Are you heading to the US on holiday this year? If so you should check out the international driving regulations for the area you are travelling to.
More often than not, you might have to drive on the other side of the road. The UK is one of only 64 countries in the world which drives on the left side of the road. If you travel to a right-side driving country, you immediately increase your chances of getting into a car accident. Preparing yourself for that possibility before you go can help stave off the impact.
This article discusses the steps you should take after you have a car accident abroad. This advice comes from an expert Car Accident Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona, who specialise in helping international drivers through car accidents in their area.
Suffered a Car Accident Travelling to the US? Here’s What To Do
Although this article uses the US as an example, you can apply these rules to any country you travel to. If you are injured in a car accident abroad, here are the steps you should take.
1. Make Yourself Safe
The first thing you ought to do after any RTA is to make sure you and your family are safe. When you are able to move around freely, remove yourself to a safe distance. You have no moral duty to save anyone else, although if you can, you should. You should only try to remove people if it is essential. The emergency services will safely remove people from their vehicles. If you move them, you may further damage them.
2. Gather Information About the Accident
The next thing you should do is to gather information about the accident. This means talking to any witnesses you can, taking pictures of the scene, and getting the contact details of all those involved. Pay particular attention to the tracks on the road, any damage to street furniture, and the directions of travel of each of the vehicles or pedestrians in the accident.
3. Alerting the Authorities
Call the local emergency services number. Remember, this is 911 in the US, not 999 like it is in the UK. Call that number and ask for police and ambulance services. The authorities may already be on their way, but it is better to raise the alarm just in case. When the authorities arrive, you must give a statement to the police about the accident.
4. Visit the Hospital
Whether you believe yourself injured or not, take a trip to the hospital. You were just in a car accident. It may be that you seem fine, but that you took a nasty head hit. This could have consequences later if you do not see a doctor to check you out. Seeking medical attention creates a paper trail that your lawyer can follow later.
Car Accidents Abroad Are Like London Based Incidents
There are stark similarities between getting injured in a car accident in Arizona and suffering that same injury anywhere else in the world. The problematic part is that you will need a specialist who is able to skilfully manage an international lawsuit, even when you return home to London after your holiday. Find the correct lawyer and everything else will fall into place.
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