Many people enjoy seeing and experiencing other cultures throughout their lifetime. Traveling to a foreign destination can be an exciting but potentially dangerous adventure. The idea of going to an unfamiliar place can draw out the wanderlust in all of us, but many do not realize the danger that you can easily place yourself in by traveling to somewhere you have never been before. The U.S. Virgin Islands is a popular vacation spot for Americans and it has been regarded as a fairly safe beach haven for travelers. However, regardless of the popularity of the place that you are visiting, there is always the potential for dangerous encounters that result in severe or life-threatening injuries.

Security Issues

The U.S. Virgin Islands are known for their remoteness and tranquility. Being away from the rest of the world can seem like a dream until you are thrown into an unsafe environment and do not know where to turn for help. Keeping in mind the following travel advice can help you avoid hazardous situations that you may encounter while abroad:

Many people who live or vacation near water own or rent boats. Although boating can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, especially in warm weather, it can also pose risks to everyone on the water. According to reports by the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2018, there were 4,145 recreational boating accidents that involved 633 deaths, 2,511 injuries, and approximately $46 million in damage to property. Any person who wishes to operate a watercraft in the U.S. Virgin Islands is required to complete a safety course. Despite this regulation, accidents can and do happen on the waterways. In some cases, the injuries can be life-threatening. That is why it is important to understand boating safety and what factors can lead to an accident. 

Watercraft Safety 

Even if all safety precautions are taken, it is impossible to control the weather or the actions of other boaters. Similar to driving a vehicle, the operator and occupants of a boat must be alert and aware of possible dangers when on the water. Regardless of whether a boat is a small or large vessel, everyone on board must wear life jackets for their safety in the event that an accident or bad weather causes the boat to capsize. Severe winds and high waves can limit visibility and result in a boat taking on a lot of water.  

The owner or boat rental company is responsible for ensuring that a watercraft is properly maintained and routinely checked for faulty machinery or parts. In addition, there are other potential distractions or hazards when aboard a boat which can lead to a crash. In many cases, collisions are the direct result of another boater’s negligent actions. For example, if a driver of a boat does not qualify for a license or is impaired after having too many drinks, he or she is putting other lives in danger.   

A vacation is supposed to provide a person with a stress-free environment, relaxation, and an overall fun experience. Getting to see new places, try new foods and activities, and create long-lasting memories is why many people travel. However, a trip can take a turn for the worse if you or a loved one suffer an injury. Most commonly, a tourist-related injury can result from negligence, personal altercations, societal differences, car accidents, slip and fall accidents, or defective products. When an injury occurs far away from home, speaking to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible may provide clarification on the steps that should be followed. Before going on a vacation, it may be beneficial to consider the following safety tips:

Understand Where You Are Going

Traveling can be one of the riskiest activities a person can do. Unfamiliarity with the location, laws, and customs could leave a tourist in an unsafe situation. When planning a trip, researching the areas you want to visit ahead of time may be a good idea. Although the U.S. Virgin Islands are considered American soil, there are differences between the Islands and the mainland. For example, unlike the United States, motorists in the Virgin Islands drive on the left side of the road. 

The Virgin Islands are one of the most beautiful places in the world. However, it is also a territory plagued with violent crime. In fact, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ranks the Virgin Islands as the fourth highest in the world for homicides. Unfortunately, some vacations to these Caribbean islands are ruined after a tourist is assaulted or otherwise personally injured during a criminal act. Being attacked by another person while visiting a place far from home can be one of the most terrifying experiences a person can endure. Often, these tourist attacks could have been prevented if the hotel, resort, retail store, or other establishment in which the attack occurred had better security. If you or a loved one were injured in the Virgin Islands due to inadequate security, a premises liability lawsuit can allow you to pursue compensation for your damages.

Negligence Can Result in Increased Criminal Activity

Premises liability claims are a specific type of personal injury claim that deals with faulty or unsafe conditions on another party’s property. Sometimes, the defective condition is something like broken stairs or icy walkways, while other times, the negligence is caused by a lack of appropriate security measures. Property owners and possessors have a legal obligation to ensure that their properties are reasonably safe for visitors. This often means employing security guards, installing security cameras, making sure that parking lots are well-lit, and taking other precautions to prevent foreseeable crime. When property owners fail to uphold this duty, they put visitors to the property in unnecessary danger. Through a personal injury lawsuit, you can hold these negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoing and pursue compensation for your damages. Premises liability claims can be brought against both residential and commercial property owners.

If you or a loved one is injured while on vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, here are four steps you should take: (1) get medical care, (2) document the incident, (3) determine who was at fault, and (4) obtain local legal assistance before accepting any settlement from an insurance company or other responsible parties.

1. Obtain Medical Treatment and Diagnosis of Your Injuries

First, seek medical attention and determine the severity of your injuries. If your injuries are severe enough that recovery will cost thousands of dollars in medical expenses and lost wages, perhaps leaving you with permanent dysfunction or disfigurement, you will definitely want to explore options for compensation.

2. Document the Personal Injury Incident

Once the immediate medical emergency has been handled, take the time to document the incident. Obtain the names and contact information of everyone involved, including eyewitnesses and medical professionals. Take photographs of the area where the accident happened, any equipment or vehicles involved, and your injuries. Write down everything you can remember about the incident, including dates and times. These details can be easily lost in the aftermath of an emergency but will be crucial to proving your right to compensation.