Short-term rentals have become more popular in places such as Hollywood, Miami, and other parts of Southern Florida. Short-term rentals are one way for homeowners to make money, but having guests in a home can also lead to injuries. In addition, some homeowners associations and neighbors are unhappy about residences being turned into part-time (or, in some cases, full-time) hotels.
One of the risks with short-term rentals has to do with the potential of car accidents. There are many reasons why short-term rentals can increase the risk of car collisions in some Hollywood and South Florida communities:
- They can increase the amount of traffic in an area, increasing the risk of a crash.
- They introduce tourists who are not familiar with an area into a neighborhood. Visitors may not know about blind turns or may not notice one-way streets, for example.
- Increased traffic can happen in residential areas where street design does not take large numbers of visitors into consideration and where children may be playing.
- Some short-term rentals advertise themselves as party venues and drinking and driving accidents can become a concern at these businesses.
Preventing Car Crashes
If you are a host, you can help prevent collisions and thus avoid liability. Start by ensuing you post clear rules about parties, drinking and driving, local rules, and parking. Be sure to provide parking off the street so guests do not park in a neighbor’s property. When booking guests, always verify how many cars will be at the property. You can hire a security company or stay in the property yourself to ensure guests follow the rules.
Hosts can also avoid causing injury by not advertising their homes as venues for parties. They can also offer information about cab companies and public transit to discourage drunk driving.
If you are a guest, be courteous. Follow the directions you have been given and if you have questions about parking, ask. Even though you are on vacation, stay alert and look for any signage and always follow all posted traffic signs.
What Happens if a Short-Term Guest Causes an Injury?
If a car accident does occur because of a short-term guest and you are injured, contact a Hollywood car accident attorney. Companies such as Airbnb and other platforms have denied liability in court, stating that they are only websites. In addition, homeowners insurance does not always cover injuries in short-term rental situations, especially where such a rental is illegal or flouts local rules. Even recovering car accident insurance can be tricky if a guest is out of state or is staying in an unofficial rental which does not follow the rules.
An attorney can help you sort out the regulations and can help you pursue any compensation you may be eligible for so you can pay for medical care, lost wages, car repairs or replacement, and any related injuries. If someone has injured you due to recklessness or negligence, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a Hollywood personal injury attorney. Our team has decades of combined experience and has helped thousands of injured people like you get compensation for their losses.