Featured Image Caption: Girl Looking Under Car Hood
Jump to read...
Whenever vacation time rolls around, whether it’s summer, the holidays, or a quick weekend getaway, you could have an accident at some point during your vacation. So, whether you take your car or rent a car, it’s important to know what you should do if you ever find yourself in an accident while on vacation.
Based on CDC statistics, about 50 million people are injured in a car accident. Nearly half of all medical evacuations are the result of personal injuries due to a car accident.
Of course, you should follow basic safety rules. You also want to know the driving regulations for the state where you will be on vacation, so you’ll need to educate yourself on traffic laws and procedures. You’ll also need to know how to operate the vehicle you drive and use proper safety precautions.
But even when you do all of this, there may come a time when you are in an accident. Here are the steps to take when you are in a car accident while on vacation.
Call the Police
The first thing you should do is call the police to come to the scene of the accident. Make sure they do a police report and request that you receive a copy of the report. While still at the location of the accident, be sure to collect the personal information of the other driver. It would be best if you had his insurance information, name, phone number, license plate information, and the make and model of the car.
Document Surrounding Information
Be sure to document anything that might have caused the accident. Take pictures of traffic lights, obstacles, road conditions, etc. If there were witnesses, be sure to get their statement before they leave, and make sure you get their contact information.
Seek Medical Attention
If you suffer from an injury, call an ambulance immediately or go to the local emergency room. You don’t want to wait until you get home to find out you have an injury due to the accident. Document all of your treatment and receive accurate reports from medical staff.
Whether you are driving a car rental or your personal car, you must contact an insurance company. However, it might be best to talk to a professional personal injury attorney before you file a claim. Experts like Frank Penney Injury Lawyers explain that it is imperative that small details are investigated following a car accident. It is a good idea to get professional advice as to what you should say to the insurance company, so it isn’t used against you later in a personal injury case. Your initial statement could cause you to receive a lower compensation as the insurance company will record your responses.
Get a Replacement Vehicle
If you are still on vacation when the accident happens and you need a replacement car, keep in mind that this replacement can usually be covered by the insurance. Make sure you ask the insurance company about rental car coverage when you call them.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
Every state has different insurance laws, so you need a personal injury attorney who has working relationships with attorneys in the state where you had the accident. There are reputable law firms that can work in more than one state and can help you navigate out-of-state insurance laws to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Once you have done all the groundwork, you can go back to your vacation and enjoy the time you are away, knowing that your attorney is working to take care of the situation.
By Brooke Chaplan
who is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home and residing in Los Lunas, New Mexico. Brooke recommends doing thorough research to find experienced legal help like Frank Penney Injury Lawyers.
Member since October, 2019
View all the articles of Brooke Chaplan.
Leave a Reply