accidents abroad
We all look forward to our holiday
and nobody wants to think about something going wrong. We hate to
be the harbingers of doom but the reality is things can go wrong
and the consequences can ruin more than a holiday. It is important
to know what to do after an accident, to be able to lessen the
impact. Firstly, before you go, make sure that you have adequate
insurance.
The process of making a claim abroad is often more convoluted,
difficult and less rewarding than making a claim in the UK. If you
are unlucky enough to be involved in any type of incident abroad it
is imperative to seek the correct medical advice as early as
possible. This may require you notifying your own insurers of the
incident to ensure the medical expenses are covered. At the same
time, it is also important to get as much information and evidence
as early as possible as time is of the essence. Crucial evidence
can literally disappear and with it the ability to recover anything
for the losses that you have suffered. It will not always be
practical or possible to get all of the following but the more
information you are able to gather will enhance your chances of
bringing a successful action.
Some key tips:
• Obtain as much information as
possible about the person who you feel is at fault for the
incident. This should include their full name, address and
insurance company and any registration number if the matter is a
road traffic accident.
• Report the matter to the holiday
representative and any necessary authority. In some cases this
could be the police.
• Photographic evidence of the
accident scene and/or cause of the injuries is always helpful and
often crucial.
• If you have medical treatment, ask
for a copy of the notes confirming the treatment received
• Get the details of any witnesses and
anyone else injured. They do not need to give you a full written
statement at the time and contact details will suffice. It is
virtually impossible to confirm their details after you have
returned home.
• Keep original receipts of all
expenses incurred.
• Keep your travel documents
For further details on any of the
issues raised here, please contact Julie Remmington in
our Personal Injury team at julie.remmington@bllaw.co.uk
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