Many American families take to the road during summer. In fact, research shows that at least 81% of Americans travel during summer, with at least 80% traveling by car at least once.
While traveling to new locations can be relaxing and exciting, it comes with its fair share of risks. For instance, navigating unfamiliar roads can be challenging, which increases your risk of being involved in a car accident.
Whether involved in a minor fender bender crash or a more serious accident, it is always good to know how to protect your rights.
This post highlights some of the critical steps to take if you are involved in a car accident while on vacation. Read on to learn more.
1. Safety First
The first thing you need to do when you are involved in an accident while on vacation is to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers.
If your car is in the middle of the road, consider moving it to a relatively safe place near the accident scene.
Check on yourself and your passengers for injuries. If you notice somebody is seriously injured, call 911 immediately for help.
When the police arrive at the accident scene, cooperate with them and tell them what happened. Be sure to stick to facts. Avoid speculating anything or admitting fault.
Typically, the responding police officers will conduct an independent investigation to make an initial determination of liability.
Also, ask the police officer how to get a copy of the accident report and follow through when it is ready.
2. Document the Scene
Just like an accident in your local town, it is important to document the scene when things happen while on vacation.
The documentation process may be a bit easier during vacations because you will most likely have your camera or smartphone.
Although your time for taking photos and recording videos may be limited since the road has to be cleared as fast as possible, try to capture the critical details.
Try to take clear pictures of the accident scene; injuries suffered, and any contributing factors.
Don’t wait because critical evidence can be cleaned away before you document it for your case. You can also record statements from witnesses, if there are any, at the accident scene.
3. Seek Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical attention even if you are on vacation. Keep in mind that severe injuries may not manifest immediately.
Therefore, your best chance of receiving the necessary medical attention is to visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Depending on your health insurance plan, you may have to visit a facility within the same network to cover all or part of your medical bill. But even if it doesn’t, seeking medical help should be a priority.
Also, keep all your receipts and documents related to the treatments you receive. Doing so will help if the accident leads to a legal battle with an insurance provider or other parties involved.
4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
It is also important to exchange information with the other motorist involved in the accident. Be sure to note down their official name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance information, car registration information, and email address.
Also, take clear photos of their car, making sure you capture the car’s make, model, and plate number.
If there are any people who witnessed the accident, encourage them to explain to the responding officer what they saw. You should also request them to share their contact information with you.
This is important because you need to provide as much evidence as possible when filing a claim for an accident you were involved in while on vacation.
Gather all the critical information before you leave because it can be almost impossible to get this information once you return home.
In fact, the more exotic your vacation, the harder it becomes to find critical information to use as evidence once you are back home.
5. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Your next step should be to contact your car insurer as soon as possible and let them know what happened. In most cases, a claim can be filed even when you are out of state.
When speaking with your insurance company representative, provide them with the accident details, including witness testimonies and police reports if you have them.
Provide as much information as possible to help your insurer process your claim quickly.
If you have travel insurance, call the company immediately and let them know about the accident. Remember to avoid discussing fault with anyone until after the completion of a police investigation.
6. Know Your Rights
It is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the laws governing car accidents in the state you are visiting before embarking on any vacation.
This can help you know your rights as a driver who is involved in an accident, even when away from home. You may want to keep the contact information of a lawyer specializing in automobile accident cases.
That way, if you are faced with an issue like unexpected medical bills or car damage repair costs, you can get legal advice on how to handle the situation.
7. Go Back Home or Continue with Vacation?
This is going to be a tough decision to make. Some situations may go beyond your control, and you have no other option but to cut short your vacation after the accident.
For instance, if you are critically injured, you may need to return home and get the best medical care or seek legal aid.
If the worst has been avoided and you can continue with your vacation activities, consider doing so only if local authorities advise that it is safe. Otherwise, it might be wise to return home and focus on recovery.
If you cut your vacation short, keep track of all the extra expenses you may incur while changing flights and cancelling hotel bookings.
You must also keep track of all the medical providers you visit and how much you pay in hospital bills. This can help you get compensation from the insurance company if needed.
If you decide to continue with your vacation despite your injuries, be careful when photographing and memorializing your vacation on social media.
The insurance provider can manipulate the story behind your photos and videos to convince jurors you weren’t injured to the extent you claim. This is a powerful tactic that can destroy your car accident case pretty fast.
8. Hire an Attorney in the State in Which the Accident Happened
Lastly, consider hiring an attorney in the state where the accident happened. Make sure the lawyer has years of experience in motor vehicle accident cases.
For instance, if you live in California but are in a car wreck in Arkansas, you need to hire a car accident lawyer familiar with car accident laws in Arkansas. But it doesn’t hurt to call an attorney you can trust to get started.
Typically, the best attorneys will have relationships with other lawyers throughout the country and may easily point you in the right direction regardless of where the accident happened.
The attorney will help you navigate through complicated legal matters like dealing with insurance companies, filing a lawsuit against negligent motorists, and obtaining compensation for any damages suffered during the car crash.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident While on Vacation? We Are Here to Help
Choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions car accident victims need to make.
Regardless of whether you are in a state that is familiar or foreign to you, ensure you hire an experienced and knowledgeable car accident lawyer.
Don’t commit the mistake of going through the legal process alone. Insurance companies are not your friends and will take advantage of you if you go alone.
At Legal Giant, we have a network of highly experienced attorneys with years of experience handling car accident cases in most states. Regardless of where the accident happened, we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
So, contact us today and let us discuss your car accident case and how we can help you fight for justice.
