Getting into a car accident can be one of the most stressful experiences of someone’s life. The sheer fact that you were just in an accident that could have harmed your life is stressful enough, but to add to that stress their are often issues with insurance and the process of getting your car fixed. The process is overall arduous, time consuming and often costs a pretty penny. The only thing worse than handling a recent car accident is if that accident occurred while traveling. Here’s what you should know if you get into an accident while traveling:Call the policeThe first thing you should do after an accident is call the local law enforcement for wherever you happen to be. If you’re in the United States, it’s simple. Just call your local law enforcement and explain the situation. If you’re not in your native country, ask eyewitnesses for help in contacting the police.If you’re not injured, be prepared to record what happened while they are heading to the site of the accident. Take pictures of your vehicle and take down notes from eyewitnesses and any other individuals involved in the accident. Taking down detailed notes, contact information and insurance information will help you with filing any claims.Seek immediate medical attentionIf you experienced any issues in the accident, please be sure to call any emergency numbers. Again, if you’re not in your native country, refer to eyewitnesses about contacting emergency assistance services. Once they arrive, they’ll take a look at you and any possible injuries. Work with the medical professionals and take mental notes of anything they say. This will become important with filing any lawsuits against the perpetrator of the accident.Pay attention to the local lawsIt’s impossible to know when an accident could happen to you. However, you can be prepared by brushing up on the laws of the place to which you’re traveling. Before taking a trip to Canada and renting a car, look up their laws when it comes to accidents. You’ll be a site for shore eyes if you’re stuck in another country in deep legal issues because you weren’t aware of their traffic laws. And if you caused the accident, knowing their laws may ultimately help you get off with a lesser sentence or fine.Talk to your insuranceOne of the first things you’ll do after the accident is contact insurance agencies. If you’re the victim of an accident, you’ll file a claim with the perpetrators insurance company. If you’re the one who caused the accident, you’ll want to reach out to your company for next steps. If you’re abroad when this accident occurs, you’re insurance company will be able to help you organize any claims in accordance with that country’s laws. It’s their job to know these things or know someone who can help within that country. They also may have connections for a decent car accident attorney in the area in the event that the perpetrator of the accident is refusing to pay for your expenses. You may even want to be proactive and look into travelers insurance before you leave on a trip.Make arrangements for travel home, file any suitsLastly, you’ll want to arrange travel home. If the vehicle involved in an accident was your method of getting home, you’ll need to look into renting a new car or finding some other mode of transportation. You may want to reach out to friends or relatives in the area if that applies to you to have a place to stay if you need time to organize travel home. Following the completion of your travels, you’ll want to file any necessary suits if you were the victim in the accident. This is where taking notes and contacting insurance companies earlier will help you in this final step.
