A car accident can happen anywhere, anytime, even during a vacation. Whether in your car or renting one, a car accident can be overwhelming, particularly in an unfamiliar area. While it may not be a completely stress-free event, and you cannot always prevent an accident from happening, there are specific steps you can take to make the entire situation easier to handle.
Before you leave for vacation, knowing the traffic laws in the area is beneficial. If you rent a car, familiarize yourself with how it operates, especially with the safety features, such as how to use the lights or wipers. Also, always wear your seat belt and practice safe driving habits.
Accidents happen, even to the safest and most experienced drivers. If you get into an accident on vacation, remember to stay calm. You should also do the following:
- Check on everyone: Make sure everyone involved is safe. Call 911 and have a medical responder come to the scene immediately if someone is hurt.
- Contact the police: Even if there are no injuries or the accident seems minor, you should have the police go to the scene and file an official accident report. A police report is helpful as it outlines the event of the accident.
- Exchange your information with any drivers involved: Ensure you get their name, phone number, insurance information, and the other driver’s license number. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well.
- Gather evidence: Take photos and video of the accident scene, particularly any vehicle damage or injury, and the location itself. Take note if there are any security cameras or traffic cameras in the area.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you do not feel injured, you should always seek medical attention following an accident. Many injuries are delayed and can appear hours or days after the adrenaline of the accident wears off, so you want your injury to be documented and treated immediately. Ensure you keep all medical records of the accident and follow through with the doctor’s recommendations.
- Contact your insurance company: Most insurance policies require contacting them about the accident, even if you did not cause it or plan on filing a claim. Tell them you were on vacation and if the accident occurred in a rental car.
- Contact the rental car company: Inform the rental car company of the accident, and they should tell you how they want you to proceed. You may have to fill out a form or incident report. Rental car companies ask you if you want to purchase their insurance before you take over the car, so if you did, tell them. The rental car company will inform you what damages they or their insurance company will cover. Your insurance policy will also advise you on what coverage they may provide.
If you believe the accident was not your fault, contact a lawyer and discuss your case with them as soon as possible.
Media Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Help Accident Survivors Injured by Negligent Drivers
If you were on vacation in a different state and got into an accident, be aware that their insurance and accident laws may differ from your state’s. Our Media car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. are here to help. Call 610-565-3701 or fill out our online form for an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.