*Collaborative post*
Suffering an accident can be extremely stressful and unsettling. If you’ve suffered an accident in an unfamiliar place or a foreign country, then it might be especially difficult. Let’s run through a few essential steps to be taken by those in this diffiuclt situation.
Assess the situation and seek immediate assistance
The first step you should take after having suffered an accident will be the same, wherever in the world you might be. Make sure that the situation is safe, and then seek assistance for any injury.
You’ll want to know exactly what number to call to contact the local emergency services. Don’t assume that you’ll be able to Google the answer at the scene of the accident. This goes especially if you’re out away from major settlements.
Bear in mind that, in many cases, you’ll be asked to pay for medical treatment upfront, even if you’re insured. If you’re in the European Economic Area, then the UK’s Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will see you covered to the extent that a local citizen would be.
It might be that you’re unsure of what medical advice is being offered to you. Look for an interpreter, if you can.
Document the scene and gather evidence
It might be that you will later come to rely on health insurance, or that you’ll want to claim compensation through a personal injury solicitor. In either case, you should make a point of documenting the scene as it is. Take photos of any important locations, and collect testimony from local witnesses. If possible, record the conversations you have with local authorities and medical practitioners. You’re probably going to be disoriented – and a video record of important conversations can be vital when you need clarity later on.
Contact your insurer and seek legal advice if needed
After you’ve received any necessary medical treatment, and you aren’t in any danger, then you can get in touch with your insurance provider to establish support for medical expenses. It might be that you need to be repatriated in an ambulance.
Personal injury claims will almost always be pursued later on. If your injury was suffered while on holiday, then you’ll typically involve a UK-based solicitor to pursue damages on your behalf. Different countries will have different rules about how blame is assigned, and different time limits for claims to be made. For the sake of your peace of mind, it’s often a good idea to start the ball rolling immediately.
Some cases are more complex than others. If you aren’t sure about how to proceed, then look for the British Embassy or consulate. There may be experienced professionals there who can point you in the right direction, and even offer you free legal advice.