Nowadays, weekend travel has become a common phenomenon among adventure seekers. Since everyone has to cope with a lot of stress during the weekdays, people travel to tourist destinations or holiday resorts during the weekends for a change of scenery or to simply unwind and relax. It reduces the stress levels and you come back feeling fully rejuvenated and ready to face the challenges of the coming week. 

What if you are involved in an accident on the way? You are in an unknown place amongst strangers, far away from your family doctor and your familiar hospital. What are you to do? We have a few tips on how to handle such situations in an unfamiliar environment. 

Get Medical Help

The very first thing you need to do is to gather yourself mentally and check if anyone is hurt. If anyone is hurt, call for medical help. In addition to external injuries, you might have suffered some internal injuries which could cause pain later on and require medical attention. For this reason, it is always better to get a medical check-up, even if you think you don't need one Administer first aid to those who've sustained minor injuries and call for an ambulance. 

Inform the Police  

In most jurisdictions, accidents are considered police matters, therefore, it is always advisable to inform the police as soon as you have taken care of the injured. Follow the advice of the police. You may need to file an FIR at the police station. Once the police arrive on the site, they will take care of the other emergency services needed and also disperse the crowd that might have gathered. 

Inform the Insurance Company

The next step would be to inform your auto insurance company about the accident. They will need evidence in the form of pictures of the accident. If you are not badly hurt, gather evidence by taking pictures of the scene, the damaged vehicle, and any injuries. Any people around who have witnessed the accident may be asked to be eyewitnesses to substantiate your claim. The damaged vehicle should not be moved from its place unless the insurance company specifically asks you to do so. In the case of minor damage, they may ask you to take it to a nearby workshop which is a part of the company’s cashless network. If the damage is major, the company usually sends a surveyor to the site to take stock of the situation and the damage to the vehicle. 

Get a Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer who happens to specialize in car accidents is a must. Every country and state has different laws regarding negligence and personal injury, so hiring a lawyer is an important step. The lawyer will take care of the nitty-gritty and help you navigate any complications. When you hire a car accident lawyer, you can rest easy knowing that you have the support of an experienced professional who will be taking care of all the legalities involved. Another benefit of hiring a lawyer is that you don’t have to worry about the rental company's complications as he will also take care of them.

When looking for a lawyer after a car accident, first look for an expert with experience in the area of personal injury law. Make sure any lawyer you are thinking of hiring is well-reviewed online or by people you know and trust. You can find out more here about what makes a personal injury lawyer reputable. 

Call the Travel Insurance Company

Many people purchase travel insurance when going on a trip. If you have travel insurance, call the travel insurance company and inform them about the accident. They'll likely remind you of all that's covered in your policy. In case of major injuries, you will have to give up on the trip altogether. In case of minor injuries, if you want to continue with your trip, calling your travel insurance company will save you money that will allow you to continue your trip. 

Exchange Contact Information 

During any accident, it is important to maintain contact with the other party involved. The information that you will need includes:

• Name 
• Phone Number
• Residential Address
• Driver’s License Number
• Insurance Company
• Insurance Policy Number
• License Plate Number 

In case of any witnesses, get their contact information as well. 

Gather Evidence

You will need evidence of the accident scene and the damaged vehicles. Take as many pictures as you can at the scene including the damaged vehicles, the people injured, the other vehicle involved and any other vehicles which might be present there. This is useful in establishing your blamelessness and claiming your insurance. Ensure that you also get a copy of the accident report from the FIR. 

Stay Calm

It is very important that you stay calm and collected after an accident. You can only think clearly if your mind is calm. There is a lot to be taken care of and you'll need to have your wits about you in order to take care of everything. Losing your temper and playing the blame game could land you in an uncompromising situation, especially in a foreign state. Maintaining your cool will allow you to handle things in an effective manner. 

Whenever you travel, be prepared for any eventualities. Reading up on the traffic rules of the state you are visiting will provide an added advantage in case of an accident. Of course, the first thing to do is take care of the injured. But do not neglect the other important steps to be taken after you have provided first aid to the injured. Be prepared for a change of plan, because accidents always come uninvited. The tips given here will help you handle the situation in the best possible manner.