Holiday accident news
14/12/2010

Survey warns drunk skiers of holiday accidents

British skiers who take to the slopes after over-indulging in alcohol risk not having valid travel and medical insurance to cover them if they suffer personal injury in a holiday accident.

A survey by Post Office Travel Insurance found that 22% of respondents said they had drunk heavily while on a ski or snowboard holiday and an even higher number, 39%, admitted they had gone out on the mountains with a hangover.

According to a doctor who examined the survey reports, a skier who drank 12 units of alcohol at night may still be under the influence the following morning. He suggested the altitude of the resorts could increase the effect of the alcohol.

If alcohol is found to be involved in a skiing accident, the travel insurance policy of a victim who has been drinking may be invalidated.

Seventy five per cent of winter sports holiday accident claims made by Britons in 2009-10 were for medical costs. The survey report gave examples of a leg fracture costing £10,000 in fees and a serious head injury resulting in medical treatment bills of up to £250,000.

As well as being unaware of the dangers of alcohol, most travellers do not realise their après ski socialising or skiing off-piste could reduce their chances of obtaining compensation after an accident.

Almost one-third of those quizzed in another survey said they did not bother with insurance before going abroad. Many European travellers were under the mistaken impression that by having a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) they could have free ambulance services from the mountain and subsequent medical treatment.

If a skier, or other winter sports enthusiast, becomes the victim of a holiday accident caused by another skier who has been drinking or otherwise behaves in a reckless manner they may be deemed liable for the injury and a no win no fee solicitor could pursue a damages claim.