injured on vacation

Vacation Mishaps: What to Do If You’re Injured on Vacation in Maine This Summer

Maine is a beautiful vacation destination known for its picturesque coastlines, lush forests, and charming small towns. However, accidents can happen anywhere, and finding yourself injured on vacation can be a distressing experience.

Whether it’s a car accident on holiday, a boat accident injury, or a slip and fall at your hotel, knowing what steps to take can help you manage the situation effectively and ensure you receive the care and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started.

Common Vacation Injuries

There are countless ways that injuries can occur while you are on vacation. Here are some of the most common types of injuries and accidents we see. 

Car Accident on Vacation

Maine’s scenic roads can sometimes lead to traffic accidents, especially with the influx of tourists during the summer. If you’re involved in a car accident on vacation, ensure everyone’s safety first.

If possible, move to a safe location, call 911, and wait for emergency responders. While waiting, gather information from the other driver, including their insurance and contact information, and take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage.

Boat Accident Injury

With its extensive coastline and numerous lakes, Maine offers a wealth of boating activities. However, accidents on the water can lead to severe injuries, such as fractures, head trauma, and drowning.

If you suffer a boat accident while on vacation, get to safety, seek medical attention, and report the incident to the relevant authorities. Document any unsafe conditions or negligence that may have contributed to the accident.

Injury at Hotel

Hotels have a duty to ensure their premises are safe for guests. Common hotel injuries include slips and falls, swimming pool accidents, and injuries from faulty equipment.

If you experience an injury at a hotel, report it to the management immediately. Ensure the incident is documented, and request a copy of the report for your records. Take photos of the hazard that caused your injury and any visible injuries.

Bike Accident Injuries

Maine’s trails and roads are popular for biking, but accidents can happen on them for various reasons, such as uneven terrain, vehicle collisions, or faulty rental equipment.

If you suffer bike accident injuries while on vacation, seek medical attention immediately and document the accident scene. Report the incident to the relevant authorities, such as park officials or local law enforcement, and keep records of your medical treatment and any communications with bike rental companies or other involved parties.

Immediate Steps to Take If Injured on Vacation

You can take several steps to ensure your well-being and strengthen your claim for legal recovery. 

1. Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety should be your top priority. If you’re injured on vacation, seek medical attention immediately. This could mean calling an ambulance, visiting the nearest hospital, or finding a local clinic.

In addition to addressing medical concerns, prompt medical care provides essential documentation of your injury. Keep copies of all medical reports, prescriptions, and bills, as they will be crucial for any potential legal claims.

2. Document the Incident

Gather as much information as possible about the incident. This includes:

  • Taking photos—capture images of the accident scene, your injuries, and any relevant surroundings. If you slipped on a wet floor at a hotel, photograph the area, any warning signs, or lack thereof;
  • Collecting contact information—get the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any witnesses as their accounts can support your claim; 
  • Recording details—write down everything you remember about the incident, including the time, date, and exact location, and note any conversations you had with witnesses or officials; and 
  • Keeping receipts—retain receipts for all related expenses, such as medical treatment, medication, transportation to medical facilities, and any accommodations you need due to the injury.

Documenting the incident helps ensure that you can build a strong case for legal recovery. 

3. Report the Accident

Depending on the nature of your injury, you may need to report the incident to different parties:

  • Car accident—contact local law enforcement immediately and file a police report. This report will be crucial for insurance claims and any legal actions you may need to take;
  • Injury at your hotel—notify management immediately and ensure the incident is logged in their records. Ask for a copy of the incident report for your records; and, 
  • Boat accident injury—report the incident to the relevant maritime authorities, including the Coast Guard or local harbor master, depending on where the accident occurred.

Filing a report will help generate an official record of the incident, which can strengthen your case. 

4. Contact a Local Attorney

Navigating the legal complexities after being injured on vacation can be challenging. A local attorney, like the experienced team at Mann Law, can provide invaluable assistance.

They understand Maine’s laws and can guide you through filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary. 

Understand Your Right to Compensation 

Different types of injuries may entitle you to different forms of compensation, including:

  • Medical expenses—covering the costs of emergency treatment, hospital stays, follow-up care, and any necessary rehabilitation; 
  • Lost wages—compensating for any income you lost due to being unable to work while recovering from your injury;
  • Pain and suffering—addressing the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury; and 
  • Other related costs—including travel expenses for medical treatment, modifications needed for your home, and any other costs directly related to the injury.

An attorney can help you understand your rights and what compensation you may be entitled to based on the specifics of your case.

Filing a Claim

Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you may need to file a claim with insurance companies or pursue legal action against the responsible party.

This can involve complex procedures and deadlines, making it essential to have legal representation. Your attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, file the appropriate paperwork, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.

The statute of limitations is longer in Maine than in most states, and generally extends for six years after the date of the injury. That said, the sooner you can start the legal process, the better. 

Why Choose Mann Law?

At Mann Law, we understand that being injured on holiday can be a traumatic experience. Our compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys are dedicated to helping you through this difficult time.

We offer personalized legal services to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. With our extensive experience handling vacation injury cases, we are well-equipped to navigate Maine’s legal system and advocate on your behalf.

If you’re injured on vacation in Maine, don’t hesitate to contact Mann Law. Our team is here to provide the support and legal guidance you need to get back on your feet. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.

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Christiana E. Mann Christiana “Chrissy” Mann has specialized in civil litigation for 21+ years as a savvy and creative litigator, and she’s regarded as a fair, compassionate, and zealous advocate on behalf of her clients.