Emroch & Kilduff – What to Consider if you suffer an accident while traveling

If you’re traveling – be it to a faraway land or to the nearby store – you are in charge of yourself, your belongings, and your safety. This is why it’s potentially hazardous if you suffer an accident while traveling as you’re in an extremely vulnerable situation, and your life is in danger. However, this is all the more reason why you should take your preparation seriously and read up on what to consider if you suffer an accident while traveling. Preparation and making sure your safety is a top priority in your travels can be of great help in these unexpected circumstances.

FindLaw advises that while emotions and tensions are high after an accident, it’s important to keep a cool head and to remember that there’s protocol to be followed, especially when it comes to trying our best to ensure the safety of ourselves and the people around us. Here are some things on what to consider if you suffer an accident while traveling.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

The name of the header might be confusing, as “obviously” the best way to be “safe” is to be calm after leaving the scene, right? While this logic has merit, it’s much safer in a legal sense to stay at a safe area within the scene and to not leave until your legal counsel advises you to do so. This is because leaving prematurely may lead you to being charged for hit-and-run, and this can have its own set of penalties that can be hassling for you as well. This means the best way to deal with an accident is to first maintain a cool head and assess the situation. If you’re in need of particular clarifications on the specifics of a vehicular accident while travelling, perhaps this site may be of assistance.

  • Try to check if you’re injured and where, and if your car has been damaged. Immediately call for law enforcement assistance to your area and assess the scene as well.
  • Were there any other people who were injured? How were the other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in the vicinity? It’s important to get a good idea on what their status is in order to know the extent of the injuries they have. Call for medical assistance in order to ensure no one suffers serious injuries.
  • Also, don’t forget to remember that it’s not wise to help anyone who’s been injured regardless if you’re qualified to do so. This is because on the event a death or injuries become worse, you might be liable for them despite your noble intention.

Keep Information, Keep Documenting

The next best step is to gather information based on your assessment. Try to document the scene as best you can, especially when it comes to the extent of damages and injuries that happened. If you have a camera with you, try to get as many pictures as possible, especially if your vehicle has been damaged and if you have injuries of your own. This can greatly help boost your chances of getting your insurance claim accepted if there ever comes a need to file one.

  • It might also help if you begin talking with other people in the scene as well. Try to get the names, contact details, and license numbers of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who were involved. This is especially needed if you need to establish communication with them later down the line.
  • Remember, however, that when it comes to interacting with people at the scene, stay polite and respectful. There’s no need to be aggressive as everyone might be agitated as well. However, don’t apologize for anything about the accident as they might misconstrue this as admission of fault on your part and it could get you in trouble.
  • In the same token, try your best to get copies of reports, correspondences, appointment records, and even receipts from everything you spend after the incident that is related to your recovery such as hospital bills, hospital care, doctors, medical consultations, and the like.
  • When people you don’t know start getting touch with you – such as insurers and collectors from the party that had caused damage to your car – it’s best to redirect them politely to your lawyer. It’s best you ask your lawyer who you’re allowed to talk personally about the incident and what details on the incident you’re allowed to share. 

Conclusion

Traveling is a convenient way to unwind or go to one location to the next, regardless of the medium. Be it on foot, by a car, by train, by ship, or by plane – traveling gives us a short span of time to go to one destination to the next even if they’re far away. This allows us to experience quite a comfortable journey knowing we’d get to our destination in no time at all. However, it’s important to remember that accidents don’t choose anyone, and it can happen to you at any time. Knowing what to consider if you suffer an accident while traveling is a good heads up on proper behavior as it allows you to be on the top of your game regardless of the eventualities.

However, always remember to consult with a medical professional or a legal professional as to the medical and legal specifics of injuries when traveling as their advice to you can save you a lot of hassle, especially if you have particular conditions to take note of or specific inquiries on legal matters. 

Adeline Robinson

Adeline Robinson is one of most promising young law writers. She writes pieces on law topics for common readers. She is an avid sports fan and loves watching games if she has free time.