Your vacation is the very last place on Earth you expected to get hit by a car. You were likely just sightseeing or doing other tourist type things when the vehicle came out of nowhere. If the driver of the car was clearly at fault, you may have the right to financial compensation. That said, the whole situation can feel a bit complex or frustrating if you are out of your element and far away from your hometown. To help you keep it together, here are some tips to keep in mind if you are hit by a car during your vacation.
Seek Medical Attention at the Closest Hospital
If you are injured while on vacation and need medical help, it might be tempting to try and wait until you go back to your hometown before checking into the hospital. But if you can successfully make it back home, this could be used as evidence against you by the other side because it will be clear that you were well enough to continue traveling without immediate medial attention. In other words, if you intend to sue for pain and suffering, it's in your best interests to get professional help as soon as possible. Make sure to get a copy of all records before you leave the hospital, as it could be difficult to do so once you leave town.
Understand That Every State Has Different Laws
The next thing you need to do is make sure you were on the right side of the law. It may seem like the other party is guilty, but what if you are basing that conclusion on the laws in your home state? Look up local traffic laws and make sure you still have a case before proceeding. Your insurance company may be able to help with the initial investigation, especially if it is clear you are not at fault.
Hire a Local Car Accident Attorney
If you are going to sue the other party involved in the accident, the lawsuit will likely have to be filed in the city or state where the accident occurred. For best results, you will want a local attorney who is familiar with local laws. Search for a tourist car accident attorney in your vicinity and reach out to get started. The lawyer you find may also be able to help you obtain your medical records and research local driving laws.
Contact attorneys like Cok Kinzler PLLP today if you were hit by a car while on vacation.
Few things are as intimidating as facing a lawsuit, but if you aren't careful, you might end up struggling with legal problems at some point in time. I know that I never expected to be left battling a legal drama, but after I began working with a team of professionals to create a business, I ended up facing some serious issues. I was nervous about what the future would hold, but I didn't want to give up either. I worked with a lawyer to take care of every aspect of the lawsuit, and it was cool to watch things get better. Find out more about this blog by reading these posts.