What to Do if You Get Injured While Traveling
Whether you’re on a business trip or on vacation, getting injured can be frustrating. Injuries are something that nobody imagines will happen, yet people are actually more likely to be injured while traveling than almost anywhere else due to being in a new place, trying out new things, and being off your routine.
If you get hurt, what should you do? Many people may think it is best to wait until they get home to seek treatment, but this isn’t true. Every situation is unique, but here are four things that everyone should do regardless of what happens.
Be prepared
Make sure you have blankets, emergency food, and other essentials if you are making a road trip during the winter. Major highway delays occur every year, leaving travelers stranded without food or heat for hours at a time.
Some basic preparations that everyone should take prior to traveling in another state include the following:
- Have travel insurance and any documents that may be needed following an emergency.
- Pack a first aid kit.
- Make sure you know how to contact local hospitals and clinics, as well as your family and friends back home.
- Learn any unique laws or rules that may apply where you are traveling that could impact you.
By preparing ahead of time, you can feel confident that even if something does go wrong, you are prepared and ready to take care of the issue.
Get in touch with your insurance company
If injured while traveling, one of the first steps is to contact your insurance company. They will tell you what to do next and how long it will take. This is especially true if something happens out of state.
It’s also a good idea to find an attorney. Again, when traveling in a different state, oftentimes the laws are different which may require additional steps than what you may expect at home. A lawyer will be familiar with the differences and will be able to keep the process moving.
Get medical treatment
If you get injured while traveling, it is important to get medical treatment as soon as possible. People often hesitate to get treated when on vacation, particularly if they don’t want to be away from family or ruin any plans.
Going to the doctor may take time, but it will allow you and everyone with you to get back to traveling as soon as possible.
If you are traveling for business, you should also obtain a medical certificate from the hospital or clinic where you receive treatment. The medical certificate will help support your claim for lost wages and other expenses related to your injury, particularly if it is a somewhere you won’t visit again.
Take pictures and make notes
If you are injured while traveling, take pictures and write down how the injury occurred. A picture is worth a thousand words – this is especially true when you’re hurt.
If you have photos or notes to support your claim, an insurance agency, lawyer, or doctor can better help you.