Your ideal holiday might be a time to relax and recharge your batteries, a time to explore new places and experience different cultures or simply to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Whatever your dream getaway looks like, it could quickly turn into a nightmare if things don’t go to plan.
An accident on holiday could see a stress-free break turn into you dealing with unfamiliar healthcare procedures, legal systems and struggling with language barriers. All of this on top of the disappointment of your ruined holiday.
If you’re unlucky enough to suffer an injury abroad, you should report it to your hotel or holiday representative as soon as possible and make it is added to an accident book or record. You should also take photos of the location of your accidents, the contact details of any witnesses and keep hold of receipts for medical treatment or medication. All of this will improve your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries if you decide to make a holiday accident claim when the dust has settled.
However, the claims process can be complex so it is best to seek help from experienced accident abroad solicitors such as Your Legal Friend. You can find out more here.
Although an accident abroad is usually unlikely to happen, knowing the most common causes of injury could help you stay safe on your next adventure…
Road traffic accidents
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the number one cause of injuries abroad is collisions on the road. Many holidaymakers are guilty of naivety when they hire a car as soon as they touch down in a brand new country. If you’re unfamiliar with the rules of the road and traffic systems, you can become a danger to yourself, your family and other road users. It’s always a good idea to research the laws (including unwritten ones) of the road in the country you are visiting. Having a road accident abroad can be a tricky situation. Speak to a good car accident lawyer if you get into trouble.
Trips, slips and falls
All sorts of trips, slips and falls are a very common cause of injury for holidaymakers. Falls from windows or balconies, slips on wet surfaces and trips on poorly maintained flooring are among the potential hazards before you’ve even left your hotel. While you should always be responsible for your own safety and take care, there could be situations where the blame can lie elsewhere. Hotels have a duty of care towards you and your party when you stay with them. If they are negligent in this duty, they could be held liable for your injuries.
Accidents on excursions
You may have booked a package holiday, where pre-booked excursions are included in the price of your holiday. If you’re the adventurous time who loves to get out and about to see local attractions, you should keep your wits about you. Accidents on excursions are one of the top causes of injuries abroad. If you’re unlucky enough to have an accident on your adventures, you could be covered if the trip was planned by your holiday provider.
Swimming and sporting accidents
While lazing around in the sun might sound like your perfect holiday, plenty of holidaymakers choose to keep fit or simply have a bit of fun with swimming and sporting activities. While serious accidents are unlikely to happen in most sports, it’s always a possibility – especially if there isn’t a trained instructor or lifeguard about. Winter sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding can be particularly perilous if you don’t receive adequate training or equipment. If you are injured in a sporting accident through no fault of your own, your travel provider or an equipment manufacturer might be liable.
Accidents in the air
Everyone would agree that the worst thing that could happen on a plane is a crash. Thankfully, these are extremely rare – in fact, flying is the safest mode of transport by far. However, other accidents can occur when flying such as falling luggage, injuries caused by turbulence, food poisoning from in-flight meals and accidents when boarding or exiting the aircraft. The Montreal Convention is a set of regulations that govern international air travel and could cover you if you’re unlucky enough to have your holiday ruined before it has even started.
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