In the upcoming weeks, many families and students will pack their bags and head out for a Spring Break vacation. While vacations are intended to be a fun and relaxing experience, they also come with risks and dangers if you are not careful. There are a number of things that tourists can and should do while traveling in order to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
Tips for a Safe Vacation
- Have you car serviced before any long road trips. Review maps before getting on the road so that you aren’t distracted with a map or GPS device while driving.
- Park in well-lit locations.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Stay with a group if traveling in unfamiliar places.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Many times, people travel to unfamiliar locations for vacation which can increase the risk of accident and injury.
- Watch children closely when using the hotel pool or swimming at the beach.
- Store valuables in room safes or safety deposit boxes.
- Know the fire and emergency escape routes of the hotel.
What to Do If Injured While on Vacation
If you are injured while on vacation, there are several things that you should do, including:
- Seek prompt medical attention. Make sure to request and retain copies of all medical records, documentation, and receipts. Not only will this help get medical treatment once back home, but it can also help support any legal claims that may result.
- Report the accident to the appropriate authority. If you were involved in a car accident, you should immediately report the accident to the police and request a copy of the police report. If you were injured in a hotel or restaurant, you should promptly notify management and file an incident report.
- Take photos of the scene of the accident. If possible, you may want to take photos of the accident scene to refresh your memory once back home and to provide supporting evidence for any potential legal claims.
- Obtain names and contact information of any witnesses.
- In some instances, you may need to inform your insurance company of the accident. If you were in an auto accident, for instance, you may need to notify your auto insurance carrier of the accident, but you should avoid giving any recorded statements or signing any documents without talking to a lawyer first.
- Consult with an accident and injury lawyer. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may have a legal claim against the responsible party. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and advocate on your behalf to get you money damages. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement so you won’t pay anything unless you win.
Contact an Accident and Injury Lawyer
If you were injured while on vacation, contact the Chicago accident and injury lawyers at Cogan & Power, P.C. at (312) 477-2500 to receive a free case evaluation. We will listen to your situation, assess any possible legal claims, educate you on your legal rights, advise you on how to proceed, and advocate on your behalf for maximum financial recovery. If you cannot come to our offices in downtown Chicago, we will come to you. And because we take cases on a contingency basis, you will not pay any fee unless we get you compensation.