We’ve all been there. You’re on vacation, enjoying your time off from work and the stresses of daily life. But then, you’re in a car accident out of nowhere. It’s a jarring and frightening experience, especially if it’s your first time. But don’t panic. You can do some things to minimize the stress of the situation and ensure you’re protected. Here’s what to do after a car accident while on vacation.
1. Go for a Medical Check-Up
If you’ve been involved in a car accident as you travel, it’s important to go for a medical check-up as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re injured. The adrenaline of the situation can often mask any pain or injuries you may have sustained. A doctor can properly assess your condition and determine if you need any further medical treatment.
Additionally, getting a medical check-up will create a record of your injuries, which can be important if you decide to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit later on. For example, in Oregon, vehicle insurance covers $15,000 in medical expenses per person, so if your medical bills exceed that amount, you may need to take legal action to recover the rest of the costs.
2. Notify the Police
Regardless of the severity of the accident, you should always notify the police. They will come to the scene of the accident and create a report, which can be important for insurance purposes. The police report will document vital information about the accident, such as who was involved, what happened, and any citations that were issued.
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, you should still notify the police. They may be able to help you track down the other driver and get them to take responsibility for the accident.
3. Exchange Information With the Other Driver
If you’re able to, exchange information with the other driver. This should include your name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. You should also get the same information from the other driver.
If the other driver refuses to give you their information, don’t confront them about it. Just call the police and let them handle the situation. Additionally, try to get the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident. Their testimony could be important if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
4. Take Pictures
If you have a camera or smartphone, take pictures of the accident scene. This includes pictures of the damage to your car, the other car, and any injuries you may have sustained. Photographs can be important evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
You should also take pictures of the surrounding area, such as road conditions, traffic signs, and weather conditions. These factors can play a role in who is ultimately responsible for the accident.
5. Secure Your Vehicle
If your vehicle is still operational, you need to secure it. Keep in mind that approximately 77,000 automobiles are stolen every year in the U.S. So if you leave your car unattended, you’re at risk of having it stolen. If your car is not operational, you should call a tow truck to take it to a safe location.
It’s also important to remove any valuables from your car, especially if you have to leave it unattended for a long period. If possible, take them with you or place them safely. The last thing you want is for your valuables to be stolen while you’re dealing with the aftermath of the accident.
6. Get a Personal Injury Lawyer
According to the Department of Justice, just 4% of personal injury claims go to court, with the majority settled outside of court. Even so, having a personal injury lawyer on your side can be beneficial. They can help you understand the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your rights.
And if your case goes to court, a personal injury lawyer will be by your side throughout the process. So, if you’ve been involved in a car accident while on vacation, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer. They can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Doing all these things will help ensure that you have the best possible chance of getting the compensation you deserve. So, if you’ve been involved in a car accident during travel, don’t hesitate to take these steps. They could make all the difference in the outcome of your case.