While going on a vacation or other type of trip can be fun and exciting, having something go wrong on your travels can be even more of a headache than normal. Especially if the mishap involves your mode of transportation, like getting into a car accident, your vacation might just be over right then and there. So to help ensure that you take the right steps if this happens to you and your travel companions, here are three tips for dealing with a car accident while on vacation.
The Car Accident Basics
Regardless of where you are or what car you’re driving, the first things you should do after getting in a car accident should always be the same. According to NerdWallet, the very first thing you should do is make sure everyone who was involved in the accident is okay. If they’re not, make sure you call an ambulance to come give you medical attention. In most cases, you’ll also want to call the police so they can help direct traffic around your accident and create an accident report for their own records. If there was another car involved in your car accident, you should also exchange information with them so you can both get the administrative side of the accident taken care of.
Document, Document, Document
While you’re exchanging information with any other drivers involved in the car accident, you’ll also want to document everything that happened. According to HG.org, this includes taking pictures of any and all damage to the vehicles and surrounding areas as well as getting any necessary statements from people who may have witnessed the accident. When you have to deal with the insurance company, you’ll be glad that you took the time to document everything about the event so you can have the most accurate account of what actually took place.
Dealing With A Rental Company
Because many people rent cars when traveling on vacation, you may have to deal with the additional issue of having been in the accident in a rental car. Depending on the type of insurance coverage you have on the car you rented, what will happen next will vary. According to Curtis Lee, a contributor to Nolo.com, you can be insured through the rental car company, through your own car insurance, or through the credit card company that you used to pay for the rental car. So if you get in an accident in a rental car, make sure you call both your own insurance carrier and the rental car company to give the correct information to the correct organizations regarding your accident.
If you get in a car accident while traveling, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you figure out the best course of action.
