If you are renting a vehicle while you are on vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, do not forget that you will have to adjust to driving on the left side of the road. You will most likely have many activities planned, and you may be excited to start exploring the area, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure your and your passengers’ safety. The traffic laws on the islands may be different from your home state. In some cases, car accidents with minor to serious injuries occur even with careful driving. A skilled personal injury lawyer in the U.S. Virgin Islands can help you navigate the post-accident process smoothly.

Adjusting to the Left Side of the Road

One very important element to note about driving in the U.S. Virgin Islands is that it is not like driving in the United Kingdom. For example, your rental car will most likely be a U.S. import, and the driver’s seat will still be on the left side of the vehicle like you are used to. Since the interior of a rental vehicle will feel no different, you must focus on changing your perspective at intersections. Always remember to look right first when making a turn, since that is where the oncoming traffic will come from. Before driving each day, take a moment to visualize that when you are making a right turn, you must aim for the far left side of the road. If you are on a road with more than two lanes, always driving on the leftmost side can help you grow accustomed to this more quickly. Lastly, know that many other drivers will be getting used to this new perspective, so remember to slow down, drive defensively, and be cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times. 

Most people rent vehicles while on vacation to increase their mobility and allow them to see the sights without relying on public transport. With the remoteness of common vacation spots such as St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, many travelers will rely on car rental companies to enjoy their vacations to the fullest. It is fairly well known that auto rental companies charge high fees for any damage done to their vehicles, but what if you are not the one responsible for a collision and sustain injuries because of the actions of a negligent driver? It is important to understand the liability issues involved in rental car accidents and your options for pursuing compensation for any injuries suffered in a collision.

What Should I Do if I Have Been in a Crash?

Being involved in an automobile accident can be a scary experience for everyone involved. In these cases, taking the proper steps post-accident can help you protect your ability to recover compensation from the person or people who were responsible. The first thing anyone should do after a crash is to make sure everyone is okay and contact local law enforcement. Working with the police may seem extreme, especially if it was just a fender bender, but having officials document the details of your accident can be especially useful when determining liability for the accident. You should be sure to keep your own record of the incident as well, including the involved parties’ names and contact information, photos of the damage and the injuries you have suffered, and a written record of any pertinent details.

With tourism being the primary economic engine for the U.S. Virgin Islands, the islands welcome more than 2 million visitors each year. Along with this large number of tourists, the islands also get their share of car accidents. This is made worse by the fact that drivers on the islands must keep left, not to the right as they are used to if they come from the United States.

What to Do If Involved in a Car Accident in the Virgin Islands

1. Get Medical Attention: Even when there are no obvious injuries, you should visit a hospital. Many people walk away from an accident and fail to get medical attention – assuming they are not hurt – only to find out later they have suffered internal injuries, which are by then worse than they would have been if they had immediately sought medical attention.
   
2. Get Detailed Information: To the extent that you are able, document the accident by taking pictures, including the vehicle, the scene and any visible injuries on you. If the accident involved another vehicle, get the other driver’s license and insurance information. If there are witnesses, take their names and contact information. This information will be useful down the road when you seek compensation for your injuries.
   
3. Preserve Your Account of the Incident: Write down or record a narrative of what you recall happened right before the accident. This information can be useful in establishing or bolstering evidence to determine who was at fault.
   

Complexities in Virgin Island Accidents

As noted above, the U.S. Virgin Islands is a popular vacation destination. Chances are if you are involved in a car accident here, you are either yourself from outside the island or the other driver is. This makes any case complicated because one must deal with multiple jurisdictions or even foreign countries to get to the bottom of things.

Contact a Virgin Islands Auto Accident Attorney

When your dream vacation in the Caribbean is ruined by an accident – especially one you were not at fault for – you may find yourself uncertain as to what to do or where to turn for help. Our skilled attorneys at Colianni & Colianni, LLC, will help you understand your rights and your best options for receiving compensation for the damages you have suffered. We will evaluate your case and provide you with dedicated representation, working to ensure that you are compensated for your medical costs, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Contact a U.S. Virgin Islands personal injury lawyer today at 340-719-1766 to arrange a free consultation.