Major holidays like Thanksgiving always see spikes in car accidents as there are more people on the roads. For example, there were 506 traffic fatalities during Labor Day in 2021 compared to 438 during 2019. This is a popular holiday, and many people go on vacation during this time.
Stay Calm and Ensure Safety
In the event of a car accident while on vacation, the most important thing is to stay calm and ensure the safety of everyone involved. If there are any injuries, call emergency services immediately. If the vehicles are movable and no one is hurt, move them out of the flow of traffic to avoid secondary accidents. Turn on your hazard lights and set up road flares or triangles behind the vehicles to alert other drivers.
Check on Other Passengers
After the initial shock of the accident, check on your passengers and the occupants of the other vehicle. Ask if they are okay and see if anyone needs immediate medical attention. Even if the accident seems minor, adrenaline can hide symptoms of injury so it’s important to double-check that no one requires urgent care. Traumatic brain injuries, for example, are not always obvious straight away, and with 214,110 hospitalizations for TBIs in 2020, it’s something to be aware of. Keep everyone involved at the scene if possible so information can be exchanged.
Exchange Information
When everyone is stable, start exchanging insurance and contact details with the other driver. This includes names, license plate numbers, insurance providers, and policy numbers. Take down phone numbers, email addresses, and vehicle descriptions. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information too. Make sure to document the time and location of the accident as well. If the other driver seems hesitant to provide their details, call the police.
Document the Scene
Take photos of any damage to both vehicles and the accident scene. Capture shots of vehicle positions, skid marks, road conditions, street signs, weather conditions, and any other relevant factors.
File a Police Report
Contact local law enforcement to have an officer come and file an accident report. This is important even for minor accidents to properly record the incident.
Speak to a Local Car Accident Attorney
Speak to a local car accident attorney about your legal options after a car wreck. For example, if your accident took place in Henderson, NV, a Henderson car accident lawyer will advise if you need to file an insurance claim, negotiate a settlement, or pursue compensation in court if injuries or damages are extensive. An attorney can handle communication with insurance companies and protect your rights.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
As soon as possible after the accident, report it to your insurance provider, especially if anyone involved requires medical treatment – the average cost of medical treatment for fatalities was $6880 in 2021. Provide all the details you documented and ask about the next steps regarding claim procedures, covering rental car costs, accident forgiveness, etc. If it was not your fault, your provider may initially cover the damages and then seek reimbursement from the at-fault party later on. Check your policy to know what is covered.
Get Your Vehicle Towed if Needed
If your vehicle is undrivable following the accident, arrange to have it towed to a repair shop. Your insurance company can often recommend a partner facility. Ask if you need to pay upfront or if the shop will bill the insurance company directly. Rental coverage may also be an option while your car is being repaired. Make sure to inquire about all costs.
While getting in an accident on vacation can dampen spirits, remaining calm, being prepared, and following these steps can smooth the process so you can get back to enjoying your well-deserved time off. Safety for all involved is always the top priority.
