Whether on holiday or a business trip, an accident abroad is likely to be particularly distressing.

The local medical system is likely to be unfamiliar, as is the language. If you are injured abroad, it can be disconcerting and frightening, as well as costly.

Where the accident occurred on holiday, there is the added distress of a ruined holiday for both you and your family or friends.

Making an accident abroad claim can be complex, particularly if the claim has to be made in the country where the accident occurred. Fortunately, there are laws in place to help both holidaymakers and road users when injuries have been suffered abroad by someone else’s negligence.

As long as an accident occurred during a package holiday, The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 enable a claim to be made in England and Wales against the holiday company itself.

Common accidents on holiday include

• Slips and trips in the hotel or its grounds, including around the swimming pool, in bedrooms or the hotel restaurant.
• Injuries suffered on an organised excursion.
• Accidents while travelling to or from your holiday destination, whether on a plane, a coach or even a cruise ship.

Steps to take if you have suffered an accident on holiday

• Go to the local doctors or hospital for treatment and ask for a record of any treatment given.
• Tell the holiday company rep and the hotel about the accident as soon as possible and ensure that they record it.
• If possible, take photos of the accident location, ideally showing what caused your accident.
• Get the name and contact details of any witnesses.

Is there a time limit for making a claim if I have had an accident abroad?

The time limit for making a claim for an accident that you suffered abroad is usually 3 years from the date the accident occurred. It is however advisable to contact a solicitor as soon as you have suffered an injury or illness, as in certain scenarios the time limit can be shorter.

If you’ve had a road traffic accident in f Europe, again the law enables a claim to be brought in this country, making accident abroad claims far more straightforward. It is even possible to claim compensation when the other driver was not insured or cannot be traced.

If you’ve suffered an injury or illness from an accident abroad, get in touch with us at True Solicitors. As holiday accident solicitors, we can help you through the process of holiday accident claims so you can get the compensation you deserve.