Need to Know: Car Accidents in Other Countries
Car accidents are never pleasant, but they can really spoil a perfect vacation when they occur while you are traveling. And an injury can make it even worse.
In many ways, international car accidents are handled in similar ways to those at home. But there might be some big differences, depending on where you're visiting. Here are some things to consider if you are injured in a car accident in another country.
First Steps
What you do right after a car accident abroad should be the same as what you do after an accident at home. First, assess the damage. Make sure everyone is OK, that anyone injured receives medical attention, and that the cars involved in the accident are not a danger to other traffic or pedestrians.
Second, alert the authorities. Whether you're in Rome, Italy or Rome, Georgia, you should call the police to any serious auto accident. Having an official report of the accident will help later.
Third, document the accident. To the extent you can, make your own notes and take your own photos of the crash and any injuries in case any conflict arises later.
International Insurance
Much of the above advice is designed to help in future insurance filings. Whether your car insurance covers an accident in another country will probably depend on what kind of insurance you have and what country you are in. You should check with your policy to see if you are covered if you're driving your own car in another country like Mexico or Canada.
If you rented a car in another country and purchased insurance for the rental, you should contact the rental company and/or the insurance carrier immediately after any accident. It would also be a good idea to get as much insurance information from the other driver, if possible.
If you or the other driver was uninsured, or if you are having difficulty dealing with an insurance agency, you might want to contact an injury attorney to assist in handling your claim.
Related Resources:
- Injured in a car accident? Get your claim reviewed by an attorney for free. (Consumer Injury)
- Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Car Accident Case? (FindLaw's Injured)
- Car Accident Checklist: 5 Things to Do at the Scene (FindLaw's Injured)
- Is It Too Late to File My Car Accident Claim? (FindLaw's Injured)