Driving exotic cars and taking a luxury vacation go hand-in-hand for many travelers, with thrill-seekers having the chance to elevate their travel experience. Whether you are planning to cruise along a coastal highway or navigate bustling city streets, driving a high-end vehicle such as a Lamborghini or Ferrari can be an exhilarating experience.
With this excitement comes certain risks, including the possibility of being involved in a hit-and-run accident. By preparing yourself for these potential situations, though, you can fully enjoy your vacation without letting the fear of an unexpected incident impede your travel.
Luxury travelers often seek more than just plush accommodations when planning their travel. Instead, they crave experiences that embody status and exclusivity, which leads many to rent an exotic car during their vacation. High-performance vehicles such as a Ferrari, Bentley, McLaren, or Lamborghini allow a traveler to explore their destination in style while also indulging that deep-seated thrill of driving a top-tier vehicle. For luxury travelers, driving such a vehicle isn’t just about getting from one place to another, rather it is a statement and key part of the luxury travel lifestyle.
Driving a high-powered vehicle around the United States or overseas can certainly enhance the vacation experience, but it also comes with unique challenges. The unfamiliarity of handling a new vehicle in a foreign location, coupled with the high value of that vehicle, can make drivers more susceptible to accidents such as hit-and-runs. In fact, 25% of accidents in Florida involve people fleeing the scene, which shows how prevalent this is in just one state alone.
Driving an exotic car during a luxury vacation presents unique risks to drivers with one of the most significant being how much attention such a vehicle garners. Exotic cars typically draw the attention of pedestrians and drivers alike, which is unfortunate as this attention can manifest in negative ways such as:
Coupling the above with the fact that navigating unfamiliar roads in a vehicle that is often faster and more sensitive to handling than your own, as well as one that is harder to control, is a challenge, it’s easy to see how an accident can occur. The last thing you want is to be involved in a hit-and-run accident while on your vacation which is why learning how to prevent such an accident from occurring in the first place is crucial.
While a car accident may be impossible to avoid in certain situations, there are several key steps you can take in order to reduce the likelihood of one occurring:
All of the above tips will help you to be safer on the road and avoid becoming involved in a car accident. As mentioned, though, there are situations where avoiding an accident is impossible and it can be disheartening to see someone running from the scene. That’s why learning the effective next steps to take is your best strategy.
If you find yourself in the scary situation of being involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to remember to never chase after the other driver. You don’t know if they have a weapon or malicious intent so it’s best to let the police handle the investigation. The actionable steps you can take, however, include the following:
While being involved in a hit-and-run accident will certainly put a damper on your vacation, it’s important to pursue your legal options as soon as possible. The first step to this should already be handled if you adhered to the above guidance which is to file a police report which the insurance company can use to attempt to track down the offending driver.
You should also reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible, especially if the accident leads to severe injuries or property damage. You will also need to notify both the insurance company and rental agency who loaned you the vehicle. The latter will help work with you on their internal process for damages and insurance claims. It’s also best to familiarize yourself with local laws depending on where you are as some states or countries may have different rules regarding hit-and-run accidents, such as needing to report the incident immediately.
