Branson Accidents
The Ozarks and Branson are places of great beauty throughout the year. The beautiful Ozarks Mountains, Mark Twain National Forest, state parks, shows, theme parks and wildlife draw crowds for adventures. 
2007 BRANSON TOURISM FACTS*:
Estimated 8.4 million visitors in 2007 (+5.2% vs. 2006) with $1.8 billion spent in the area in 2007
Tourism is the Branson/Lakes Area's chief industry
LODGING FACILITIES: 207
ROOMS: 18,578
THEATERS: 52
THEATER SEATS: 60,317
Branson boasts more theater seats than New York City's Broadway district.
* Source Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau
Unfortunately, some Branson visitors, often those from out of state, suffer death or injury from accidents while in Taney or Stone County Missouri. The accidents may result from motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, boating accidents, theme park injuries, bus accidents, semi truck crashes or motorcycle accidents.
Here are some of the biggest mistakes you can make as the victim of a Missouri accident while on vacation.
1. Failing to Call the Police After a Car Accident. Accident reports are extremely helpful. Let the police know you are injured immediately. Answer the police questions honestly. But if you are dazed or confused, let them know you need medical treatment and answer only what you feel sure about. Remember, your statements can and will be used against you if you admit fault, and it will be too late to later say you didn’t know what you were saying at the scene. The Branson Police or Missouri Highway Patrol know that your best recollection is immediately after an accident.
2. Failing to Make a Report to the Manager of a Slip and Fall Injury. Especially if you take a private vehicle to the hospital, be sure and get the manager’s name and contact information. Don’t admit to being at fault . Even phrases like, “I’m so clumsy” can be used against you. Stick to the facts and don’t give a statement.
3. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention after a Traumatic Event. Even though you are on vacation, take the time to see a physician. If you are hurt, waiting until you get home from the trip can hurt your claim. After an accident, you may feel a rush of adrenaline that causes you to only start feeling symptoms of pain a few hours later. If you have a health plan that requires you to obtain permission first, call them and find out where you are allowed to seek treatment. Be sure and tell the physician why you are there
4. Failing to Get Information. Get the other driver’s information including their names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, make and model of their vehicles, license plate numbers, and their insurance company name and policy number. If there are witnesses, get their names, addresses and telephone numbers as well. If the other driver makes any admissions of fault, write those down as well.
5. Failing to Save Evidence. Use your camera. You are on vacation. The old saying a picture is worth a thousand words is so true. Your car, the other drivers car, the location, the scene in general are all helpful. If this is a slip and fall situation, have someone take photos of what you believe made you fall. If you have bloody or damaged clothes or personal items, save them as is. Don’t clean them up or try to fix them. If you must make repairs, at least get some good photos. Also get photos of injuries, bruising abrasions and get them developed or saved to a computer ASAP to make sure they are good. Now is not the time to save film expense. You can not take too many photos. If you don’t have your camera on your Branson vacation, go buy a couple of disposable cameras. Get them developed and put on CD ROM.
6. Failing to talk to an attorney. You may not need one, but you should speak to a Missouri personal injury lawyer to understand your rights.
