France Accident Claims Guide – How To Claim Compensation For A Personal Injury Claim?

By Joanne Jeffries. Last Updated December 3rd 2021. Welcome to our guide on France personal injury claims for those who’ve suffered an accident on holiday in France.

Did you know that more than three million people are injured in accidents each and every year? This is a startling figure, however, accidents can happen in a number of different ways, from slips and trips to road traffic incidents. Irrespective of the nature of the incident you have been involved in, if the accident was not your fault, there is a very high chance that you will be entitled to compensation. In this guide, we are going to take a look at accidents in France in particular. Here at Accident Claims UK, we have helped many people to claim for accidents that have happened overseas and we could provide you with free legal advice to help you get the maximum compensation for your claim. You can reach us on 0800 073 8801. But before you give us a call, keep on reading to discover everything you need to know about making a No Win No Fee claim for an accident on holiday in France, whether its an accident at work, a slip trip or fall, or medical negligence..

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Dealing With Your Accident On Holiday In France

A Guide To Claims For An Accident On Holiday In France

France holiday accident France personal injury claims accident on holiday in France

France holiday accident

Should you make a claim if you have been injured in France? This is a question that a lot of people ponder. They don’t want to miss out on the compensation they could be entitled to. But, at the same time, they are worried that they could go through all of the hassle of making a claim only for it to be successful. Not only is this a lot of stress for no reason, but it can be very costly too. So, what do you do? Well, the best thing to do is read on to discover whether your case is strong or not, and this will help you to determine whether you should make a claim. If you feel you should, you will also find some top advice on picking a solicitor, the different types of accidents that can happen in France, and plenty of other useful pieces of holiday compensation advice. After all, over 8 million Brits visit France every year, so, unfortunately, quite a few people find themselves needing such details.

When deciphering whether you should make a compensation claim, there are three key questions you should ask yourself. These are as follows:

  • Who caused the incident? The most important part of any personal injury claim is to establish responsibility. If you are to be awarded compensation, you need to display that another person is responsible for your injuries. You need to demonstrate that they made an error or acted negligently and that this resulted in the accident that unfolded.
  • When did the accident happen? The date that this incident occurred is vital because there is a personal injury claims time limit on all personal injury cases, and this time limit is three years usually. There are some exceptions, though, which we will discuss further on in the guide. In most instances, this three years begins from the date of your accident. However, if you are unable to pinpoint an accident date because your injuries have developed slowly over time, then you will have three years from the date of your diagnosis instead.
  • Have you seen a doctor for your injuries? Finally, a strong case relies on the medical report that has been provided by your doctor, and so if you have not seen a medical professional you are going to really struggle to make a claim.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding as to whether you have the basis for a personal injury claim. Continue reading for some more critical advice on travel claims in France.

What Are The Most Popular Destinations In France?

We can help you to make a claim no matter where in France you have been injured. Some of the most popular spots in France are as follows:

  • Bordeaux
  • Lille
  • Paris
  • Strasbourg
  • Nice
  • Toulouse
  • Saint-Malo
  • Annecy
  • Riquewihr
  • Chamonix
  • Marseille
  • Nantes
  • Montpellier

What Should You Do If You Suffer An Illness Or Injury On Holiday In France?

Being involved in any type of accident can be scary, particularly if you have been hurt badly. In this section, we will provide you with thorough details on what you should do if you have been hurt in an accident in France. So, continue reading to find out more.

  • Seek medical attention – The most important thing is to see a medical professional for advice and medical treatment, even if you feel fine. In many cases, people can start to experience symptoms several days after the accident, and you want to minimise the chances of this occurring. Not only this, but if you don’t see a doctor, you will find it really hard to make a personal injury claim. This is because you will not have any proof that you suffered an injury, and thus you will struggle to build a holiday illness compensation
  • Take photos and make notes – As soon as you get the chance, you should sit down and make a note of everything that occurred in as much detail as possible, as well as the names and addresses of anyone relevant to your claim, such as your doctor, the person that caused the incident and such like. If possible, you should take photographs of your injuries, any damage to your vehicle and any damage to the street.
  • Inform your insurer of what happened – Aside from this, you should get in touch with your insurance company at the earliest opportunity so that they are aware of what has taken place.
  • Use a solicitor – The next step is to pick a solicitor who can put together a strong case for you and give you the greatest chance of getting the maximum payout you deserve. It is advisable to go for the services of a No Win, No Fee personal injury solicitor, as these solicitors provide you with a considerable degree of financial protection because you are only going to need to pay legal fees if your case is a success. Here at Accident Claims UK, all of our solicitors offer a No Win, No Fee service.
  • Keep proof of any costs entailed – Finally, it is vital to keep track of any expenses you have encountered as a direct result of the injuries you have suffered. This can be anything from counselling expenses and loss of earnings to travel costs and prescription expenses. You will be able to claim for these as ‘special damages’ but you will need to have proof in order to do so.

How To Get Help – Emergency Numbers And Support In France

Before you go on holiday, you always need to jot down the emergency numbers for the place you are visiting. In France, you can call 112 and you will be connected to the emergency line. You can also find the contact details for the British Embassy at the close of this guide.

Paying For Healthcare As A Tourist In France

If you have been injured in France, you could end up with a huge medical bill to pay if you are not careful. Firstly, no matter where in the world you visit, it is always vital to take out travel insurance beforehand. Moreover, your EHIC card is eligible in France, which can entitle you to reduced and sometimes free state care. Everyone in the UK can apply for an EHIC card free of charge via the government website, so it is a good idea to do this if you have not already.

How Much Time Do I Have To Claim For An Accident On Holiday In France?

The table below shows the time limits to claim compensation in France.

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Circumstances Time Limit
UK Package holidays 3 years
Private holidays Approximately 10 year (this can vary)
Injuries on the flight 2 years

A lot of people make is waiting around for ages to make a claim. There are several issues with this. The first is that there is a three-year time limit on personal injury claims for package holidays. You will see that this is even less for other types of accidents in France. This starts from the date of the incident unless the injuries have developed over time, in which case you will have three years from the date of your diagnosis instead. It is worth pointing out that court proceedings must be issued within this period as well.

Injury And Accident Claims In France We Can Help With

Package Holiday Injury And Accident Claims

When using the services of accident lawyers, there is no denying that the lawyer in question is mainly responsible for ensuring that your case is a success. This is why you need to choose them with a considerable amount of care. Nonetheless, there are steps you can take to ensure your lawyer has the best possible chance of winning your case. Keeping that in mind, read on to discover some top tips for strengthening your claim…

You simply must see a doctor. The medical report your doctor provides you with is the most crucial piece of evidence when it comes to making a compensation claim. Without it, how are you going to prove that you suffered any injuries in the first place?

It is always a good idea to get the contact details of the person that caused the incident, including information about their insurer. If possible, you should get the contact information of anyone that witnessed the incident as well. Witness statements can really help to strengthen personal injury claims.

As soon as you get the chance you should sit down and make a note of what happened.

It is vital to make sure you keep proof of any expenses you have encountered because of the incident. This could be anything from loss of income, to counselling costs, to medical expenses, to vehicle repair costs. If you incurred these costs because you were injured you will be able to claim for them, so long as you have receipts or any other relevant documents.

You shouldn’t waste your time when it comes to making a personal injury claim. Not only is there a three year time limit, but you will find it a lot easier to claim the sooner you do so.

Hotel Accident, Injury, And Illness Claims

Now, we are going to take a look at some of the different reasons for compensation claims for injury in France. We are going to start with hotel incidents. There are so many different ways that someone could be injured in a hotel. This includes suffering an illness because the swimming pool has not been maintained properly, or falling over because the hotel grounds have not been maintained regularly or correctly. People have also been injured after having spa treatments that have not been carried out right. There are then cases whereby people get injured while using the hotel gym facilities because the equipment has not been maintained or set up how it should be.

Food Poisoning Or Injuries At A Restaurant

There is no denying that food poisoning is one of the most common illnesses Brits experience when they go abroad, and we are not just referring to France, of course. If you have suffered food poisoning, you will be eligible for compensation. However, do make sure you go to the doctor so that there is an official health record of what has happened. A lot of people simply try to deal with the symptoms of food poisoning on their own, yet this is no good if you want to make a claim. It is also worth pointing out that while most cases of food poisoning only take a few days to clear up, there are instances whereby food poisoning has been life threatening.

Slips, Trips Or Falls

Slips, trips and falls are undoubtedly one of the most common reasons for requiring a personal injury solicitor. From unmarked wet floors to broken pavements, these types of incidents can occur for a whole host of reasons. They can also happen in many different environments. We have helped people to claim when they have fallen while getting off an aircraft, as well as those who have been injured because they tripped due to poor hotel maintenance. No matter where or how your accident happened, all you need to do is give us a call.

Skiing And Mountain Sports Holiday Accident Claims

There is no denying that a lot of people visit France because they want to experience The Alps and enjoy an incredible skiing vacation. From Meribel to Chamonix, there are so many incredible skiing resorts in France. However, while most people have an amazing time here, there are those that have experienced a ski accident in The Alps. If this applies to you, we have can help you to claim. We have vast experience with France skiing compensation claims. You will be able to claim if you feel you were not given the right instructions or your equipment was not maintained properly. We also have experience when it comes to making claims for a ski lift accident in France or a cable car accident in France. After all, ski resorts pose many risks, and this is why health and safety is of huge importance. If elements of a ski resort have not been maintained properly, this is how accidents and injuries happen, and this is where we come in.

France Personal Injury Claims For Car And Road Traffic Accidents

Sadly, road traffic accidents happen on a daily bases, and in many cases there are individuals who are injured through no fault of their own. This can happen to anyone from a vehicle passenger, to pedestrian accidents, to a driver. No matter whether you were behind the wheel or not, if the accident was not your fault, you should be thinking about making a claim for personal injury compensation. Read on to discover everything you need to know about this type of claim.

There are a whole host of different road traffic accident claims that can be made. This includes the likes of:

  • Uninsured drivers claims
  • Car crashes
  • Travel accidents
  • Untraced drivers claims
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Motorbike accidents
  • Passenger injuries
  • Driver injuries
  • Scooter and moped accidents
  • Bus and coach accidents
  • …And much, much more!

To determine whether you have a chance of securing compensation for a car accident claim in France, you need to ask yourself the following three questions:

  • Was the accident caused by someone else’s error or negligence?
  • Did the incident occur within the last three years?
  • Did you receive medical attention as a result?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to the questions above, there is a very high chance that you will be able to receive compensation for your suffering. If you are still feeling unsure as to whether you have the basis for a claim, don’t worry, as you can give us a call on our legal helpline and one of our useful advisors will be more than happy to assist in any way they can.

How Can Accident Claims Help You?

Can I Use A Solicitor In The UK for France Personal Injury Claims?

Yes, you can! There is no need to use a solicitor based in France.

How Much Compensation Could You Claim – Updated October 2021?

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Part of you injured How serious it was What the effecs were Examples of settlements
Affecting the fingers Severe You may no longer be able to use the affected fingers. Up to £32,210
Affecting the hands Minor – severe If the claimant loses a hand or the use of a hand this is valued similarly to the loss of an arm of loss of function in an arm. £800 – £176,660
Affecting the leg or legs Minor – severe There could be injury to the leg bones, or other tissues in the leg or legs. up to to £247,280
Affecting the ankle Modest – severe The injury could affect one of the ankles or both of the ankles. from up to £12,050 – £61,110
Affecting one or both of the feet Modest – severe These injuries may impact either or both of the feet. from up to £12,050 – £176,660
Affecting the brain or the head Minor Such injuries will be minor but sill cover a range of symptoms. £1,940 to £11,200
Affecting the shoulders Minor – severe Compensation settlements progress with the severity of the injury £2,150 – £42,110
Affecting the back Minor – severe Compensation settlements progress with the severity of the injury £2,150 – £141,150
Affecting the wrist Levels A – F Compensation settlements progress with the severity of the injury Up to £52,490
Affecting the hips or the pelvic region Lesser – more severe Severe pelvic area or hip injuries could affect the bone as well as the whole region of the body. £3,460 – £114,810

No Win No Fee Holiday Accident Claims

Once you have established that you have the base for a claim, the next thing you need to do is find the best solicitor to work on your case. A lot of people are concerned with the cost of personal injury lawyers in the UK and in France too, and rightly so. There are plenty of lawyers that charge truly extortionate rates. The cost of a mere consultation can be enough to put some people off from making a claim altogether. However, this is something you do not need to worry about when you choose Accident Claims UK because all of our solicitors work to a No Win, No Fee payment agreement. This offers a big relief because you know you’re not at risk of losing lots of money, as you will only need to pay legal fees if your case is a success. Not only this, but there is no enormous upfront payment required to start the claim process. If you have any questions or would like to begin making a claim, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

How We Can Help You With France Personal Injury Claims

Sadly accidents happen on a daily basis. With the fast pace of modern life, it’s not uncommon for incidents to occur that can unfortunately result in innocent people being injured. If you find yourself in this position you will be entitled to compensation. You simply need a quality law company on your side that can ensure you get the full amount of money you are entitled to. This is exactly what you have with Accident Claims UK. There is no one better for an illness or injury in France claim.

We have been successfully helping personal injury victims to get the full amount of compensation they deserve for many years. We have experience handling an abundance of different cases. The following is a mere handful of examples…

  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Construction accidents
  • Car crashes
  • Food poisoning
  • Industrial deafness
  • Vibration white finger
  • Motorbike accidents
  • Product liability cases
  • Industrial illnesses
  • … And much, much more.

