Injured on Vacation

Getaways are intended to be fun, relaxing, and rejuvenating. However, if you are injured on vacation, the entire trip may have to be scrapped. Here’s a look at the most common vacation injuries and what to do if you get hurt while away from home.

Common Vacation Injuries

By its very nature, traveling increases your risk of being injured. Here are three of the most common vacation injuries tourists suffer from:

  • Car accidents: Driving in a place you’re unfamiliar with while being distracted by backseat drivers and new surroundings is inherently dangerous. You may also be running on less sleep and dealing with jetlag. Then, the roads where you’re visiting may be poorly maintained, or traffic laws may be minimally enforced. These are some of the reasons why 25,000 of the 1.3 million people killed in car crashes worldwide each year are tourists. Many thousands more are injured, with car crashes accounting for nearly half of all medical evacuations back to the US.
  • Slips, trips, and falls: Dangerous walkways and crowded settings could lend themselves to an increased risk of slips, trips, and falls. These common vacation injuries can range in severity from a few bumps and bruises to a sprained wrist or a broken ankle.
  • Drowning and near-drowning accidents: Large bodies of water are environmental hazards. Even if your travels specifically include visiting a swimming pool, lake, or ocean, exercise caution when spending time near or in the water. The last thing you want is for a member of your party to be injured or worse.

Steps to Take if You’re Injured on Vacation

To protect yourself and provide peace of mind after your injury, follow these steps:

  • Let someone know you’re hurt: If the injury occurs on public property, tell the manager or other personnel what happened. If you’re in a car accident, contact the police and stay on the scene.
  • Document the location where you were injured: Take pictures of the hazard that caused your injury, if applicable. In the case of a car accident, snap photos of the cars and property involved in the crash. Cleanup often begins quickly, so you want to document the scene before any crucial evidence is erased. Then, if anyone was around to witness your injury or accident, ask for their contact information as well.
  • Seek medical attention: You might be tempted to just “walk it off.” After all, you don’t want to spoil your vacation with a trip to the emergency room. However, delaying medical treatment could cause your injuries to worsen in the coming days or weeks. Take a copy of the doctor’s findings so you have a basis for filing an insurance claim. Also, record the names and phone numbers of any medical providers who treat you.
  • Contact your insurance provider: If you have travel insurance, contact your provider to report the incident and injuries you sustained. Otherwise, contact your health insurance or rental car company for information about filing a claim. Avoid discussing fault until after an investigation has been completed.

How to Reduce the Risk of being Injured on Vacation

If you’ve been injured on vacation before, help decrease the odds of it happening again by following this advice:

  • Check the credentials of touring companies, cruise ships, amusement parks, and excursion providers before purchasing tickets.
  • Read through any contracts or waivers thoroughly so you understand the rules about liability.
  • Check for potential hazards before boarding vehicles, watercraft, or amusement park rides.
  • Keep an eye out for any uneven roads or sidewalks that could cause you to trip.
  • Wear a life jacket when spending time in or near the water.
  • Only drive if you understand the local traffic laws, especially when visiting a foreign country.
  • Always wear a seatbelt or other appropriate restraining devices.

Injured on Vacation? Come to Spine Correction Center of the Rockies

Whether you suffer from an acute injury or aggravate a chronic condition, the services at Spine Correction Center of the Rockies can help you heal with non-invasive, drug-free techniques. Your path to recovering from vacation injuries begins with a personal consultation at our Fort Collins office. To request an appointment, please contact us at (970) 658-5115 today.