Football fans are being urged by an Enable Law overseas travel specialist to make sure they “play it safe” to stop World Cup Final dreams turning into a nightmare.
Tens of thousands of England and Scotland supporters will fly to the USA to cheer on their countries when they compete in this summer’s tournament which kicks this Thursday, June 11.
Enable Law legal director Eleanor Armstrong has warned travelling fans to be extra vigilant across the Atlantic to stay on the right side of the law and avoid costly medical, legal and travel fees.
The specialist international injury lawyer said: “With a bit of luck England will end their 60 years of hurt this summer and the Tartan Army will go home happy after seeing their team do Scotland proud.
“With football you never really know what will happen and the same will apply to the supporters on their World Cup adventures which is why it’s vitally important they do what they can to ensure they enjoy every moment of their trip.
“When they’re at home that means not cutting corners on travel insurance, match tickets and accommodation and while they’re over there, fans should play it safe to keep out of trouble and acquaint themselves with local laws.
“But there are also important differences across America on matters such as age restriction on buying and drinking alcohol – 21 in many States – as well as drinking outdoors and drink-driving limits so it’s best for fans to do their research.
“The opposite sides of the State Line Road between England’s Kansas hotel and Missouri practice ground show exactly why fans must be careful.
“Recreational marijuana is, for example, legal in Missouri, but not in Kansas while in Missouri you may buy purchase liquor in grocery stores but not over in Kansas so homework is crucial.”
Southampton-based Eleanor, who heads Enable Law’s international personal injury team, has stressed that England and Scotland supporters must complete important groundwork before jetting off.
Eleanor added: “First and foremost, watertight travel insurance will not only provide peace of mind but will make sure fans are covered in the eventuality things take an unfortunate turn for the worse.
“Robust insurance will cover travel cancellation and curtailment costs, disappearance of baggage and loss or damage to all-important gadgets but it’s also better to leave expensive non-essential valuables at home because they might not be covered.
“But the main area to make sure is properly covered is medical bills because they can be famously eye-watering if fans end up needing hospital treatment should they be involved in an accident anywhere while they’re on the road.”
In order to mitigate any potential issues, Eleanor says there are steps that should be taken.
Eleanor added: “Everyone knows that accidents do happen and that’s why it’s vital fans are ready to limit the damage, avoid huge bills and stop a dream trip-of-a-lifetime turning into an expensive nightmare
“If involved in a road traffic accident, I would strongly recommend that motorists take photographs of the accident location and vehicles, get details of any parties together with their insurance information and witness details.
“It is important to also notify the police of accidents and lodge reports with insurers as soon as possible and to remember lots of states are no-fault states – you must claim against your own insurers irrespective of fault.
“And if fans are involved in an accident in a hotel, they should report it to the hotel staff, take photographs of everything and keep careful records.
“It’s worth remembering that in New York, for example, if you fall on a pavement, you may only have 90 days to report it.
“It sounds harsh compared to the UK, but these differences show why fans must avoid cutting corners and penny-pinching on insurance and to study small print.”
The World Cup Finals will also be football’s biggest party, but Eleanor is warning fans not to get so carried away they avoid falling foul of the law.
“The atmosphere at the World Cup Finals will be brilliant and win, lose or draw the party will be fabulous,” Eleanor said.
“But it’s important to be sensible and not to overdo it when it comes to partying because that could spoil the adventure.
“Police officers in America might not appreciate the British sense of humour so it’s best not to push things with law enforcement officers.
“Most games will bring out the best in the football family but there will be certain matches which will be tense affairs which will have fireworks as we’ve seen at previous tournaments.
“That’s when common sense has to prevail – because if you mess up in America, it’s going to be really, really expensive.
“It’s best just to take yourself out of harm’s way, walk away from trouble and to enjoy the football party in peace.”
Whatever happens, legal support is available either when fans return home or while still Stateside, especially through specialist members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Eleanor, who is recognised as senior litigator by APIL, added: “I have over 20 years of experience acting on behalf of people who have suffered injuries abroad ranging from serious orthopaedic injuries to spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and fatalities.
“Experience tells me it’s best to work closely with trusted American lawyers and we can look to work on a co-counsel agreement. The emphasis is very much on teamwork which will be at the forefront of football fans’ minds all over the world this summer.”
