A Brief Guide To Protecting A Claim For A Holiday Accident
Before travelling abroad, always ensure that you take out adequate travel insurance. In the event that you have an accident, this should ensure that your medical bills are covered and that you can be repatriated to the UK if necessary. If you are travelling to an EU country you should also take your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card); this will allow you to obtain medical treatment in the same way as nationals of the country you are visiting. Remember there is an expiry date on the EHIC so make sure that you check your card is still current before travelling and if necessary apply for a replacement. When buying travel insurance, make sure it covers you for the holiday that you have planned, and that it includes legal expenses insurance.
If you are taking your car abroad check your motor insurance policy before you travel and make sure that you notify your motor insurer before you leave if this is a requirement of the policy. Failure to make relevant notifications to the motor insurer can mean that you are not insured for an accident abroad or that your insurer will not assist you to have your car repaired or returned to the UK.
If you have an accident
If you do have an accident abroad, whether as a pedestrian, a driver or a passenger in a car, there are steps you can take to maximise your chances of successfully claiming against the person responsible:
If you do have an accident abroad, whether as a pedestrian, a driver or a passenger in a car, there are steps you can take to maximise your chances of successfully claiming against the person responsible:
Take the details of all parties involved in the accident, including full name, address, telephone number and car registration.
Take the details of any witnesses, including full name, address and telephone number.
Many countries require that you complete an Accident Report at the scene. Beware of signing any documents that are in a language that you do not understand. If in doubt limit your entries on the form to your contact details and vehicle details.
Take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries if possible.
Keep all travel and insurance documents and notify your insurer as soon as possible.
Many countries require that all accidents are reported to the police. Make the report as soon as possible after the accident and always ask for a copy of the report. Do not sign anything that you do not understand and that has not been translated for you. In any event, make a note of the address and contact details of the police station where you made the report.
If you receive medical treatment, make a note of the contact details of the doctor or hospital and try to get a summary of the treatment you have been given.
Write down your version of events and make a sketch of the accident as soon as possible after the accident and while your memory is fresh.
Make a note of all expenses you incur as a result of the accident and keep receipts and invoices.
It is also worthwhile keeping details of the assistance provided to you and as to the injuries that you have suffered.
Taking the time to obtain the right information as early as possible can make all the difference and mean that you can claim successfully.