Injured in an accident on holiday? Here’s what you can do.
As restrictions on travel are lifting in this *almost* post-Covid era, more and more Scottish residents are taking the opportunity to go on holiday for perhaps the first time in over two years.
Whether you are jetting off to lounge by the pool Love-Island style, or for a week of hiking and water sports, there is no better feeling than when you step off the plane ready for the week ahead!
However, as we all know, everything doesn’t always go to plan when you head away for some much-needed rest and relaxation, and it is possible to sustain injuries or fall victim to illness while you are away. It’s a situation none of us want to ever find ourselves in, and it’s especially unpleasant when it is something that could have been prevented.
Our personal injury team have some answers to your holiday accident questions, so that you are fully in the know about where you stand legally after being involved in an accident abroad.
Can I make a claim with a Scottish solicitor if I was injured abroad?
If you have been injured whilst on holiday abroad, you might think that you cannot use a Scottish solicitor to raise a compensation claim.
However, it is possible to claim compensation here in Scotland if you were injured in an accident abroad. At Watermans, our specialist personal injury solicitors are experienced in dealing with overseas compensation claims.
Our team know how to handle cases dealing with local health and safety standards of different countries. We can offer straightforward advice on what your first steps should be in the process.
What types of accidents can I claim for?
- Slips, trips, and falls
Lounging by the pool and strolling from the restaurant back to your hotel room may not seem like overly dangerous activities, but it is possible to injure yourself if the complex you are staying in fails to follow health and safety regulations.
- Road traffic collisions
In Scotland, we drive on the left-hand side of the road. When we holiday abroad, often we need to drive on the opposite side of the road. This can be challenging even for the most competent drivers, making road traffic collisions one of the most common accidents that you can be involved in on holiday.
- Food poisoning
One of the best things about being on holiday can be sampling the delicious cuisine of the local areas! Unfortunately, it is possible to fall victim to food poisoning, which can be debilitating for the duration of your time away.
- Injuries sustained during activities and excursions
Going on holiday is all about making memories, and what better way to do that than booking activities for you and your family to enjoy outside of the hotel complex walls? Unfortunately, no matter how safety-conscious external excursion companies can be, accidents can and still do happen.
How long do I have to make a claim?
It’s important to start your claims process as soon as possible after being involved in an accident abroad.
In Scotland, there is a three-year time limit which applies to making a claim. However, this might not be the case in a country with different rules and regulations.
The sooner you start the process, the more chance you have of making a successful claim.
If you have been involved in an accident whilst on holiday, try to take photo or video evidence of the scene of the accident. Report it to the relevant authorities as soon as possible.
Tips for protecting yourself while on holiday
Ensure that you take out travel insurance. Having insurance in place can help with any immediate medical costs you may be faced with after an accident abroad.
Whether you are booking your hotel, a speed boat tour or a rock-climbing adventure, it is important to be mindful of which companies you choose. Make sure to book with a reputable company who have a strict health and safety policy in place.
Make sure that you are aware of the highway code in your country of travel. Some rules may differ to those we follow in Scotland. It’s important as both a pedestrian and a driver to be aware of any differences.
Why Watermans?
At Watermans, our solicitors take the hassle out of the legal process for you, so that you can concentrate on getting your life back together after your accident.
We understand that going on holiday can be an expensive treat, and if it has been ruined because of an accident that wasn’t your fault, then you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and financial loss.
Our dedicated team are experts in handling overseas cases and are here to offer you straightforward legal advice through every step of the process.
To speak to a member of our personal injury team, call us on 0131 555 7055, or contact us using the form below.