- After a car accident while on vacation, seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured, as symptoms may appear later.
- If you’re driving a rental car, your insurance options may vary, so review your rental agreement and consult a lawyer for guidance.
- Document everything related to the accident, including police reports, medical records, and receipts, to strengthen your case.
- Hiring a local lawyer familiar with the area’s laws can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights after an accident.
You’re in an unfamiliar place, enjoying your vacation, when suddenly you get into a car accident. This scenario can feel frightening, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’re visiting New York from out of state or a New Yorker on vacation elsewhere, Richmond Vona can help you with your accident claim.
Car accidents that occur on vacation have slightly different considerations than those that happen near home. Here, we’ll explore how to protect your rights after a car accident while on vacation and how our team at Richmond Vona can support you.
First and Foremost: Are You and Your Family Okay?
You’ve likely left the accident scene by the time you read this. However, you’ll still want to take care of your health.
Get medical attention for everyone in your vehicle promptly, even if you feel uninjured. The shock of the accident may mask injury symptoms for a few hours or days. The longer you wait to get injuries diagnosed, the harder it will be to prove that the accident caused them.
Prompt medical treatment can provide powerful evidence in your favor after a car accident. If you’re unsure where to get non-emergency care in the local area, the nearest urgent care facility is a good option.
If the police didn’t respond to the accident scene, it might not be too late to get a police report. Notify the local police as soon as possible. They’ll help you create an accident report that can strengthen your claim.
What You Should Know About Car Accidents Involving a Rental Car
The aftermath of your car accident may be more complicated if you were driving a rental car. The details depend on the insurance option you selected.
If you signed a loss damage waiver when renting the car, you won’t be liable for damage to the rental vehicle. The accident also won’t affect your personal insurance policy. If you paid for rental car insurance through the rental company, you also may receive coverage for damages, such as medical expenses.
Your personal auto insurance likely covers you as if you were driving your own vehicle. If you went with your existing auto insurance while driving a rental car, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may handle any injury claims. If you’re partially or fully at fault, your liability insurance may cover the injured party’s damages.
Consider bringing your rental car contract to your consultation with our car accident lawyers. We can help you understand how your rental agreement terms affect your case.
Documentation and Evidence
Documenting the accident is crucial in any car accident case. Keep a copy of any records you receive related to your accident and injuries, such as the police report, medical records, and receipts. It’s also a good idea to journal your physical and emotional state after the accident and update your account regularly.
We understand it might be difficult to get this documentation in an unfamiliar area. Don’t worry if you’re having trouble accessing these records—we can help you gather any missing evidence.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer After a Car Accident on Vacation
The car accident laws of the area you’re visiting are likely unfamiliar to you. You may not know which local experts to rely on for testimony or how to navigate the legal system. Hiring a lawyer familiar with the area’s unique legal landscape—or who’s willing to research your vacation town’s laws—can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Insurance companies often prioritize profit over victims’ well-being. That means they’ll do everything in their power to get you to settle for less than you deserve. They may even try taking advantage of the added stress and confusion of being in an unfamiliar place. We know the insurance companies’ tricks and tactics and are ready to put that knowledge to work for you.
Richmond Vona Is Here To Help You After an Accident on Vacation
At Richmond Vona, we’ve recovered over $175 million for injured people. Our 20+ years of combined personal injury experience includes car accidents on vacation. In one case, we achieved a $375,000 settlement for a couple involved in a car accident while vacationing in Maine.
We’re located in Buffalo, New York, but we can assist you regardless of where you vacationed. Our attorneys are ready to help you start moving forward with your accident claim. It costs nothing to explore your legal options with us. Contact us online or call (716) 500-5678 to schedule a free consultation.
