In many countries across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic is subsiding, and national and local governments are slowly and cautiously opening up their economies. Non-essential businesses have opened, and people are allowed to move around again, including going on vacation.
While no one wants to consider the consequences of being involved in a road accident while away from your home state or country, it is essential to make sure you are ofay with “what to do” before you leave home.
Global statistics show that about 1.35 million people die in road accidents every year. This translates into 3 700 people per day. And between 20 and 50 million people are injured, often resulting in long-term disabilities per annum.
As the St Louis Uber Accident Attorney notes, preventing road accidents is a shared responsibility between national and state governments as well as the individual driver.
However, as the definition of an accident states, a road accident is more often than not “an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance.”
Therefore, the question that begs is, what do you do if you are involved in a vehicle accident while on holiday?
Table of Contents
By way of answering this question, let’s consider the following tips:
Document everything
Vehicle accidents are stress-inducing as it is without the added stress of being in another state or country. Therefore, it is essential to document everything. Take photos of the accident scene, collect witness statements and contact details, and exchange driver’s license details and contact details with the other drivers involved in the accident.
Seek medical attention
No matter how minor the accident is, it is essential to see a medical specialist as soon as possible after the accident. Symptoms like whiplash don’t always present post-accident or before the adrenaline caused by the accident has worn off. Consequently, it is vital to get checked out by a doctor straight after you are allowed to leave the accident scene.
Do not leave the accident scene
A hit and run accident is a serious offense in most parts of the world. It is essential to remain at the accident scene until the traffic authorities or police have been to the scene no matter how minor the accident is. It is better to be sure than falsely accused of leaving the accident scene because of the differences in country or state laws.
Contact an experienced attorney
Road accident cases can be complex. Hence, it is better to hire a lawyer to help you navigate your way through the post-accident paperwork than to attempt it yourself. You might also need legal representation in any personal injury claims, or even possible criminal charges, as a result of the accident. In fact, it is a good idea to speak to an attorney as soon as you can after the accident.
Do not sign any documentation
You might be contacted by the other party’s motor vehicle insurance and asked to sign an acknowledgment of guilt for the accident. It is critical not to sign anything, nor admit to anything verbally, until you have spoken with your attorney.
