While the vast majority of those setting out on their annual holiday on the piste this year will return injury-free with all limbs and bones intact, a small number will inevitably be involved in a skiing accident. Not all skiing accidents are as inevitable as they may first seem and having regard to some simple rules may help avert disaster on the piste:

• The International Ski Federation (Federation Internationale du Ski) set a number of rules which skiers and snowboarders should have regard to in Europe. Similar rules are in place in Canada and the USA. These rules are the 'highway code' of the ski slopes. One of the most important rules is that the skier lower down the slope has priority. If you happen to be knocked to the ground by another skier who has approached from further up-slope then there is a good chance they have ignored or negligently flouted the rule that you have priority as a skier further down-slope

• in order to avoid a collision with someone approaching from further up-slope, be sure to carefully check up-slope before setting off

• take responsibility for your ski equipment. Every year we at Blake Lapthorn see a number of skiing holiday accidents not caused by another skier but by faulty or poorly fitted equipment. Make sure you give accurate information to the suppliers in resort as the ski fittings are determined by age, ability, height and weight. Before setting off on your foreign skiing holiday, make a note of your height and weight in metric and imperial

• the law on safety helmets is still an area of great debate. Be aware that in some resorts it is compulsory to wear a helmet for certain age groups. You may want to consider wearing a safety helmet and other protective ski equipment, such as a spine protector

In the event that you are involved in a skiing accident, here are some key tips so that you have all the information we need if you do want to bring a claim for a skiing accident:

• report the accident to the piste authorities

• make sure you note down the full name and contact details of any witnesses to an incident or accident

• take full details of anyone who may be responsible, including details of their insurer. Anyone who sets out on a skiing holiday should be adequately insured so that if they are injured or are responsible for someone else's injury then cover is in place to deal with the financial aftermath

• take photos of the accident location and get someone in your group to return and make a sketch plan pin-pointing where the relevant parties were coming from and going to at the point of impact

• if your accident is caused by faulty equipment then it is important to have full details of who provided the equipment, what steps they went through when fitting the skis and bindings and what exactly the problem was with the equipment which has caused injury. Take photos of the faulty equipment or make sure the equipment is preserved for a rep to comment on or for the piste authorities to inspect

• ensure you receive proper medical attention in resort. Keep full details of any treatment received

Observing many of these useful tips will not only help avoid an accident in the first place but will make sure you have the information and evidence needed should you need to bring a claim as a result of a skiing accident. As ever, make sure you have adequate insurance before you leave.