When you’ve finally got the chance to take a break from your work responsibilities and you’re enjoying some well-deserved time off, it’s not uncommon for accidents to happen. While it’s not pleasant to ponder when and how an injury might occur, it’s wise to plan ahead so that you are prepared in case it does.
The more prepared you are, the better chance you’ll have of being compensated for expenses or losses that may arise a result of injuries at hotels, restaurants, or anywhere you are spending time during your travels. Here are 7 helpful steps to take in case you find yourself or a loved one suffering an injury while vacationing.
1. Secure Medical Assistance Immediately
The most important thing to do after an accident where injuries are sustained is to get medical attention as soon as possible. Not only are you protecting your well-being by doing so, but you also will need to take this step to prove that you did sustain injuries that required medical care.
If you feel that you need emergency care, have someone call an ambulance. If you believe that you can wait until the next day to see a doctor, that’s okay, too. Just seek medical assistance within the next day or so after the accident. Waiting too long can jeopardize any chance you have of winning a personal injury claim. Be sure to keep copies of all medical records, treatment instructions, prescription receipts and billing statements.
2. Report the Accident
Notify someone about the incident. Either you, or someone with you, needs to report the accidentif it occurred on private property. For example, if you fell down a flight of stairs at a hotel, you’ll need to speak with the manager on duty. Ask to file an accident report and request a copy for your records.
3. Avoid Admitting You Were at Fault
At this stage, it’s vital that you not say anything that would absolve someone else of any responsibility for your injuries, so don’t say you were at fault. Don’t apologize, and don’t take responsibility for your injuries. Doing so can leave you footing the bill for all the expenses that will arise as you are recovering from the accident. Instead, report the problem, call the authorities, and don’t leave the scene of the accident.
4. Avoid Sharing Information on Social Media
Don’t share details of your accident on social media, including comments, videos or photos or it can come back to haunt you — even if it seems perfectly innocent. Sharing information publicly will only serve to muddy the waters if you are planning to make a personal injury claim.
5. Document What Happened
After an injury occurs, you — or someone with you — need to document everything you can. It really is as simple as pointing your smartphone and taking pictures of the area where the accident occurred and photos of the injuries sustained. You also should look for witnesses and request that they make a video statement regarding what they saw. Make sure they give their name, the date and their contact information in the video.
Request copies of any types of records connected to the accident, including police reports, accident reports, and medical records.
6. Don’t Wait
If you think you want to pursue a personal injury claim, start compiling all of the evidence you can get your hands on while it’s fresh on your mind. Your right to pursue a claim won’t last forever; the statute of limitations on personal injury claims ranges from one to six years from the date of the accident, depending on which state you’re in. Once the statute of limitations expires, the chances of you being able to file a claim are slim.
7. Don’t Sign on the Dotted Line
If the other person’s insurance company is anxious to get you to sign something, that’s a red flag. Just say no. If you sign anything, you could be signing away your rights to pursue a claim by accepting inadequate compensation that won’t even begin to cover your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses that surface as a result of your injuries.
8. Consult With an Attorney
Always speak with your lawyer first- your insurance company is not working as your advocate like a defense attorney is working to defend you, according to Los Angeles car accident lawyers,https://www.thebarnesfirm.com/contact-us/los-angeles-personal-injury-attorney/. Severe accidents require a personal injury attorney to help you get the financial recovery you deserve. Many attorneys offer a free consultation, such as The Barnes Firm, so you can find out if you have a viable personal injury claim or not before you pay a single dime.
Image Credits: Injured on Vacation from Przemek Klos /Shutterstock
