Accidents on holiday
What should you do when you have an accident abroad?
No one expects to have an accident on holiday, but knowing what to do can help make it less stressful. Our experts explain the steps you should take below.
Report your Accident
Find your holiday representative and report your accident. Ask them to complete an accident report form and obtain. If the accident has not been recorded accurately, flag this to the holiday representative in writing/email.
If you do not have a holiday representative, report your accident to the hotel and request it to be recorded in the hotel’s accident book. Ask for a copy of the log once completed. If the hotel won’t supply a copy, then ask to take a photograph of the relevant entry.
Collect Evidence
It is important to collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. The documents we would usually request to see will change depending on the nature of the accident, but these would usually include:
- Your booking documents containing your holiday terms and conditions
- Photographs of any defect, or accident area, which show what caused your accident
- Photographs of your injuries
- A copy of any accident report or log
- Details of any witnesses
- A copy of any complaint made
If you do not have all the above documents, don’t worry, you can still make an enquiry and our skilled lawyers will advise you based on the documentation you do hold.
Contact Your Travel Insurance Company
Before seeking medical treatment, it is important to speak to your travel insurer to:
- Authorise medical treatment; and
- Confirm which hospital you should attend
It is common in foreign countries for guests to be sent to private hospitals instead of public hospitals. Your travel insurer may prohibit funding for specific hospitals, so it is extremely important to confirm this with your insurer before you receive any treatment, as treatment without cover may mean you are personally liable to meet the cost.
Seek Legal Advice ASAP
There are deadlines in which a claim for personal injury can be made. This may depend on the rules of the country you are in when the accident / incident occurred. The deadlines can be as little as one year from the date of your accident, so it is important to contact a specialist solicitor to seek advice.
If you or a loved one is injured abroad or while travelling, we may be able to help. The knowledge our team of lawyers has with accident abroad claims is invaluable, and they will work hard to ensure you get the outcome you deserve.
Contact us online here.
