It is the stuff of nightmares and the sort of thing that you only assume happens to other people. But when you are enjoying a well-deserved vacation in the sun or you are backpacking your way across Asia for a couple of months, the last thing you want is to get injured.
When you get injured on vacation, everything grinds to a halt. You are left hurt, confused, angry, and frightened at what happens next. If the injury was not your fault and you are now concerned about how you will get back to work, support your family, and finance your medical bills, then pursuing a personal injury case could be a viable course of action. For information on personal injury lawyers in Indianapolis click the link.
Read on to find out what you should do next if you are injured in a car accident on vacation:
Assess The Situation
After being in a car accident it is important to assess your injuries quickly, so you can then decide on your next course of action. If your injuries are minimal and you were the driver then move the car away from the road if you can. If you are a passenger on a bus, or in the back of a cab, etc, then assess your injuries and exit the vehicle as quickly as possible. You could still be in immediate danger from the vehicle catching fire or another vehicle colliding with it, if it is still on the road.
Remain Calm
It is tempting to close your eyes and allow panic to set in. But as you are in a foreign country, you are perhaps even more vulnerable than you would be back home. So, remain calm and take some deep breaths, you need to have your wits about you so you can get to safety, help others, and get in touch with the authorities.
Get Help
There may have been witnesses of the accident, which means that the emergency services are already on their way. However, if you are in a remote area then it may be up to you to get help. This is why researching the emergency numbers of your destination is vital!
At The Hospital
Your medical travel insurance policy should cover you for any treatment you receive at the hospital. It is important to have ID on you so you can receive care as quickly as possible. Ensure you receive a full medical report as well as receipts and billing information so you can speak with your insurance company about a claim.
Take Time To Recover
Once you are discharged from hospital, it is tempting to head straight back out there and enjoy what is left of your adventures or vacation. However, it is important that you take it easy and get enough rest. Your body and mind have gone through an unexpected and traumatic experience, so you need to give yourself time to reflect and recover. Swap those water sports you had booked for a day reading by the pool or switch your mountain hike for a simple guided tour instead. Rest up for a few days and always follow the advice the doctor has given you.
