ship," Levine said.
Levine noted that South Florida attorneys deal with cruise-related legal matters frequently, given the region's status as a major hub for the cruise industry.
"It's really important that you know your rights, read your actual ticket because that governs your rights if you have a problem on the ship," Levine said.
Shire Patel, partner at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, said increased traffic during the summer months also raises the risk of road accidents, and knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath matters.
"Summer travel, obviously, there's going to be a lot more cars on the roadways. If you are in an accident, though, you know, definitely do the things that you need to do. Get the medical care you need first and foremost, call the police, document the scene, take photographs, and then call us. We'll navigate those waters for you," Patel said.
For travelers who run into legal trouble outside of Florida, Levine said the firm can still help connect people with the right resources.
"If you get into a problem outside of the state of Florida, I mean, we're lawyers in the state of Florida, but we know a lot of, either ourselves or we have a network of lawyers that can handle stuff outside of the state," Levine said.
That includes incidents involving international tour groups or overseas travel, where different legal rules may apply.
Levine encouraged anyone with questions, even those unsure whether they have a case, to reach out.
"Never decide whether you have a case or not. Let us do that for you. Call us even if it's a dumb question. We're happy to talk to you and give you that answer, and kind of give you that peace of mind as to whether what your rights are and whether you have a case," Levine said.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can be reached by phone at 1-800-747-3733 or online at anidjarlevine.com.
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