Ambulance chasers target tourists travelling abroad

We are probably all familiar with “no win no fee” adverts placed by lawyers keen to help us win a fortune if we have an accident.  They usually mention injuries at work or on the road but they are now chasing holiday accidents as well.  Their campaigns are bound to intensify as the holiday season gets under way but anyone with travel insurance may be better off using the legal expenses section of their policy to claim compensation.  People tend to be unaware of this important protection; it covers you for your lawyer’s costs if you are injured abroad because of someone’s negligence.

Specialist lawyers should be used to handle these cases because it is often necessary to bring the claim in the country where the accident occurred.  If you have to claim abroad, different rules may apply; including rules about the level of compensation that could be awarded.  If you travelled on a package holiday you may be able to bring the claim in the UK against the tour operator which means that compensation would be calculated on a UK basis.  On a package holiday the tour operator is normally responsible for all the elements of the package, even including some excursions.

If you have an accident abroad try to obtain as much evidence as possible as early as possible and make sure it is reported to the authorities.  Check your travel insurance policy to see what cover there is and do not delay reporting a claim.