Holiday season will soon be upon us, and excitement is mounting as thousands of people in England and Wales prepare for their annual breaks.
According to the most recent figures from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), 84% of Britons went on holiday in 2023, taking an average of 3.4 holidays per person.
Just over two-thirds of people took a domestic break, with 52% of holidaymakers opting for a destination overseas.
However, while holidays are meant to be a relaxing time, accidents can still happen.
In this blog, our experienced Personal Injury Lawyers consider what you should do if you are injured on holiday.
Holiday Accident Solicitors
Being away from your usual environment doesn’t mean that you are less likely to be involved in an accident. In some circumstances, it can even increase the risk.
Some common types of holiday accidents include:
- Road traffic accidents, for example as a pedestrian, cyclist or driver.
- Wet flooring in a hotel or by the pool that results in a slip, trip or fall.
- Injuries sustained on holiday excursions.
- Food poisoning from a hotel buffet or restaurant.
- Injuries caused by sporting activities, such as skiing and water sports.
- Falls from balconies.
- Injuries caused by defective equipment, such as in a hotel gym, bar or hotel room.
The injuries sustained in an accident you suffer on holiday can range in severity. Some of the most common injuries sustained on holiday include:
- Broken bones.
- Whiplash.
- Cuts.
- Bruising.
- Allergic reactions.
An injury sustained on holiday is also likely to significantly impact your trip, with visits to a doctor or hospital, or time spent in your room, negatively affecting your holiday experience.
What should I do if I am involved in an accident on holiday?
If you are injured in an accident while on holiday, you should take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention. Prompt treatment for your injuries, even if they are minor, ensures you receive the necessary medical care. Get a written medical report detailing your injuries and the treatment you received as this will provide valuable evidence to support your claim.
- Report the incident. You should inform the relevant authorities, such as hotel management, activity organisers or local traffic authorities, about your accident so that it is properly documented.
- Gather evidence. Record your injuries, take photos of the scene of the accident and write down the contact details of any witnesses.
- Seek specialist legal advice. A solicitor with experience in holiday accident claims will evaluate your case and recommend the appropriate next steps.
Can I claim compensation for an accident I suffered on holiday?
Yes, you can make a claim for an accident you had on holiday if it was someone else’s fault. However, the rules can be complex, and it is vital to seek specialist legal advice from a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible.
A lawyer with experience in holiday accident claims will advise on the merits of your claim and the best way to proceed.
If you have been injured in an accident abroad, or on holiday in the UK, and want to speak to a personal injury specialist, get in touch with Langley Wellington.
Our personal injury lawyers advise on all claims, including holiday accidents, and will guide you through the steps involved in making a compensation claim.
To speak to one of our holiday accident specialists today, please call 01452 521286, email lawyers@langleywellington.co.uk or fill in this contact form.
How long do I have to make a holiday accident claim?
In England and Wales, the time limit for holiday accident claims is generally three years from the date of the accident.
If you are claiming on behalf of a child, you have until their 18th birthday to do so.
However, time limits for accidents that happened overseas can vary, and we would recommend getting in touch with us as soon as possible so that we can review your claim.
Personal Injury Lawyers Gloucester
Being involved in an accident on holiday is very distressing and you may not fully understand your legal rights.
At Langley Wellington, our personal injury lawyers will work with you to make the earliest possible assessment of your case and advise on the merits of a claim.
Our personal injury specialists in Cheltenham and Gloucester help victims get the compensation they deserve in a range of situations, including accidents on holiday, road traffic accidents and medical negligence claims.
If you have been involved in an accident abroad, or on holiday in the UK, and need legal advice on a personal injury claim, get in touch with Langley Wellington.
To speak to us today, please call 01452 521286, email lawyers@langleywellington.co.uk or fill in this contact form.
This blog is not intended to be taken as advice or acted upon. If you are seeking legal advice, please get in touch with our team of solicitors.
