One of the worst things that could ever happen to you is for you to get involved in an accident, what can make matters even worse is that you get involved in a crash while you’re overseas. It can be traumatizing since you don’t know what to expect and you’re in an unfamiliar place. You may be confused with how things will move along and what would be the aftermath of the accident. However, when you calm yourself down, think straight, and find legal ways to get through this. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be safer even if you’re a thousand miles away from home. To help you, we’ll give you what to consider when you’ve had a vehicle accident overseas.
Familiarize Yourself With The Local Laws
When you’re overseas, it’s best that you take time to understand the laws that govern the country. If you don’t, you may suffer serious legal consequences.
● You may end up getting abused while arrested, especially for women if you’ve done something that most locals consider offensive.
● You may risk getting embarrassed if you make a cultural blunder.
● You may damage your chances of getting granted a place in a foreign company or school.
● You may end up losing your visa and get deported.
Things That You Need To Consider
1. Right after the incident, check yourself for any damages or injuries.
You should immediately check yourself for damages and injuries. After you’ve ensured that you’re okay, you should check your companions as well. If you’re all okay, try checking on the people in the other vehicle.
If you, anyone in your vehicle, or anyone in the other car is injured, you should immediately get in touch with medical professionals. Unless you’re a healthcare provider, you should never touch or move anybody from the scene of the accident.
2. Immediately get in touch with the local authorities.
Even if the car crash seems minor to you, you should never try talking to the other driver and settling the accident all by yourself. You should also never run away from the scene, as you’ll end up looking guilty. The best thing that you can do is to call the authorities and wait for them at the scene.
You should get in touch with the authorities because:
● It’s general law that you call them, if you don’t, you may end up facing more severe consequences.
● The law enforcement can make a police report, which can help you determine who was at fault and help you when you file for compensation.
● You’ll be protected from any person who tries to commit vehicular accident fraud.
As soon as the law enforcement arrives, ensure that you talk to them and tell them what you think happened during the incident.
3. Right after the accident, you should get in touch with your lawyer.
When the incident permits you, you should immediately get in touch with a vehicular accident lawyer. A lawyer working with you will ensure you that any possible mistakes you may make will be prevented or remedied. They can also help you ensure that your chances of winning the lawsuit will be increased. You can click here to find a reliable and suitable lawyer for you. Lawyers will be able to give you the adequate legal assistance and help you explore the legal actions you may take.
4. Immediately talk with the other party involved and exchange contact information.
As soon as you’ve secured everyone, calmly talk to the other driver and exchange necessary contact information. Having their contact information will allow you get in touch with them even if you’re not a local.
You can ask the other driver’s:
● Name, home address, and phone number
● Vehicle type, model, and license plate number
● The insurance company, insurance policy number, and insurance agent
Even if the other driver is adamant, you should never let them take photos of your IDs or ask for your social security number.
5. Right after the accident, get medical help.
As soon as you’ve secured yourself, given your statement, and exchanged information with the other driver, you should go to the nearest hospital.
You should go to a hospital because:
● The doctor can help you figure out if you may have underlying damage, even if you don’t see any injury.
● The doctor will be able to give you a medical report that will be able to show the extent of your injuries and if they’re a result of the accident.
● The medical report that you’d get from the doctor can be used when you file a lawsuit and file for compensation from your insurance company.
6. Immediately document the scene of the accident.
If you can, you should take photos of the scene of the accident. You can use these photos as your evidence to prove your innocence, or help you when you file a suit.
You can document the crash by:
● Taking photos of the scene
● Taking pictures of your injuries and damages
● Collecting footages from CCTV and your dash cam
7. Right after the crash, don’t talk to anybody except the authorities and your lawyer.
You should never communicate or negotiate with the other driver or the other driver’s insurance company with the presence or approval of your attorney. Talking with other people aside from the police and your lawyer may put you in a situation where you say things that could be used against you.
Always Bear These Considerations In Your Mind
Nobody wants to get their time abroad destroyed by getting in a vehicular accident. However, when it happens, you should be prepared and have a clear head.
You should never forget to:
● Check for damages or injuries
● Contact the local authorities
● Consult your lawyer
● Talk to the other driver
● Go to the hospital
● Document the crash
● Talk only to your lawyer and the police officer
When you remember to do all of these and keep yourself calm, you’ll be more than okay.
Sabrina Wright
Sabrina Wright is a vibrant young law writer currently writing her next big project. Her modern outlook on the law field is reflected on her informative pieces. Sabrina loves cooking and often invites her friends over for barbecue.
