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What to Do If You’re Injured While Vacationing in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a well-loved vacation destination. Tourists and locals flock to its beaches, outdoor events, and entertainment venues year-round. However, the influx of people and heavy traffic, especially during peak travel seasons, can increase the risk of serious accidents. From car crashes on busy roads to slip-and-fall incidents along the beachfront or boardwalk, even the most picturesque settings are not immune to unexpected dangers and injuries.
At Rutter Mills, we prioritize our clients, both local and out-of-state, and put your needs at the forefront of our practice. Our reputation speaks for itself—for over 65 years, our Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers have been recognized locally and nationally by our clients, peers, and the media. If you’ve been hurt due to the negligence of another party while vacationing, schedule a free consultation today.
Immediate Steps After the Injury
If you are a tourist injured in Virginia Beach, whether at the oceanfront, around Town Center or on one of the many parks and tails at and around Mount Trashmore, seek immediate medical attention—even if your injury appears minor to protect your health and legal rights.
Consider the following steps:
- Document the Scene Immediately. Include street names, nearby landmarks, and the sequence of events. This information will be invaluable if you pursue insurance claims or legal action.
- Obtain Photographic Evidence. Use your phone or camera to take clear photos and videos of the accident site. Be sure to document any hazards—such as wet floors, broken sidewalks, or unsafe equipment—that may have contributed to your injury.
- Report the Incident to the Proper Authorities. For motor vehicle accidents or injuries in public spaces, call the Virginia Beach Police Department at their non-emergency number or 911 if it’s an emergency. Always ask for a copy of any official reports filed or incident numbers, as these can serve as critical documentation later.
- Notify Your Hotel or Rental Host. If the injury occurred at the hotel or rental property, inform the management or property owner immediately. Provide written notice if possible, and keep a copy for your records. Ask for an incident report if the property has formal procedures.
Out-of-State Visitor Rights
Out-of-state tourists injured in Virginia Beach have the same legal rights as Virginia residents for seeking compensation for personal injuries. They can file a personal injury claim under Virginia law, which allows individuals to pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses caused by someone else’s negligence.
A word of caution though, Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning that if a victim is found even slightly at fault for their injury, they may be barred from recovering damages. That negligence can apply to your own responsibility to be aware and cautious in your surroundings. Insurance companies will be quick to point the finger at the injured person for fault in order to deny a claim. However, visitors retain full access to the courts and legal remedies in the state.
It’s wise to consult a Virginia Beach personal injury attorney, who can help navigate local laws, deadlines (such as the two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims), and jurisdictional requirements. Our established relationships with medical professionals and insurance adjusters will help streamline the legal process, ensuring our clients’ cases get the respect from the insurance companies that they deserve.
Common Vacation Injuries and Venues
Common vacation injuries and venues include the following:
- Beach and Waterfront Accidents. Injuries include slips and falls on wet surfaces. More serious incidents involving water-related accidents, such as surfboard collisions and near-drownings, are often due to insufficient warnings or poorly maintained public beach areas.
- Hotel and Resort Injuries. Hotels and resorts are expected to maintain safe environments, but injuries can occur due to poor maintenance or inadequate safety protocols. Guests may suffer from slips on wet floors, burns from malfunctioning appliances, broken furniture, or elevator mishaps. Pools, spas, and fitness areas can also be hazardous when not properly supervised or maintained.
- Restaurant and Entertainment Venue Incidents. Food and entertainment spots pose various risks, including burns from hot dishes and spills. In clubs or live venues, poorly managed crowds, wet dance floors, or aggressive patrons can also contribute to injuries. Businesses have a duty to ensure patron safety and can be held accountable for negligence.
- Rental Property Accidents. Vacation rentals, including short-term Airbnb or VRBO stays, can be dangerous if the property is not up to code. Tourists may experience falls due to broken stairs, loose railings, or slippery decks. Faulty smoke detectors, exposed wiring, or lack of fire safety equipment can lead to more severe accidents. Property owners are responsible for maintaining a reasonably safe environment and can be held liable for hazards they knew—or should have known—about.
