If you’re traveling along a Texas roadway and another vehicle hits you, the next hours (days, months, etc.,) of your life might be stressful, worrisome and challenging in many ways. If you have suffered injuries, the priority is always to obtain medical attention. However, if English is your second language, getting the help you need and resolving post-collision issues might be difficult.
Thankfully, there are many rescuers, police officers and medical workers who are bilingual. However, depending on what your primary language happens to be, you may not encounter a worker who can converse with you in your native tongue. If you’re involved in a collision and English is not your first language, there are several helpful things to keep in mind.
There are ways to access swift translations
The good news is that there are numerous cell phone apps and online tools that can help you translate English to the language of your choice. Some of these resources use voice recordings while others provide space to type in a word or phrase for translation. If your injuries are preventing you from being able to hold or use a cell phone, there might be someone else on hand who can do it for you.
When learning English or any other language, many people find that they are able to read and mentally translate words better than they are able to converse them. If you can relate to this, you might motion to someone and ask them to write down whatever it is they’re trying to say so that you can read it and, hopefully, translate several or all of the words.
Request support from 911 operators
The 911 emergency system typically has multilingual support teams on hand. If you’re able to call, you can state the language you speak, and the operator can connect you with a translator. They can also often dispatch police officers and other emergency personnel who speak a particular language.
Do you have a friend or family member who speaks English?
If medical personnel transport you to an emergency room at a Texas hospital following a motor vehicle collision, and you don’t speak English fluently, it’s important to obtain support right away so that you and your medical team are able to communicate regarding your condition.
It might be possible to have a friend or family member who can translate for you and meet you at the hospital. If not, he or she might, at least, be able to be present by phone, in order to help you navigate medical examination and procedures.
If another driver’s negligence was responsible for the collision
Getting the help that you need following a Texas collision can be challenging if you are an ESL patient. Your recovery extends to the days and weeks that unfold after the incident, as well, during which time you might continue to need English translation support.
If driver negligence was a causal factor in a collision, there are ways to seek financial recovery for your losses. If you plan to pursue these options, it is helpful to speak to someone who is well-versed in personal injury law and who can also provide translation support.