Traveling to your dream vacation spot can be an exciting experience. The thrill of adventure and the memories you make are worth every cent you spend.
However, life can be unpredictable, and a serious accident can turn your dream vacation into an uncomfortable situation. Whether it’s due to a car accident or bodily harm during an expedition, accidents can have drastic consequences on your finances and quality of life. But did you know you can sue after being injured on vacation?
By taking legal action, you could get compensated for your injuries, possibly helping you recover any financial and non-economic damages sustained.
In this article, we explore some of the most common injuries sustained on vacation and the steps to take immediately after.
What Are the Most Common Injuries During a Vacation?
You could get hurt in a number of different ways when on vacation. In fact, some popular vacation spots rank among the most dangerous places in the world. While you may not be able to prevent every accident out there, you should know what to do if they ever happen.
Some of the most common accidents on vacation include:
Car Accidents
Unless you’re on a cruise ship, chances are you’ll be on the road most of the time when traveling. Some popular vacation spots have poorly maintained roads, which increases the chances of getting into an accident.
Since you’re traveling to a new place, you may not be familiar with the roads or the traffic rules there. As a general rule of thumb, you should always take precautions like driving within the speed limit and regularly checking your side mirrors and surroundings. You could also hire an experienced driver who’s familiar with the roads.
Public Transport Accidents
Taking a bus or train when traveling to a new place is an excellent way to enjoy the culture and interact with locals. You also get a chance to kick back as you take in the surroundings. Unfortunately, even the most reliable means of public transport operated by experienced professionals could pose some risks.
For instance, your driver or operator could make a careless decision or ignore important safety measures, leading to an accident. In that case, you could file a personal injury lawsuit and get compensated.
Food Poisoning
There are countless stories of people getting foodborne illnesses while on vacation. There’s even a list of some of the places where you’re most likely to get sick when you eat there. The best way to avoid food poisoning on vacation is to eat at reputable establishments. Doing this also provides some cushioning as you may be able to sue them if you get sick from their food.
Slips and Falls
Slips and falls account for the widest majority of vacation accidents. They can happen literally anywhere. Whether you’re in a restaurant, by the pool, or hiking on a nearby trail, there’s always a chance that you may slip and hurt yourself.
Depending on where you are and the circumstances that led to your injuries, you could sue the responsible party for damages.
Steps to Take after Getting Injured on Vacation
What you do after an accident plays a major role in ensuring your safety and increasing your chances of getting compensated. Therefore, it helps to remain calm as you consider your actions.
Here’s what to do after getting injured while on vacation:
Seek Medical Attention
Your first move if you are injured should be to seek medical attention. This step applies even in situations where you don’t think your injuries are serious. Besides potentially saving your life, seeking medical attention could also increase your chances of getting compensated, as your medical records could serve as evidence in a personal injury lawsuit.
Notify Appropriate Parties About the Accident
If you were injured on someone else’s property or during an expedition led by a specific group, you should inform them of your injuries immediately. At that point, they’ll likely ask you to fill out a report with details regarding the accident.
Likewise, if you were involved in a car accident or believe that a law was broken, causing your injuries, you should call local law enforcement and record your statement.
Gather Relevant Evidence Before Heading Home
After an accident during a vacation, most people just want to go home, where they feel safe as they tend to their injuries. However, going home without the necessary evidence to prove what caused the injuries could impede any hope of getting compensated, no matter how valid the claim is.
Some of the most relevant pieces of evidence to gather include pictures of the accident scene, medical records, police reports, and witness statements. You should also collect the contact information of everyone involved in the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company of the Accident
As a general rule of thumb, you should notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Some insurers also have deadlines, so any delay in notifying them could mean losing your chances of getting compensated.
While you’re at it, you don’t necessarily have to go into the details. A simple notification would suffice before you get a chance to speak to your lawyer.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney after an accident is arguably one of the most strategic steps you could take to maximize your chances of getting fairly compensated. Personal injury attorneys have the necessary skills and legal expertise to navigate the complex legal process of suing for compensation, especially if the at-fault party is overseas.
Besides initiating the legal process, your attorney could help negotiate with the insurance company for fair compensation and provide moral support to get you through the strenuous process.
Seek Compensation After an Accident While on Vacation
Getting injured on vacation can be a traumatic experience, especially if you’re in a foreign country. While taking the necessary precautions to avert an accident could help keep you safe, you shouldn’t shy away from seeking compensation if the worst happens.
That’s why it’s always advisable to have an experienced attorney on call to help guide you through the process and increase your chances of getting fairly compensated.
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