Fort Myers Tourist Accidents

Tourists visiting Fort Myers and Southwest Florida often rent cars to explore beaches, resorts, and local attractions. But unfamiliar roads, high seasonal traffic, and distracted driving can lead to serious accidents. Wolfson & Leon represents tourists, visitors, and locals injured in crashes involving rental cars. Our Fort Myers accident lawyers can help protect your rights and pursue full compensation after a rental car or tourist-related accident.

Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, and the greater Southwest Florida region attract millions of visitors each year. Rental cars fill major roads like U.S. 41, Daniels Parkway, Colonial Blvd, Summerlin Road, and the Causeway to Sanibel. Whether visiting from out of state or overseas, tourists may not know local traffic patterns, speed limits, or congested intersections — increasing the risk of a crash.

If you were injured in a rental car accident in Lee County, the insurance situation can be more complicated than a typical Florida car crash. You may be dealing with:

• Rental car company agreements
• Tourist personal auto insurance from another state (or country)
• Additional coverage purchased at the rental desk
• Credit card damage waiver benefits
• Florida’s no-fault laws and comparative negligence rules

At Wolfson & Leon, we have represented car accident victims throughout Florida since 1963. If you were injured in a rental car crash — as a tourist, a local driver, a passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist — we can help.

Rental car accidents commonly occur on:

• U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) heading through Fort Myers and Cape Coral
• I-75 between the airport and downtown
• Colonial Blvd and Daniels Pkwy — both heavy through-traffic corridors
• Summerlin Road toward Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel
• McGregor Blvd near restaurants, hotels, and marinas

Tourists and rental car drivers may:

• Rely heavily on GPS, taking sudden turns or lane changes
• Drive slowly or stop unexpectedly while searching for destinations
• Misjudge exits or roundabouts
• Be jet-lagged, stressed, or distracted
• Drive unfamiliar vehicles with different controls and visibility

Locals can also be injured when a rental car driver makes a sudden or unpredictable move in traffic.

Wolfson & Leon represents:

• Tourists injured while driving a rental car
• Passengers in rental car accidents
• Locals hit by rental car drivers
• Pedestrians and bicyclists struck by tourists
• Rideshare drivers hit by tourists near high-traffic hotel zones
• Out-of-state and international visitors unfamiliar with Florida insurance laws

Regardless of where you live, we can assist with your case and coordinate remotely, so travel is not necessary.

Rental car crashes can result in:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Back or neck injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
• Shoulder and knee injuries from seatbelt or impact
• Emotional and psychological trauma

Many injuries worsen in days or weeks — even when vehicles show minor damage.

Unlike typical Florida car accidents, rental car crashes often involve multiple overlapping insurance policies:

• Florida uses modified comparative negligence — if you are more than 50% at fault, your compensation may be reduced or denied.
• Florida does not require bodily injury liability insurance in all policies.
• Some rental car protection plans exclude injury claims, not just property damage.

This is why verifying insurance structure early is crucial.

Our Fort Myers rental car accident attorneys:

• Determine which insurance policies apply
• Investigate driver behavior, road conditions, and accident reports
• Work with medical providers to document and support injuries
• Obtain rental agreement records and insurance disclosures
• Negotiate aggressively with insurers and claims adjusters
• Prepare cases for litigation when necessary

You do not have to handle rental agencies or insurance companies alone.

Because visiting drivers may be unfamiliar with:

• Florida’s no-fault PIP system
• Modified comparative negligence
• Statute of limitations (2 years) for negligence cases

Mistakes like giving recorded statements to rental agencies or insurers can harm your claim.

Before speaking with insurance representatives, contact an attorney.

Yes. Your claim will likely be handled under Florida law, so Florida-based representation is essential.

Yes — insurance is available depending on your rental contract and personal coverage.

You may be able to file claims against the rental driver, the rental company’s insurer, and sometimes additional supplemental coverage.

Often no. We can handle your case remotely with electronic signatures and virtual communication. If a lawsuit needs to filed, you would likely need to return to Florida for your deposition, medical examination and trial if necessary. We will always work with you to make sure your trip is convenient and economical as possible.

If you were injured in a rental car or tourist-related crash in Fort Myers or anywhere in Southwest Florida, you deserve clarity and support — especially when navigating unfamiliar insurance laws.

We serve Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Bonita Springs, Naples, Estero, Lehigh Acres, Punta Gorda, and the entire Southwest Florida region.

Your recovery matters. Let our experience work for you.