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What to Do if You Have an Accident While on Vacation

Most people go on vacation as a way to get away from the problems and stresses of everyday life. However, having a fall or getting into a car wreck can create new worries, and if you don’t handle the situation correctly, your troubles could multiply by the time you return home. Even if you’re eager to get back to the fun, taking the time to do the right steps will save you in the long run. Here’s what you should do if you have an accident while on vacation.

Though legal systems are different when you travel, what you should do in the event of an accident doesn’t change. Your first will always be to notify someone of the incident. Whether your involved in a car wreck or have a slip and fall at the hotel, the first step is to tell someone. For an auto accident, you need to call the authorities and wait for them to arrive at the scene. If you’re at a public establishment, inform the manager on duty. Most places have protocols in place for how they document these incidents. Reporting the issue early makes your claim easier to prove since it’s easier to find evidence and witnesses.

Just like at the site of an accident or injury in your hometown, it’s vital to document the scene when these things happen on vacation. The documentation process is easier during vacations because most tourists have cameras or smartphones with them. Your time for taking photos may be limited since accidents have to be cleared from the road, and anything that causes a fall in a public place must be cleaned to prevent more injuries. Try your best to take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any contributing factors you notice. Waiting can lead to critical evidence being cleaned away before you can document it.

It’s essential that tourist on vacation seek medical care after an accident while on vacation. Serious long-term injuries may start as a simple soreness. In some cases, an injury may not become evident until weeks after an accident. Getting an immediate check-up from a medical provider will support your claim if you need to file one later. Always go to a physician after an injury and explain how you were hurt. When choosing a local physician after an accident, consider speaking to a reputable attorney to find doctors who are experienced with handling accident-related injuries. These providers will know what to look for and will spot things that less experienced doctors could miss.

When filing an insurance claim or requesting compensation for a travel-related injury, you need to provide as much evidence as possible. Besides getting photos, it’s crucial that you get the contact information of other drivers, establishment owners, and witnesses who saw what happened during the incident. It can become almost impossible to get this information after the fact, and this information could be vital to proving your case. Make sure to carefully document any facilities or doctors you visited while on vacation. The more exotic your trip, the harder it becomes to find this information once you return home. If you have travel insurance, let them know about the incident as soon as possible. Remember to avoid discussing fault until after the completion of an investigation.

When you’re injured while on vacation, it helps to speak to a local attorney to get advice. The rules change based on jurisdiction, so you need to be sure the information you’re getting applies to where you are. And in the event your case needs to go to court, you would need a local attorney to handle your situation.

As on the premier tourist destinations in the world, many people flock to Florida for fun in the sun. If you have an accident while in North Florida and you need a good attorney, contact the Law Firm of Steve Watel, P.A. Our team knows how to research the facts and gather the information to ensure you get the best outcome for your case. If you, or someone you know, can use our services, send us a message online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

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Need Help? Contact Steve.

Steve Watrel, P.A. is the only accident and injury law attorney that has been personally fighting against nursing home abuse for 30 years in Jacksonville. Contact us and see the difference today.

136 East Bay St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
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