How to avoid holiday accidents

Accidents abroad - or even just falling ill - can ruin your holiday or business trip and leave you out of pocket. Travel brings its share of potential dangers, and if you are about to set off on a relaxing holiday abroad, the last thing you'll want to think about is an accident happening.



However, being aware of some of the most common holiday accidents and how you can obtain treatment abroad could prove invaluable if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in such situations.



The hazards can begin as soon as you set off. Although plane travel is an extremely safe form of transport, with very few accidents occurring compared to the number of miles traversed each day, the fact remains that plane crashes tend to be very serious.



Other modes of transport - i.e. taking ferries - can also pose dangers. No form of transport has such a high incidence of accidents and fatalities as driving. Whether you are taking your own car abroad or renting a vehicle once you arrive, you need to ensure you abide by local road laws to keep you and your fellow passengers safe. You may be unfamiliar with the vehicle you are driving, the area and speed limits/laws so you'll need to keep your wits about you and make sure you can always respond promptly to hazards.

With regards to accommodation, always take care in unfamiliar surroundings. Countries often have different building standards from those we are used to or, expect. Tiled floors can be slippery and not all public areas will be lit or have handrails.



You should also check whether the hotel swimming pool has a lifeguard, especially if you are bringing children on holiday with you.



Also, remember that if you will be eating local food, you should ensure that proper hygiene practices are in place to avoid developing an illness, such as food poisoning or Legionnaire's disease,



Most accidents abroad will take place during days out however, especially if you're visiting sites that are poorly maintained. Wearing appropriate footwear and other items of clothing is essential if you find yourself having to negotiate tricky steps and climb over obstacles, and this can especially be the case in historical ruins.



But what do you do if you’ve had an accident? If you are covered by travel insurance or international health insurance policy this could ensure you receive prompt treatment from some of the best medical practitioners in the country. If you purchase any medication or, have to pay for treatment obtain receipts and keep these safe.



If you do have an accident make sure that you report it and if possible take photographs of your injuries and any defects/the accident location.



There are strict time limits which apply for bringing claims for accidents which occur in the air, at sea or abroad and so it is vital that you consult a solicitor as soon as possible.



The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Shoosmiths. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.