Apopka, FL asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Florida

Q: If I had a car accident in Puerto Rico but have Florida license can I open case in Florida?

I was hit by a drunk police and they are trying to cover it all up I lost my job and car because of this accident

3 Lawyer Answers
Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Hollywood, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Only if the person whom you wish to sue resides in Florida, which I assume is not the case here. Consult an attorney who is licensed to practice law in Puerto Rico. On the Florida Bar website, you can search for lawyers who are in Puerto Rico who are or were members of the Fla. Bar. It is likely that a large portion of those lawyers are licensed in P.R. Go to https://www.floridabar.org/directories/find-mbr/ - then look for the drop down menu that starts with the word "city". Put "State" instead of city, and in the next field, put Puerto Rico. That brings 167 results. (You do NOT need an attorney licensed in Fla., but maybe that list will help you find the attorney you need.) Alternatively, contact the The Bar Association of Puerto Rico (Colegio de Abogados de Puerto Rico).

Tim Akpinar and Terrence H Thorgaard agree with this answer

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Wyomissing, PA

A: The claim has to be made where it happened or where the person at fault lives or does business. Contact the Bar Association of Puerto Rico https://capr.org/contactanos/ to find an attorney.

However, your Florida auto policy may provide coverage for medical bills, wage loss. If your work had short term disability that may also help your wage loss. If not, look at unemployment compensation if you were let go because of your injuries.

Tim Akpinar and Terrence H Thorgaard agree with this answer

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Las Vegas, NV

A: The case must be brought where it occurred or where the defendants reside.

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