Car Accident On Vacation? What Next?

Nobody expects their vacation to end with them in a car accident, but it can happen. Vacation does not mean that you may not end up in a car accident, and even minor accidents can have detriments to your health and body. If you're in an accident on vacation, you need to know what to do next.

The Next Steps

If you're in a car accident on vacation, you should first call the police. File a police report so you can have evidence the accident happened and a summary of the other party's actions. When you have a police report, you may be more likely to receive compensation for your injuries and property damage.

After you report the incident to police, check on other people involved if you can. When the police arrive, ensure that you report any injuries, even if they seem minor at the time. Your next step is to receive a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Your doctor will determine any injuries, especially those that are currently unseen but potentially devastating to your health.

Next, gather the other person's insurance information and driver's license data. You need to get an address and phone number for the other party should you need to take the case to court, and you also want the insurance information so you can report the information to your own policy.

While on the scene of the accident, make sure you gather all potential information from witnesses. Take statements and take down as much information as they are willing to give you. For witnesses, you should gather their names and phone numbers at the very least.

Finally, make sure you take photos at the scene. If you're on vacation, it's possible you're not as familiar with the area. You may need to take more photos so you can have an accurate memory and representation of what happened if you're questioned about it later. The photos also provide evidence for court about the scene of the incident.

Filing a Lawsuit

You may decide to file a personal injury lawsuit after you have been in an accident. If you're on vacation, this can be challenging because you likely want to hire an attorney from the area in which the incident happened. You need to find an attorney who may consult with you over the phone as necessary, especially if you are unable to trek to the vacation spot regularly to discuss the case.

Get the help you need from a firm like Cok Kinzler PLLP today.