As Christmas approaches, many of you have messaged us saying: "Travel has become increasingly difficult, and traffic accidents are happening more often…" Indeed, as the holiday season draws near, traffic congestion intensifies, and accidents and disputes become more frequent.
Take EDSA, one of Manila's busiest roads, for example. It's a daily "battle" with traffic jams. According to unofficial statistics, the average daily traffic volume on EDSA in December could soar to 500,000 vehicles! While the MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) has deployed more personnel to manage traffic around shopping malls, the effects have been minimal…
To help you safely navigate the holiday travel peak, FEILONG LEGAL has put together a Christmas travel guide, hoping it will be of assistance!
1. Christmas Travel Tips
1.1 Driving Tips
- Stay Focused: Keep your attention on the road, avoiding distractions like phone use or other attention-diverting activities.
- Yield First: Don’t rush, don’t run red lights, especially at intersections and crowded areas.
- Plan Your Route in Advance: Use Google Maps or Waze to check real-time traffic conditions and avoid congested areas.
1.2 Public Transport Tips
- Leave Early: Public buses and the MRT may be packed during the holidays, and rideshare services like Grab or Joyride may be unavailable. Leaving early will help you avoid delays.
- Guard Your Belongings: Pickpocketing is more common in crowded places, so be mindful of your valuables.
1.3 Walking and Cycling Tips
- Be Aware of Traffic Signals: Even on sidewalks, always stay alert to vehicle movement.
- Wear Reflective Gear: If walking or cycling at night, use reflective strips to ensure your safety.
2. What to Do if You Are Involved in a Traffic Accident?
Step 1: Ensure Safety and Document the Scene
- Ensure Safety First: If there are injuries, immediately call for an ambulance (Philippine emergency hotline: 911).
- Take Photos or Videos: Capture the scene, including vehicle positions, road conditions, and damages, to serve as evidence for later proceedings.
Step 2: Communicate with the Other Party and Decide on a Course of Action
- Friendly Negotiation: For minor accidents, try to negotiate compensation directly with the other party and settle.
- Sign a Settlement Agreement: This agreement should include the accident’s time, location, contact details of those involved, vehicle plate numbers, vehicle information, and compensation details (amount, payment method, and due date), signed by both parties.
- If No Settlement Is Reached:
- File a Police Report: Call 911 or go to the nearest police station to report the accident. The police will investigate and issue an accident report (Police Report).
- Seek Legal Team Support: For significant compensation disputes or difficulty negotiating, immediately seek help from a professional legal team to assist with the accident and subsequent insurance claims.
Step 3: Prepare the Necessary Documents
You will typically need the following documents for insurance claims or legal proceedings:
- Detailed photos and videos of the accident;
- Police-issued accident report (Police Report) (if reported);
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration (OR/CR);
- Medical reports (if there are injuries);
- Settlement Agreement (if applicable).
Important Notes:
- If the other party refuses to settle or pay compensation, your legal team can initiate a lawsuit.
- Serious accidents may involve criminal liability. Be sure to consult your legal team to protect your rights.
FEILONG LEGAL Says:
In the Philippines, traffic congestion is a daily reality on every road, and driving here not only tests your driving skills but also your ability to handle accidents. What may seem like a simple dispute can become much more complex when legal documents or insurance claims come into play.
We’ve found that many clients, due to a lack of experience, feel overwhelmed when faced with such situations. Fortunately, the FEILONG LEGAL team has been accompanying clients for years in handling these challenging issues. From negotiating accidents to dealing with litigation, our team is always ready to step in and provide expert support.
During the holiday rush, safety and patience are the key "tools" for success. Whether it’s planning your route in advance, driving responsibly, or maintaining open communication during accident settlements, these practices will help ensure a smoother and safer holiday season.
If you need any legal assistance, feel free to contact FEILONG LEGAL, and let us help ensure your holiday travel is safe and hassle-free!