10 keys so that a traffic accident does not ruin your vacations
How to fill out a part, what to do if it happens to you abroad or how to claim the compensation that corresponds to you ... These are some of the most frequent doubts when having a traffic accident. That's why we tell you the 10 recommendations so that a traffic accident does not ruin your holidays.
The oil, filters, levels and tires are checked, the brakes work properly. Like thousands of people, you are probably counting the days to go on vacation, but before leaving you should ask yourself, do I have everything ready?
When it comes to taking the car, there are many drivers who really do not know what are the steps to follow in case of having a traffic accident. Therefore, before traveling, having clear what to do in these cases is just as important as having the car ready.
10 tips to enjoy the trip without complications with the car
1. In case of doubt, call the police: If the drivers do not agree on who was at fault, it is better to call the authorities. The attestation may be determinant for the insurer to pay compensation for the damages.
2. Fill in correctly the friendly part: It is important that you accurately reflect how the accident occurred. First fill in the personal information of the drivers, others involved and witnesses. Next, select the option that describes the reason for the accident and the respective culprit. To avoid doubts, in "observations" you can make a complete description. If the event has caused material damage to the luggage you were transporting, such as a camera, mobile, laptop, etc., you must indicate it in the part.
3. Accidents with injuries: If any of the occupants suffers an injury, it must be treated urgently. When dealing with a traffic accident, insurers will assume all medical expenses and can choose to be treated in public or private health. Remember that if you feel discomfort in the days following the accident and do not go to the doctor, you will lose the right to compensation for bodily injuries.
4. Transfers, towing and accommodation: depending on the type of policy, it will have more or less benefit. However, the majority covers travel expenses, the towing of the vehicle and, in the case of serious injuries and hospitalization, the policy usually covers the accommodation expenses of family members, up to a maximum limit. Expenses not covered by your policy must be claimed from the insurer, provided that the fault of the accident is not yours.
5. Cancellation of hotel, flights and others: If the accident prevents you from enjoying your vacation and causes you some kind of economic damage, you can claim those damages from the insurer of the vehicle responsible for the accident.
6. Traffic accidents abroad: The most important thing when you suffer an accident in another country is to ensure that you have the necessary evidence to claim your compensation rights. The main problem is usually the language. If the accident occurs outside of Spain it is advisable to call the local authorities (you can call 112 for any emergency in the EU countries).
7. Health care abroad: If the accident occurs in the EU, the public health services of that country will assist the injured without cost, although they must provide the insurers' data to the center so that they can claim the expenses directly. If the accident occurs outside the community space, it will depend on the agreements you have with Spain in the matter. However, your insurer covers health care or transfer of the injured to Spain.
8. Applicable law for accidents abroad: The general rule, both international law and national law, tells us that the courts of the place where the accident occurred will be competent. However, there may be exceptions, where the law of the state of registration of the vehicle and where the injured have their habitual residence would be applicable. Consult a lawyer to know in which country it is more advisable to present the complaint.
9. Claims for compensation: remember that you have a period of 6 months to file a criminal complaint and one year to file a civil action, since the stabilization of the injuries. Before starting any procedure, it is advisable to ask for advice from a specialized lawyer.
10. Legal assistance: All insurance policies cover a certain amount for the hiring of a private lawyer to defend their rights.
If you do not want a traffic accident to ruin your summer vacation, before taking the car, be clear about the steps to follow in the event of a loss, since it will be the key to avoiding problems and, if appropriate, obtaining the compensation that you corresponds
María Rojas Sanabria
