The New Year is upon us, and as we prepare to shrug off the binding ropes of the COVID-19 imposed travel restrictions, it is crucial to be concerned about our safety too. Many people visit beautiful, exotic foreign countries to celebrate the holiday mood. Still, spare a thought about unwanted events taking place during your vacation, like your baggage being misplaced or lost word at worst, you being involved in a car accident in another country. It is little wonder that the mere talk of such circumstances is sure to confuse readers and make them nervous. Worry not, however, observe the following steps to recover fast or even better come out unscathed.
Remain Calm
It is a well-established fact that often it is far easier to lecture other people about doing something than to practice it oneself. Car accidents are traumatic and make you all the more nervous when they occur in a foreign country like Hawaii, a common destination for American travelers. But no matter where you are, remaining calm in the aftermath of the accident remains a good thing to do for yourself and all concerned. If your vehicle and the other one had other passengers check if they are injured.
Inform The Police Immediately
Many essential things to do in the aftermath of a car accident in another country are the same irrespective of where it occurs. One such thing is to inform the police immediately after an accident. If the accident was a minor one, and you are relatively okay, it is the first thing to do. Keep in mind your responsibilities as a party involved in the accident are not confined to informing the police. Also, American travelers in Hawaii should try to get in touch with a car accident lawyer in Honolulu. Wait for the police to arrive and ask all concerned parties the required question. While they are doing this, ensure you remain polite and answer whatever question they might ask you.
Another thing you will need is the police report so ask for a copy of the same from the concerned police authorities. Also, make it a point to conduct a rigorous medical examination of yourself to ensure that you haven’t sustained any hidden injuries. Try to seek out an interpreter if the language is proving to be a problem.
Make Sure You Accumulate All Necessary Information
As you wait for the police to arrive at the accident site, it is a great idea to start collecting accident information yourself. First, ensure everyone is safe and then record essential details like the names of the involved parties’ drivers and their necessary insurance information. While doing this, also remember to share your insurance details as well. Note down things like vehicle license plate numbers, the manufacturer, and the model of the vehicles.
Take Pictures Of The Accident Site
Another task set for you while you wait for traffic authorities is to document the accident site by taking photographs. In this, you should start by taking pics of the vehicle you were driving or were inside. Then, proceed to snap images of the other car, which was a part of the collision. Ensure that you shoot a wide shot of the road and all things in the accident vicinity that might have led to the incident. Keep in mind that doing this is vital as while filing your insurance claim, these will form the same along with the police report. It is crucial to observe this step even if it is relatively intact, as the pics will serve as proof. Such proof assumes greater importance when you rent a vehicle, which you will likely be doing while on foreign soil.
Collect Contact Details Of Observers Too
If anyone has watched the incident or has stopped by, then make it a point to record their contact details safely. Please note the incident accurately and make sure they agree with what you have written down.
Get In Touch With The Insurance Provider
There’s a time limit set for you to file your insurance claim in another country. Accordingly, make sure you don’t miss out on the same. If you take your vehicle with you on foreign soil, make sure to call up the insurance company and be certain of the applicable terms and conditions. If you have hired a vehicle, it is a matter of absolute necessity to report accidents to the police. Thankfully, it’s not your responsibility to get the car repaired.
File Your Insurance Claim
The last thing to do is also the most complicated. Get hold of all the accident documentation you have made and preferably seek counsel from a suitably trained and experienced lawyer. The sheer number of things you have to do as part of the claim process will make you run out of breath, and professional assistance helps.
As mentioned earlier, the truth behind easier said than done is all too obvious and assumes great importance when it comes to you following the steps laid out in this article. Accidents in another country and insurance are complicated and risky aspects of our day-to-day lives. And when such incidents occur on foreign lands, it is enough to wrack even the coolest of nerves. Hope you stay healthy and, in this case, necessarily calm and composed!
