What to Do After an Accident Abroad

You just got into a car accident on your lovely trip abroad. What do you do now? Is it the same as getting into an accident in America? Ultimately, you are in an unfamiliar environment and that can be scary, but knowing how to navigate this situation can be crucial for your safety and well-being. This article created by the sexual assault attorneys and personal injury lawyers at the Mahoney Law Firm LLC, discusses how to protect yourself while traveling to a foreign country and provides insight on how to handle the situation with confidence. 

What To Do After A Car Accident

If you just got into a car accident abroad, the first thing you will be experiencing is a lot of adrenaline. This is completely normal for emotions to run high, so try your best to assess the situation and ensure your safety. Although you might not feel any injuries because of all the adrenaline, it’s best to go to a doctor to check for potential injuries. We can come back to this later, but if there is any emergency injury contact authorities immediately. 

• Call the Police: 

  • Contact If you and your loved ones are okay to exit the car, do so and ensure that there isn’t any oncoming traffic that can worsen the situation. Try to assess the situation as best as you can and contact the police if this accident is an emergency. There are also non-emergency contacts that can be called, but once either of these are contacted make sure to document the incident. 

• Gather Information: 

  • While waiting for the authorities to arrive, gather as much information as possible. Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles and any visible injuries. Collect insurance and contact information from all involved in the accident. 

• Find a Translator:

  • You’re in a foreign country, so trying to understand the native language might be difficult. If you can try to find a bystander who can translate or use apps like Google Translate to exchange information. Authorities might be able to help with this as well if you don’t have any reception in a foreign country.

• Never Admit Fault:

  • Although you might have caused the accident, let insurance companies and authorities determine the liability. You may feel guilty but this could save you money and trouble down the road. 

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Lawyers are here to help and usually provide free consultations to determine if they want to take your case. Although navigating a car accident in a foreign country can be complex, attorneys are equipped to provide knowledge that can help win proper compensation. You need to be honest with them, just like you would with the authorities, and provide them with all the necessary details so they can start filing a claim. It might be a little bit more challenging since there are different laws regarding car accidents, but personal injury lawyers will help guide you.

Understanding what to do after a car accident abroad is important. Be proactive and research the process for every country that you are traveling to before arriving in the country. This could save you headaches and money in the future. Stay safe and happy travels.