Vacations are synonymous with fun and relaxation. A vacation allows you time away from regular programming and the stress associated with your daily life. Planning a vacation is good for your physical and mental health. However, bad things sometimes happen on vacations. Knowing what to do can save you a lot of stress and hassle if you’ve been in an accident while on vacation.
A leading accident attorney has offered insights into how you should handle a car accident while on vacation. Read on for some helpful tips.
Stay Calm
There are a few things as unsettling as a car accident. The event can cause an outburst of adrenaline to course through your body. It’s worse because you’re on vacation and expected to be relaxing. Instead, you have a car accident staring right at you.
Always remember that there’s not much you can do to reverse the accident. Instead, focus on the next steps to de-escalate the situation. Call for immediate medical attention if you or any other occupant has been badly injured or hurt.
Please note that you should also seek medical attention irrespective of how fine or unscathed you appear. Car accidents sometimes cause internal issues or delayed symptoms. Seeking immediate medical help can uncover such problems and give you much-needed medical attention.
Call the Police
It is a crime in most states to leave an accident scene before the police arrive. Leaving an accident scene before the police arrive can also be an indictment on you, especially as the other driver could fabricate lies against you.
The rule of thumb is to stay at the scene of the accident until the police arrive. Explain your side of the story to the police and ensure that a statement is taken. The statement will serve as your first official accident report.
Be sure to be as factual as possible when narrating the events leading to the accident. Avoid exaggerating things and stay truthful.
Gather Evidence
Vacation accidents can ruin your day, but failing to follow recommended advice can ruin more than that at a later date. Paying attention to the accident scene is a great way to understand the at-fault party.
While at the accident scene, gather as much evidence as possible to back your account of how the accident happened. Some of the relevant and recommended evidence to gather include;
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Photos and videos of the damages suffered, including injuries sustained
- Eyewitness information
- A record of the date and time of the accident, including how the accident happened.
It is recommended that you note the accident to ensure you have accurate information at a later date. Failing to take notes after the accident can affect the consistency of your story when told later.
Exchange Contact Information
The standard practice after a road accident is to exchange insurance information with the other driver. Be sure you aren’t admitting fault or apologizing to the other driver after the crash. Your apologies can be termed as an admission of guilt, which may significantly affect your claims case – if you ever push for it.
When exchanging information with the other driver, focus on details like;
- The driver’s name, address, and phone number
- The driver’s insurance provider and insurance policy number
- The driver’s license number and license plate
Having the information above can help you locate the driver at a later time when you need to file a claim against them or their insurance provider.
Speak to Your Insurance Company
Insurance providers are strict with the time window offered to policyholders when involved in an accident. If you’ve been involved in an accident and can make calls, ensure that your insurance provider is informed about the accident and the extent of damage suffered.
When speaking to your insurance provider, ensure that you’ve only stated the facts of the case, including where and when the accident happened, the type of damages and injuries sustained, the number of affected people, etc.
It is also important to refrain from offering speculations as part of the information provided to your insurance company.
Contact the Rental Car Company
Ensure to reach out to the rental car company if you have rented a car while on vacation. The rental car company will have a standard operating procedure for handling such issues. You’ll often start by filling out an incident report to explain how the accident happened. The rental company will also inform you of what is covered in their insurance policy covers and what you will cover as the driver.
Please note that every rental company operates differently. They will, however, handle the matter according to their set protocols.
You need to consult with an injury lawyer, especially if you’ve been hurt or injured in the crash. Your lawyer can advise you appropriately on the next steps to take.