- Boardwalk and Public Space Injuries. Virginia Beach’s boardwalk and surrounding public areas are popular for walking, biking, and events. These spaces can become hazardous due to uneven pavement, poor lighting, loose railings, or a lack of crowd control during festivals or concerts. If the city or a third-party contractor fails to maintain safe conditions, they may be legally responsible.
- Boating Accidents. Many visitors enjoy a host of activities that are only found on the coast. From recreational watercraft rentals to fishing charters, and dolphin/whale-watching tours, fun on the water can be dangerous. Injuries that happen on the water may be subject to different laws so talking to a local injury lawyer is critical after an accident.
Medical Care
Knowing where to seek immediate care is crucial if you’re injured while visiting Virginia Beach. The city has several well-regarded medical facilities, including Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Sentara Princess Anne Hospital. Both are full-service hospitals with 24-hour emergency departments. There are also numerous urgent-care centers. If the injury is serious, don’t hesitate to call 911—first responders can take you to the appropriate facility.
Other considerations include the following:
- Working with Out-of-Network Providers. Keep all documentation and receipts, and follow up with your insurance company as soon as possible. Some insurers may reimburse out-of-network care, especially in emergencies, but requirements vary—so clear communication and documentation are key. Always provide your health insurance information for medical billing, even if you have coverage through your vehicle and have been in a collision. Hospitals may try to get you to provide your car insurance info, but that decision could cost you thousands.Managing Medical Care After Returning Home. Once home, follow up promptly with your primary care doctor or a specialist. Bring all discharge paperwork, test results, and imaging reports with you. If your treatment included surgery, physical therapy, or prescriptions, make sure those are reviewed and managed by your local physician to ensure continuity of care.
- Obtaining and Transferring Medical Records. Hospitals like Sentara allow patients to request records online through secure patient portals, by phone, or in writing. Request a full copy of all relevant medical records—including X-rays, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes—and have them sent to your home physician or attorney if applicable.
Navigating Insurance
Navigating multiple insurance policies requires careful attention to detail and legal knowledge. This is where our team can make a difference. Insurance companies are rarely on your side. They may deny your claim outright, delay processing, offer a low settlement that barely covers your expenses, or mislead you about the total coverage available.
If you purchased travel insurance, we can help by reviewing your policy’s terms and exclusions. Every policy is different, and filing a successful claim requires detailed documentation and prompt reporting. Even if your health insurance is based in another state, it may still provide coverage for emergency treatment in Virginia Beach. Our attorneys can assist in communicating with your insurer and ensuring claims are properly documented and submitted. We work with providers to negotiate bills for out of pocket expenses, saving our clients thousands.
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for guests. If negligence—such as a broken handrail or wet floor—led to your injury, their insurance should cover your damages. We will work to establish liability and hold the negligent party accountable. In the case of a rental car accident, determining coverage can be particularly complex. You may have opted into the rental agency’s insurance, relying on your auto policy, or using coverage provided by your credit card.
Each option offers different levels of protection for medical bills, damage to the rental vehicle, and third-party liability. Our attorneys can evaluate your rental agreement and insurance policies to determine which apply—and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
Contact Rutter Mills for a Free Consultation
If you were injured while visiting Virginia Beach, don’t wait until you’re back home to protect your rights. At Rutter Mills, we have successfully handled out-of-state injury claims for decades and know how to navigate the unique challenges these cases present. Having a local attorney who is familiar with our courts, respected by our judges, and trusted by local juries can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
We are here for you in your time of need, providing compassionate guidance, aggressive advocacy, and in-depth local knowledge in a wide range of personal injury matters. Our top-rated attorneys will fight the insurance companies and get you back on your feet. Schedule a free consultation today.
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Workers Compensation
If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.
