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The holiday season is meant for connection and celebration, but travel can add unexpected pressure. Beginning at the end of November, more drivers take to the roads, increasing the risk of accidents nationwide. Winter weather, impaired or distracted drivers, and unfamiliar roads are common contributors to holiday crashes, which frequently occur outside a driver’s home state. When an accident happens far from home, families are often left unprepared to handle what comes next.
Due to these risks, the choices you make before and during your trip matter. While no one plans for a crash, small decisions can reduce the likelihood of one occurring. Allowing extra travel time helps relieve the pressure to rush when traffic or weather causes delays. Avoid driving after drinking alcohol or using any substances that impair judgment or reaction time, even in small amounts. When possible, limit or avoid night driving, when visibility is reduced and fatigue is more likely. Always wear your seat belt, secure children properly, and check weather and road conditions before heading out.
Distractions also play a significant role in holiday accidents, especially during long drives. Enter directions into your phone before putting the car in motion, and plan ahead to keep children occupied with games or activities. If driving becomes overwhelming, pulling over is far safer than continuing while distracted or stressed.
Even with precautions, accidents can still happen. If you are involved in a car accident while traveling, what you do next can affect both your health and your rights. Start by making sure everyone is safe and calling 911 so police and paramedics can respond. Even if injuries do not seem serious, emergency personnel should assess the situation and determine whether medical care is needed.
It is important to seek medical evaluation promptly, even if you feel fine at first. Injuries such as whiplash or head trauma may not be immediately obvious but can worsen over time. Medical records created early can protect your health and help document the impact of the accident.
Once immediate concerns are addressed, begin gathering information if you are able. Exchange names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration with the other driver. Keep conversations brief and factual, and avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the crash. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses, as their accounts may be difficult to obtain later.
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, particularly if the accident occurred out of state. Provide accurate information but avoid guessing or making statements about fault. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including the police report, medical records and bills, insurance correspondence, and receipts for expenses such as towing or lodging.
Accidents that occur outside your home state can raise additional legal issues. Laws governing fault, insurance coverage, and personal injury claims vary by state, and filing deadlines can be shorter than many people expect. Receiving medical treatment out of state may also create insurance coverage questions that are easier to resolve early.
Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney in the state where the accident occurred can help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes. A lawyer can explain local laws, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and help preserve important evidence. No one expects to have to deal with a car accident. But taking timely, practical steps after a crash can help protect your health, preserve your rights, and provide clarity during an otherwise stressful time.