Summer is here, and the kids are out of school, many of us will be packing up the family and heading out on vacation. Vacations are meant to be relaxing and fun. However, sometimes things can go wrong despite of our best efforts to ensure everything goes smoothly. It’s a good idea to know what to do in the event of an unexpected mishap. Before you head out on vacation, review these tips on how to deal with accidents and injuries while away from home.

Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers

Automobile Accidents on Vacation

A car accident is a surefire way to spoil a vacation, but you can lower your risk by following some basic safety tips.

  • Know the local laws of where you’re staying, and follow them. This includes wearing seatbelts and motorcycle helmets, obeying speed limits, and not texting while driving.
  • Always wear your seatbelt, even in taxis or buses.
  • Never drive under the influence or when tired.
  • Try not to drive at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
  • When riding on motorcycles, wear a helmet.
  • Stay alert and pay attention at street crossings, especially when travelling in a country where they drive on the left side of the road.
  • Avoid using unsafe looking vehicles, like overcrowded vans and top-heavy buses.

Review your medical and auto insurance policies before you leave home, that way you’ll know exactly what each policy covers. Your health insurance may have different procedures to follow when you’re out of state. Review your auto policy’s accident reporting procedures if you’ll be in your own vehicle. If you’re renting a car, make sure you know what’s covered under your policy, the rental agreement, as well as any additional coverage provided by your credit card company.

If you’re involved in an accident on vacation, get medical treatment right away. Even if you feel fine, make sure you get checked by a local doctor or ER. Some injuries, like soft tissue damage, don’t show up until later.

If you have an accident in your personal vehicle, rental car, or any other form of transportation, be sure to report it to the police. Get a copy of the accident report for your insurance or rental car company, and take photos of the accident and any injuries in case you need documentation later.

Handling Injuries on Vacation

Slips and falls are common accidents that can happen anywhere. In fact, 2 out of 3 of all falls happen because of slips or trips on level surfaces, like floors, sidewalks, or streets. You can’t eliminate your risk of slips or falls entirely, but you can take precautions to help prevent them while on vacation.

  • Wear stable, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles to help prevent falls.
  • Pay attention when you’re walking. Uneven pavement, wet spots, or cracks may not be visible.
  • Only walk where you have enough light to see. Dim light makes it hard to see hazards.
  • Be careful on wet surfaces. Even if everything looks okay, water can make stairs and walkways slippery.
  • Don’t carry too much. Extra weight, like backpacks, suitcases, or shopping bags, can affect your balance.

We hope your summer vacation is filled with fun, excitement and fond memories. But if you do have any issues or questions, contact the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne.