Getting in a car accident when you are in another country can be a frustrating scenario, but it is not the end of the world. Knowing how to react and who to call can save you a lot of hassle and allow you to return to normalcy as soon as possible.
Whether you are on a vacation or a work trip, the last thing you want to worry about is getting involved in a car accident. Matters are made much worse if you find yourself getting injured as well. The first steps that you take after the accident are vital, especially now that you are in another country. Fortunately, many of these steps are similar to if you got an accident where you are from. Here is what you should do if you get hurt by a car in another country.
Call your attorney
After everything has been cleared up, you should contact your attorney and inform them that you have been in an accident in a different country. Why is this important? Depending on the severity of the crash and who was at fault, there might be a lawsuit forming. If you do not find proper legal protection, you could end up in serious problems, so this Fredericksburg personal injury lawyer states that time is of the essence too when it comes to finding an attorney, as the sooner you inform them of the accident, the sooner they can start building your case. An attorney will also give you proper representation in court, meaning you don’t have to worry about all the unwritten rules. You should be informing your attorney as soon as possible if you find yourself involved in a car accident in a different country.
Document the scene
Just like any accident, if you are able to get out of your car and document the scene, it is advised that you do so. What pieces of information should you be looking to collect? Talk to the other driver and get their name, driver’s license, insurance policy, and phone number. This will give you the ability to contact them and their insurance. As for the scene of the accident itself, take as many photos as you possibly can.
A common insurance scam is for people to get into an accident, and then ruin their car further hours later. They will then claim that all of the damage was caused by you. By taking the time to take photos of their license plate, and the condition of the car, you can protect yourself from any possible insurance fraud.
Go to the doctor
The next thing you are going to want to do is to go see a doctor in that country. The good thing is, you won’t have to worry about the cost that much. Whenever you are traveling to another country, you are likely provided with some sort of travel insurance. This helps to cover any medical bills that you will incur when there. Not only that but if you have health benefits, you are probably covered as well. Cost should not be a reason why you avoid the doctors. The doctor will be able to diagnose you and see if there are any underlying injuries.
The other benefit to seeing a doctor is that they can confirm that the injuries you sustained were a result of the car accident. This is important for legal proceedings, and the doctor will provide appropriate documentation for it. Finally, if you do win a court case, your medical expenses will be covered, therefore putting you in a situation where you don’t even have to worry about the cost.
Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels
Rest or go back home
Finally, depending on the severity of your injuries, you are going to have to make a choice about what you want to do. If your injuries are serious, but you are able to travel back home, it is recommended that you do so. You will need plenty of time to heal. If you took a flight over, the airline will be able to accommodate your injury for no extra cost.
If you do need time to recover and rest from your injuries before traveling back home, find the time to do so. It is inconvenient having to change all of your plans, but at the current moment, you need to get better so you don’t injure yourself further. Follow the orders of the doctor and find a nice bed to relax in till you are able to move around again.
Getting in a car accident when you are in another country can be a frustrating scenario, but it is not the end of the world. Knowing how to react and who to call can save you a lot of hassle and allow you to return to normalcy as soon as possible. Document everything at the accident and don’t be afraid to call EMS as well. Where are you planning on traveling to?
Main photo by Artyom Kulakov from Pexels
