Travel accident claims

Travel accident claims experts

An accident during a holiday or business trip can be stressful, particularly when it happens in another country. Different laws, language barriers and dealing with foreign insurers can make the claims process feel overwhelming.

Our experienced travel accident claims solicitors can help you pursue compensation for injuries sustained following an accident abroad, whether your accident occurred as part of a package holiday, on an aircraft, on a cruise ship, or elsewhere outside the UK. Our team assists clients with accident abroad claims, holiday accident claims, cruise accident claims and aircraft injury claims arising in destinations around the world.

We provide practical, straightforward advice and guide you through every stage of your claim.

What to do after an accident abroad

Taking the right steps after an accident abroad can help protect your health and support any future compensation claim, from reporting the incident and taking photos to getting contact details and requesting information.

• Tell your travel insurer you have been involved in an accident they may be able to assist you in finding medical assistance
• Report the accident to the resort or hotel where you are staying and request a copy of the accident report form
• Take photos of where the accident occurred if you can
• Obtain contact details for any witnesses
• If you are in a road traffic accident, take photos at the scene, obtain the other driver’s details and report the accident to the local police
• Keep any receipts and invoices
• Request and keep hold of any medical records from the treating hospital or clinic

Why choose Ellis Jones?

Our experts understand the complexities involved in cross-border personal injury claims and we provide clear advice and practical support from the outset and throughout every step in the process.

We can assist with:

• Accidents occurring anywhere outside the UK, including Europe and worldwide destinations
• Claims against UK tour operators following accidents on package holidays
• International travel and transport claims involving travel by road, rail, air and sea
• Cruise ship and maritime accidents occurring onboard vessels or during organised excursions
• Aircraft injury claims arising during flights, boarding or disembarkation
• Gathering evidence from overseas hospitals, resorts, hotels and witnesses

If you have been injured in an accident abroad, on a cruise, during a flight, or as part of a package holiday, our travel accident claims team is here to help. Contact our experts today for a free initial discussion about your claim.

Can I make a claim for an accident abroad?

You may be able to make a claim for compensation if another person, business or organisation was responsible.

Claims involving accidents overseas can be more complex than those arising in the UK, so it is important to understand the circumstances of the accident, the evidence available and the rules that may apply to your claim.

Key considerations include:

• Eligibility to claim – whether another party may be legally responsible for your injuries.
• Negligence and duty of care – understanding whether appropriate safety standards were met.
• Common circumstances giving rise to claims – including accidents in hotels, resorts, transport hubs, organised excursions and public places.
• The importance of evidence – such as photographs, witness details, accident reports and medical records.
• Medical treatment abroad – obtaining appropriate care and retaining records of treatment received.
• Time limits for claims – which can vary depending on where and how the accident occurred.

Package travel claims

Where you have a been injured in the hotel or resort on a package holiday, we may be able to pursue a claim against the UK tour operator on your behalf under the Package Travel Regulations. The benefit of claimant against the tour operator is that the claim can be brought in England, subject to the laws of England and Wales.  Common package holiday accidents include slips and trips, defective transport and accidents while on excursions organised as part of the package.

• What is a package holiday? Understanding when travel arrangements may fall within the Package Travel Regulations.
• Claims under the Package Travel Regulations and how these may apply following an accident abroad.
• Benefits of claiming against a UK tour operator where the regulations apply.
• Common package holiday accidents, including hotel injuries, defective transport and unsafe organised excursions.
• Evidence required to support a package holiday accident claim.

Claims following an accident on an aircraft

While flying is generally extremely safe, accidents can happen such as falling luggage and hot drink burns or when boarding and disembarking the aircraft. If you have been injured on board an aircraft or while embarking or disembarking, we can assist you in pursuing a claim against the carrier.

• Injuries during flights, including boarding and disembarkation accidents, falling luggage incidents, turbulence-related injuries, hot drink burns and injuries caused by airline negligence.
• International conventions that may apply to aircraft accident claims and international air travel.
• The importance of reporting accidents immediately and ensuring incidents are recorded by the airline where possible.

Claims following an accident on a ship

If you were injured while on board a ship, we may be able to bring a claim for you against the ship or cruise operator.  Common accidents on board ships include slips and trips, staircase accidents and injuries while on an organised excursion.

• Cruise ship injuries and ferry accidents, including incidents occurring during domestic and international travel.
• Slips, trips, deck and staircase accidents onboard, which can result in serious injury.
• Swimming pool accidents and excursion injuries, whether occurring on the vessel or during organised activities.
• Food illness onboard, including claims arising from unsafe food preparation or hygiene failings.
• Maritime rules and jurisdiction issues, which may affect where and how a claim can be pursued.