Road trips can be fun, but they can also put you at risk of getting into an accident since you are on the move most of the time. Getting involved in an accident while traveling can be scarier and a big spoiler than when you are at home. While there is little you can do to prevent an accident, it’s good to be prepared for any situation. Here are some things you should do after an accident, whether it was your fault or not.
1. Call the local police
Before you contact a lawyer from the Law Offices of Troy A. Brookover, call the local police to file an accident report. This report is essential for your insurance company and can help prove that you were not in the wrong for the accident.
Since you are traveling, you can file the police report in the country or state where the accident has occurred. Contact the court clerk in that area to get a copy of the report. You will need to provide your name, the date of the accident and the case number. You can also use the police report as evidence if you decide to file a personal injury case.
2. Seek medical help
Injuries caused by vehicle accidents are often not immediately apparent. Most victims report feeling more pain a day or two after the accident. However, you should always seek medical attention at the local emergency room.
Even if the accident involved a small impact, you could sustain severe or permanent injury to your leg or spinal cord. If you lost consciousness after the collision, you might have suffered a closed head injury or concussion. Visiting a doctor helps uphold your health, link your accident injuries, and produce the paperwork needed to create a solid case.
3. Call a local lawyer
Not every accident will need hiring a lawyer, but it can be a good idea if you are involved in a serious accident. Getting in touch with a qualified attorney can boost your chance of getting fair compensation.
A local injury lawyer would be the best for your case if the accident happened outside your country or state. An experienced local lawyer can also help you take legal action if they believe that the car rental company has arbitrarily charged you additional costs.
4. Inform your travel insurance company
If you had activated your travel insurance with your local insurer before traveling, contact them after your accident. Even if you don’t plan to file a case, your travel insurance company may explain what your policy covers you for in such a case.
You still need to call your insurance company if you were at fault for the accident. However, be prepared to face some consequences, such as higher rates or even having your policy canceled. If you were not at fault for the accident and the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you can file a claim with your insurance company.
Endnote
While the chances of getting involved in a car accident while traveling are often low, it’s good to know how to act if it occurs. Follow these tips if you are involved in an accident during your road trip, and you will be back on your way to the adventure gateway in no time.
