Car Accidents on Summer Road Trips

Every summer, millions of people in the United States pack up their cars and hit the highway for a road trip. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, getting in the car and driving from one destination to the next is a common summer activity. 

Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen with the increased traffic on the roads in the summer. Although no one plans to get into an accident, it is helpful to understand what you should do if you’re involved in one when you’re in the middle of a road trip. 

Common Causes for Car Accidents During Summer Road Trips

Among the most common causes of car accidents are:

• Driving while distracted 
• Driving while intoxicated or impaired
• Driving while fatigated
• Reckless or inattentive driving
• Speeding and driving

Two Important Steps to Take if You’re Involved in an Accident on a Summer Road Trip

Accidents happen every day, but when you’re involved in one while traveling it can be tricky. 

When you’re far from home and in a place that isn’t familiar, the accident can seem so much more difficult to manage. No matter where you are, though, there are a few steps that are important to remember after you’re in a car accident. 

Contact the police

Although it might not be your first instinct after an accident, calling the police is an important step to take. They will arrive on the scene and assess the damage and any injuries. They can help you call an ambulance if there is an immediate need for one. The police will also write a report that details what happened in the accident. They might take your statement and the statement of the other involved party. This report can be helpful for your attorney to refer back to while going through the claims process with the insurance company.

Seek medical attention

In the event of an accident, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t think your injuries are that serious. Certain injuries take a while to present symptoms, so it is possible that you may have incurred a major injury, even though you might not realize it for hours, days, or even weeks after the initial impact. Even if you’re concerned about going to a hospital that you’re not familiar with, or talking with a doctor who you haven’t met before, it is important to see a medical professional. If you avoid going to the doctor after an accident and later develop symptoms that point to a serious injury, the insurance companies will often claim that your injuries must not be that serious since you initially avoided medical attention. Sometimes, they might even claim that your injuries aren’t related to the accident. 

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Right Away

If you’ve been injured in a car accident when you were on a summer road trip, it is important to understand your rights. Don’t let the insurance companies convince you to settle for less than you deserve. Speak with a Car Accident attorney as soon as possible to learn about your options.