When you plan a vacation, you are not really prepping for the worst possibilities that could happen. You are planning for things like how to get there, how to get around once you’re there, where to lodge, where to dine, what sites to visit, what activities to do, etc…
It is shocking how little planning we do for what happens if a worst case scenario emerges. It is conceivable that we might pack a rescue inhaler in the event of an asthma attack. We might include some antihistamine or itch cream. If we are really thinking ahead, we might pack some cold medicine with the knowledge that going to crowded amusement parks are great places to be infected with the common plague.
But none of that is preparation for a real disaster like a car accident. What is your contingency plan for getting side swiped by a semi on your way to the Epcot Center when you are a thousand miles away from home? If you don’t have one, you’re not really ready to head out on your vacation. Here are a few things you will need to consider if you are injured on vacation:
Who You Gonna Call?
In this case, the Ghostbusters would be the wrong answer. But it’s a start. If there’s something strange in the neighborhood, it might be a good idea to have them on speed dial. But who are you going to call if something strange happens when you are on the way to your Rocky Mountain high vacation? You are going to need an accident attorney.
Bachus & Schanker LLC remind you that in the event of an accident, there are losses to be recovered. Such recoverable losses and compensation include:
- Wages
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- And more…
That particular firm covers all of Colorado, but what if you are traveling some place else? It would serve you well to do a bit of research and figure out who you will call in the event of an auto accident. The sooner you can get someone on your case, the better. If you are seriously injured, your family needs to know whom to call. Think of it like asthma medicine. You don’t want to have to use it. But you’ll be glad you brought it if you happen to need it.
Home Alone
In the hit movie, “Home Alone”, there was one child left behind when the family went on vacation. The conceit of the movie is that there were no responsible adults who could be called on to look after the kid until the family could return home. In real life, parents need to always have a contingency plan for when they can’t be there to look after the kids.
If the parents are injured in an accident, there needs to be a contingency plan for looking after the kids. Neither you nor your spouse can do it. Do they have legal guardians in the event of disaster? It is not the hospital staff’s responsibility to take care of your kids in your absence. You should make sure there is someone to look after your kids in the event of an emergency well before you go on vacation.
The Voyage Home
In Star Trek 3, the intrepid crew of the Enterprise lost their ship in an explosive event. Let’s just say it was totaled. Kirk: the cheater of death, commandeered a Klingon ship to make the voyage home (and a much better sequel). When your starship is totaled while you are on vacation far, far away, how will you get home?
It will serve you well to have a Plan B in the works. Make sure your budget will allow for a rental that will get you home. Insurance claims may take a while to pan out. Be sure to have the contact information of your auto insurance agency. They will be your first line of defense when it comes to getting home. This is just another reason to avoid cut-rate insurance plans that could leave you stranded.
If you are flying, check out these tips for surviving airport TSA. But if you are driving, know who to call after an accident, have a guardian plan in place for the kids, and consider a contingency plan for the voyage home, just in case.
