What to Do If You Get Into an Accident During a Family Trip

By Jolene Ejmont @Wanderluststory

Going on a trip is one of the best bonding activities that you can do with your family. As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone in the family stays safe throughout your trip. However, accidents can happen without warning.

That said, it is of high importance to know the essential things to prepare for when traveling with safety in mind.

7 Need to Know Things in Case Something Goes Wrong on a Family Trip

Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Plan Your Trip

When planning for your trip, first you plan your itinerary. More than that, you should also include research time to find out all about the place you are going to visit.

  • Know their protocols about vaccinations.
  • It would also help if you have a list of emergency numbers that you can call should you get in an accident.
  • If you are traveling abroad, make sure that you have a contact number of your embassy so you can quickly inform them of your situation. Often, they are in the best position to help you out.
  • Don't forget to have your travel insurance provider's contact number.

2. Inform Loved Ones

Whenever you plan on traveling, there should be at least one relative outside of your immediate family that knows about your location and your planned trip.

Ideally, you should also have a list of family members that you can call should you ever meet an accident.

3. Bring Medical Records

If you have any medical condition, such as diabetes or hypertension, you should have a list of medications that you are currently taking.

Inform your family where you put them in your baggage so they can quickly produce them in case of an emergency. Including the contact details of your primary attending physician is also ideal.

4. Get Medical Help

If you happen to be injured while you are away, make sure to seek medical attention. It is always best to have a professional do a check of your status. If you have injuries, they can do first aid.

They can also advise you whether you will need to undergo other procedures to ensure that you are safe to travel again. Don't forget to secure copies of your medical records.

5. Inform your Travel Insurance Provider

Your travel insurance is more than just a requirement in some countries. It serves a purpose, and when you get into an accident, you need to inform the insurer right away about your situation.

This way, they can assess whether your insurance covers your injuries. This is the reason why getting cheap travel insurance is often not worth it.

They will have limited coverage and will cause you to spend out of pocket for various procedures.

6. Notify Consulate

For overseas travels, serious injuries may warrant you to notify your consulate. This way, they can assess what available help they can extend to you and your family.

For instance, you may need to go home on airlift; they can help you and your family arrange for one at a minimal cost.

7. Claim Compensation

Once you are safe at home, you can now think about claiming compensation for your injuries.

For example, you had an accident in a restaurant in Georgia, and the injuries you sustained were due to negligence, you can ask a personal injury lawyer in Alpharetta, GA to represent your case so you can get compensation from the offending party.

Final Words

Traveling with your family is a dream come true, however, all of this can quickly turn into a nightmare with an accident.

Make sure that you are armed with the proper knowledge to deal with one.

Keep our tips in mind to ensure that you have an unforgettable trip with your loved ones.

Andrzej believes life to be a never ending adventure. Originally from Poland, he is a devoted husband and father. Dedicated and enthusiastic to chase all his dreams. Storytelling to entice other families to travel.