There is a lot of commotion and confusion in the immediate aftermath of a car accident, which may feel doubly stressful if it happens during your vacation. You have an emergency situation on your hands, you are in unfamiliar territory and you might also lose out on hard-earned relaxation.
It is important to understand what to do in this situation so that you keep your family safe, navigate the confusing nuance of your location and maybe even salvage some of your vacation.
Remain calm and gather information
According to AARP, there are plenty of steps to take when in an accident. These steps apply whether you experience the accident at home or abroad. Do not panic, call 911 or the relevant emergency line and use your cellphone to document the accident. Documentation includes photos of the scene and important details such as driver’s license numbers or insurance policy numbers.
Identify injuries and seek medical help
Take note of any injuries and, in order to avoid further harm, move your vehicles out of the flow of traffic. After the accident, you may need help finding the nearest local clinic. Even if you feel fine, it is important to have a doctor examine you for any unknown injuries.
Double-check legal differences
No matter where you are on vacation, you may want to know the differences between your hometown and your trip destination when it comes to car accidents and liability. There are resources available to help you identify any legal differences while also navigating a compensation case if your accident involved negligence.
