When planning your vacation getaway, the last thing you want to think about is the potential of dealing with an accident. But if you are involved in a collision while away from home, it is important to know what to do and who to contact for help. This is especially true the farther you are away from home. Here are some ideas to tuck away into your backup plan.

Medical Attention

If you are involved in an accident while on vacation, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention if you or anyone else has been injured. Once everyone has received the necessary medical care, you can begin to focus on the next steps.

Reporting the Accident

If you are involved in a car accident, you will need to contact the local police or highway patrol to file a report. This is important even if there are no injuries and only minor damage to the vehicles. Be sure to exchange information with the other driver, including insurance information. If there are any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their contact information as well. Check to see what the reporting requirement is for the local department of motor vehicles. There are separate accident reporting requirements for them which are often time-sensitive.

The Insurance Company

After you have taken care of the immediate crisis, the next step is to contact your insurance company. They will need to know about the accident so that they can begin to process any claims that may need to be filed. Your insurance company will also have a list of preferred providers in the area, so you can get the help you need without having to worry about finding someone on your own. This may include additional medical treatment, a rental car, extended hotel reservations in the event you’re stranded as a result of the accident, and many other things.

Legal Advice

Regardless of who is at fault for the accident, it is always a good idea to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can protect you from being taken advantage of by the other driver or their insurance company. If you are injured in the accident, you will need to focus on your recovery and let an attorney from the Radmore Law Firm handle the legal details for you.

Additional Tips

• Always carry your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance with you when you travel.
• If you are involved in an accident, never admit fault or sign anything until you have had a chance to speak with an attorney.
• If you are injured in an accident, be sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Take photos of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles, and any injuries you or your passengers may have suffered.
• If you are in a foreign country, be sure to find out about their local laws and requirements for reporting an accident.

No one wants to think about being in an accident while on vacation, but it is important to be prepared just in case. By following these steps, you can be sure that you are taking the best possible care of yourself and your loved ones if the unthinkable happens.