What to Do If You’re Injured While Traveling in California

It is a sad moment when the joy of a trip is interrupted abruptly and unexpectedly. Perhaps a family is enjoying the scenic and iconic views on Highway 1 while driving to Big Sur when their dream vacation is turned into a nightmare of hospital visits, insurance calls, and legal confusion, all because a driver wasn’t paying attention. One of our very own had this happen many years ago, but only after a few months of marriage, and as she recalls, “We didn’t know how anything worked! We were in shock and confusion, and hours from home. All because a sixteen-year-old was driving his dad’s Mercedes and didn’t brake until he smashed into us. It was horrible!” Looking back, she wishes she knew what she learned while working in personal injury law.

This type of scene plays out more often than you’d think. California welcomes over 280 million visitors annually, and unfortunately, accidents happen. Whether you’re here from Florida or France, being injured far from home creates a unique set of challenges for which most people aren’t prepared.

Over the years, our firm has helped countless travelers navigate these difficult situations. Here’s what we wish every visitor knew before something goes wrong.

Your Health Comes First, Always

First and foremost, this can’t be stressed enough: get medical attention immediately, even if you think you’re fine. We’ve seen too many cases where someone brushed off what seemed like a minor injury, only to discover serious problems days later when they were already back home.

Call 911 if you’re seriously hurt. Don’t worry about the cost right now—that’s what insurance is for. California requires accident reports for crashes involving injury or significant property damage, so cooperate with first responders and keep copies of everything they give you.

For international visitors, bring your travel insurance cards to the hospital. Many European and Canadian insurance plans have partnerships with U.S. providers that can save you thousands of dollars.

Document Everything (And We Mean Everything)

Memory becomes your most important asset when dealing with an injury in an unfamiliar place. But shock and pain can make details fuzzy, so write things down or take photos of everything, such as the accident scene, your injuries, and any dangerous conditions that contributed to what happened. Get contact information from witnesses—tourists are often more willing to help other tourists. Request copies of any reports, whether from police, hotel security, or park rangers.

Keep every receipt related to your injury. Medical bills, taxi rides to the hospital, prescription medications, even the cost of rebooking your flight home. These expenses add up quickly, and you’ll need proof later.

Watch Your Words

In the aftermath of an accident, it’s almost natural to apologize or perhaps try to explain what happened to those around you. Don’t. We’ve seen perfectly valid claims derailed because someone said “I’m sorry” or “I should have been more careful” while they were still in shock.

We are not just speaking about car accidents here, but this is especially important when dealing with hotel managers, rental car companies, or theme park staff. At the end of the day, each person represents a business, and they all too often look for the interest of the business they represent, vs. you, the person injured at their facility or due to their faulty equipment. They will likely proactively document everything you say, and their interests may not align with yours. Therefore, please stick to the basic facts and let the investigators sort out what happened.

Know Your Rights as a Visitor

Here’s something that surprises many people: you don’t have to be a California resident to file a personal injury claim here. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you have the same rights as any local would.

This covers everything from car accidents (even if you were just a passenger) to slip and falls at hotels, injuries at Disneyland, or accidents involving rental bikes or rideshares.

California’s comparative fault system means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for what happened. But there is a catch: you have limited time to act. California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years, but some situations have shorter deadlines. The clock starts ticking immediately, not when you get home.

Get Local Legal Help

Trying to handle a California injury claim from another state or country is like trying to navigate Los Angeles traffic from your hotel room—theoretically possible, but practically a disaster.

A local personal injury attorney can handle your case while you’re back home, work with your insurance companies, and understand the specific laws and procedures that apply to your situation. We regularly represent clients who live thousands of miles away, conducting meetings by video call and handling all the California-specific requirements.

The insurance companies know that out-of-state visitors often don’t know their rights or don’t want to deal with the hassle of a long-distance claim. Don’t let them take advantage of that.

A Final Word

We tell all our clients that being injured while traveling isn’t just about the physical pain—it’s about having your plans disrupted, your confidence shaken, and your vacation memories overshadowed by stress and worry.

You shouldn’t have to bear that burden alone, especially when someone else’s carelessness caused your injury.

If you’re reading this after an accident, take a deep breath. California’s legal system is designed to help people in your situation, and there are professionals here who understand exactly what you’re going through. Your vacation may not have gone as planned, but your recovery—both physical and financial—can still get back on track.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.

About the Author:

For more than 20 years, O’Brien & Zehnder Law Firm has been a trusted advocate for those injured on California roads and properties, including out-of-state and international visitors. Their reputable lawyers understand the unique challenges of travel injury claims and can offer expert guidance on medical, legal, and insurance matters to help clients secure the compensation they deserve.