You can be sure that we will have handled cases similar to yours time and time before. Over the years we have managed to build up an impeccable reputation in the industry. All you need to do is look at the customer reviews on our website to see that this is the case.

One of the standout features of our service is the fact that all of our accident lawyers work on a No Win, No Fee basis. This presents you with many benefits. Firstly, you don’t need to make an upfront payment to start the claim process. Aside from this, you will only pay legal fees if we successfully secure compensation. This ensures that financial risk is diminished dramatically. You can thus be confident that we will only take on your case if you have a good chance of getting compensation. We won’t waste your time. So, why not give us a call today? Simply follow the process below:

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Contact our team by email, phone, or post. Our team will assess your claim. Once you are ready, we can then start your claim.

Start Your Claim Today

If you are ready to make a claim, we are here to help you get started. You can reach our friendly and experienced team on 0800 073 8801. This personal injury claims line is open seven days per week, 24 hours per day, so you can call whenever suits you. There are other ways to get in touch too, including email, live chat, and requesting a call back.

FAQ on France Personal Injury Claims

Could I make France personal injury claims for an accident at the airport?

In some cases, claimants may be injured at an airport in France. If they are, and someone else could be held liable for their injuries, they may be able to claim compensation. However, who they are claiming against could largely depend on the way in which they booked their travel, and the type of accident they had. In some cases, they may be claiming against the airline, while in others they may be claiming against a private business. We could help you work out who you would make your claim against.

Could I make France personal injury claims for an allergic reaction?

If allergen information is not communicated to you accurately, and in accordance with the law, you could suffer an allergic reaction from a unknowingly consuming an allergen. For example, if you have asked for a meal to be prepared without a specific allergen, and the staff have ignored your request and not told you, this could lead to an allergic reaction. Please call us for a free case assessment if you have suffered in this manner and wish to make a claim.

Is it essential to have a solicitor based in my local area to make France personal injury claims?

Simply put, no. Solicitors who are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority do not have to be based in your local area to help you with a personal injury claim. We could connect you with such a solicitor no matter where in the UK you are located.

What evidence do I need to make a claim for an accident on holiday in France?

To make a claim for an accident on holiday in France, you would need to be able to prove that the accident happened, that it was someone else’s fault and that it caused you injuries. Youcould use the following evidence to do so:

  • Evidence of the accident-photographs could be quite useful improving the scene over the accident was as you have described it. Thankfully, when it comes to car accidents, you could show the positioning of the vehicle, which could help people to work out who is to blame. You could also take photographs of your injuries. In addition to this, taking witness details at the scene of an accident could prove useful. Your solicitor could ask them for a statement later on.
  • Evidence of your injuries- we have already spoken about proving that you suffered injuries by taking photographs of them. You could also keep an injury diary showing how your injuries have affected you. However, the most important piece of medical evidence is the medical report that is completed by an independent professional. You would need to see such a professional and get an examination so that your injuries could be verified. The resulting report could be used by lawyers and the courts to work out how much compensation you could receive.
  • Evidence of your costs- we’ve mentioned that you can claim for your injuries as well as costs associated with them. Doing so would require evidence. You could use bank statements, receipts, and payslips to evidence costs and losses.

Could I claim for a child who has had an accident on holiday in France?

If your child has had an accident on holiday in France, we could help you to make a claim for compensation for them. Your child’s compensation would usually go into a trust. They could access it when they become an adult.

Other Useful Compensation Guides

Helpful Guides Relating To France Personal Injury Claims

We have lots of useful guides on our website:

FAQ – Injury claims – Here are the questions – and answers – for common issues.

Head injury – Head injuries can be severe – read our guide here.

Delay to your flight? – see our guide.

Injured Abroad? – Find out whether you can claim.

Some helpful contact details:

British Embassy France

British Embassy Paris

35, rue du Faubourg St Honoré

Paris Cedex 08

75383 Paris

France

Tel: +33 (0) 1 44 51 31 00

Web: www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-paris

British Consulate – Bordeaux

www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-consulate-bordeaux

2nd Floor
353, Boulevard du President Wilson
33073 Bordeaux
France

+33 (0)5 57 22 21 10

British Consulate – Marseille

www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-consulate-marseille

British Consulate Marseille
Les Docks de Marseille-La Joliette
10 Place de la Joliette
Atrium 10.3
1st Floor
13002 Marseille
France

+33 (0) 4 91 15 72 10

The NHS on Accidents in France – See their site here.

Thank you for reading our France personal injury claims guide for those who’ve suffered an accident on holiday in France.