chlodah

Hi everyone whilst I was visiting Goa in February of this year unfortunately I was involved in quite a bad traffic accident just outside of Colva. I was hospitalised and underwent an operation - now I am desperately trying to obtain documents/evidence that the accident actually took place, in order to provide details to my insurance company.


It is proving very difficult trying to locate the police report from the local authority - they attended the hospital more than once so this must be documented. Being a frequent visitor to Goa I am well aware that nothing is straight forward, but was just wondering if any kind souls out there would know any insights as to how I may obtain any information relating to my accident. Thank you

erinsgirl

I know it can be really difficult and normally needs to be done while you are still there. Is there any way the hospital could provide documentation regarding the injuries and how they might have been caused? Often the Police are not forthcoming with these reports. Or it may take several determined visits to obtain them. You may want to think about getting an Advocate to act for you and liaise with the Police? A suggestion. In terms of insurance it is usually helpful to be in touch with them before getting treatment and getting their consent to the expenses first but I do understand this may have been impossible in certain situations ( i.e. if you were unconscious at the time of getting initial treatment). Not sure if you are back home now or still in Goa.

chlodah

Hello, thanks for taking the time to reply. Yes I am back in the UK now and making a good recovery.
I have written to the police but as expected, they have not replied.


Yes unfortunately I was not in a position to speak to my insurers - and I needed quite an urgent operation so it went ahead.


Thanks again for your response

Vagatorsunset

I am very sorry to hear of your problems and really hope you get the result. This puts me off going to Goa now. I have been many times but the interest just keeps waning all the time. i go elsewhere now. Problems can occur anywhere but I have always found most things Indian lacking in standardization. That was quirky, exciting and interesting when I was younger. Now I find it a little annoying and actually fills me with a degree of fear.

All the best to you and hope you get the best result possible.

Bipat

Travel in general far easier than it used to be. Comfortable long distance buses, more train routes, domestic flights relatively less expensive for the 'better off'.

Unfortunately with increased road travel comes increased road accidents.
I believe the rules have changed and those helping/present at an accident are no longer forced to give their details to the police, this helps encourage road side assistance but means that the police may lose out on information about those to blame for the accident.

leavinggoa

To get a report from the police, you'll have to pay.

InVinoVeritas

But they take credit cards - literally!

OK. Just joking guys!

chlodah

Hi everyone and thanks for the comments. I thought I would post a progress update for those of you interested! Amazingly the local police station responded to a letter I sent, providing me with numerous documents which supported my accident. I sent a very courteous letter explaining the situation I was in, and a couple of weeks later I was very surprised to see an envelope sitting on my doormat with an Indian postmark!

In addition to this the hospital in which I was treated was also very forthcoming and sent me numerous medical documents which supported my case. And the best thing about this - No money asked for or exchanged!!

I have recently returned to work and also plan to revisit Goa in order to thank the many people who helped me. It is still one of the most beautiful countries I have visited and despite the accident it hasn't deterred me from going.

Bipat

So pleased that you have recovered and are back at work and thank you so much for posting an update.
Yes India is a beautiful country -- far south Goa (and beyond) is still relatively free from the tourist crush of north Goa--and safer roads!!

erinsgirl

Very pleased to hear this update. Good to know you are well and that the authorities co-operated.

leavinggoa

Good news, and good luck.

Vagatorsunset

That is a positive result, very glad for you specifically. But it is also heartening overall, the more positive news coming out of Goa the better for everyone right now.