Coping with an accident while abroad

When we are planning our holidays or business trips abroad we have better things to think about than planning what to do in the event of an accident. We like to stay responsible and purchase and arrange travel insurance but usually once it’s done it leaves our minds and (hopefully) we won’t have to think about it again.

But what if the worst happens and we experience an accident while abroad? It’s important to understand the issues involved, such as medical procedures, emergency contacts and what rights you have once you get back home.

Anything that can happen to you at home can happen to you abroad. Road traffic accidents, for example, are a major cause of injury while on holiday, as is unexpected illness or trips and falls.

When dealing with incidents such as these at home we know exactly what to do but in unfamiliar territory it can be overwhelming trying to sort out all the little details.

The same basic rules apply when abroad in dealing with any situation. Try to stay calm and not panic. If you have a medical emergency, ask for help and apply your own knowledge to do whatever you can quickly. 

What you should do first is of course seek medical attention if you have been injured. It’s always a good idea to learn a few key phrases in the local language before you go abroad. Emergency phases like “Please help me, I’ve had an accident.” will come in really handy and alert others to your situation.

You should try to find someone who speaks the local language to accompany you to hospital or the police station to help you translate your situation and get you the quickest help.

It’s also a good idea to know where your country’s nearest embassy is in case you need legal advice or help in a serious situation. They can help you deal with the police, sort out serious money issues and provide general guidance while you’re away from home.

Perhaps the most important rule though when travelling is make absolutely certain you have the right travel insurance. Most countries will treat you in the event of an accident but you will be charged and often have to pay thousands of pounds in medical bills. So make sure you know what you are covered for.

One concern for you once you get back home might well be trying to get justice or compensation for your accident. It’s not always clear what rights you have as a visitor to another country but if you experience an injury you should be entitled to fight for justice the same as you would at home.

There are many companies who could help you with your claim. You could seek a lawyer specializing in international incidents or you could try a more general accident claims service.

They will go through all the details with you and be able to tell you whether you have a claim.

If someone else or another company, such as the hotel you were staying in, was responsible your claim might be what makes them change their policies, improve the condition of their premises and generally provide a healthier and safer service.

If you have had an accident and you think you might be entitled to compensation you can contact  <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.accidentconsult.com/index.php">Accident Consult</a> and they can discuss your claim and all your options with you and help you get the best result.