Compensation Claims for Accidents Abroad

Ah, that long awaited holiday! Then in a flash, you and your family are involved in a road traffic accident, through no fault of your own. You are in a foreign country, unsure of what to do, with injuries and a damaged car.

The first priority is to call for the police and not leave the scene. Get out your camera if you or someone else in your party are able and take as many photos as possible. Documentation will later play an important role in any compensation you may receive. Once the police arrive, insist on an immediate medical evaluation of each family member who was in the car with a complete report of all injuries, regardless of how minor. Make sure you report any pain you are experiencing at the time. Many countries insist on these reports as a pre-requisite to bringing any compensation claims.

At any time after the accident, should you develop any pain, bruising or addition symptoms, you should report them immediately to a medical care facility. That visit should be documented and the report included in the police report and retain a copy for yourself to give to your solicitor for your compensation claim.

It is imperative that you document everything related to the incident. Keep all receipts and records. Make copies of all reports and give duplicates to the police for their files. Get names and addresses of witnesses; they may be needed later for additional questions. If you are unsure of documents you are being asked to sign, do not sign them without consulting your solicitor first.

Immediately upon your return to the UK, seek legal advice from an experienced compensation claim solicitor. As with all personal injury cases, there are time limits for filing a holiday accident personal injury compensation claim. The spouse or dependants of a deceased victim of a travel accident may also pursue a compensation claim.

No one wants to think that their family holiday will end in tragedy. These days, however, it is the wise traveller who is prepared for the unexpected. Be smart and come home safely!
However, if you do have an accident abroad, visit the experts at www.irwinmitchell.com and they will be able to organise your compensation claim.