Campervan New ZaelandA holiday is an expensive financial outlay. It’s a focus for your year’s hard labour and an exciting time which need not necessarily be ruined by an accident. An accident on holiday is a daunting prospect due to unfamiliar surroundings and a natural unawareness with foreign procedures and entitlements. Most holidaymakers are unprepared for such incidences but with a level head and the right information on what to do in the aftermath you can come through the other side by looking for a holiday claim solicitors.
First and foremost you should take out good health insurance and carry an EHIC card (if you are a European traveller). In the immediate event of an accident you should contact the relevant emergency services and make your resort rep aware of the situation. The rep should alleviate some of the burden and guide you through local customs. Following any necessary treatment, the rep should issue you with a complaint form to be signed and completed by both parties. Take photographs of any faulty equipment or signs of negligence that could prove the hotel or excursion provider to be liable. Swap contact information with fellow travellers and gather witnesses to strengthen your case.
Most of the groundwork you need to do regarding an accident on holiday will be done on your return to the UK. Depending on the gravity of the accident, your first port of call should be your travel agent. They should be eager to dodge any bad publicity and will often be keen to appease you.
The provider has to abide by the Package Travel Regulations Act. Quote the act and remind them of their duty. If your holiday includes two or more of the following features – transport, accommodation, tourist services – the act applies to you.
If the booking agent is not obliging in terms of refunds or compensation you should write a formal final letter before taking them to an independent arbitration scheme. Seek out the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and if there is still no result you can head for the small claims court.