The holidays should be a time for family, food, and celebration.
Not crashes.
However, what many people don’t realize is… holiday weekends are some of the deadliest travel periods on U.S. roads. Drunk drivers, distracted commuters, and overcrowded roadways make what’s supposed to be a joyful time of year into a hazardous one. If an accident occurs, knowing what to do afterward is key to protecting your health AND your pocket book.
This article details the steps you should follow after a post holiday collision and how an attorney can assist you in fighting back.
Let’s get into it…
Here’s the rundown:
- Why Holiday Crashes Are So Common
- 5 Steps To Take Right After A Crash
- Common Injuries From Holiday Wrecks
- Why You Need A Holiday Car Accident Lawyer
- How A Lawyer Builds Your Case
Why Holiday Crashes Are So Common
Holiday traffic is no joke.
It’s simple math. More vehicles on the road equals more opportunity for crashes to occur. Millions of additional drivers take to already congested roadways during holiday weekends.
A few reasons drive the spike in crashes:
- More travel: Families pack the highways heading to gatherings
- More alcohol: Holiday parties mean more impaired drivers
- Bad weather: Rain, fog, and snow create slick roads
- Tired drivers: Long-distance travel leads to fatigue
But it doesn’t stop there. NHTSA says 39,345 people died in 2024 crashes and holiday seasons account for a large percentage of those fatalities. Which is why having a reliable car accident lawyer Holiday neighbors trust can help when one of these collisions derails your life.
Here’s another disturbing statistic. Statistics reveal that 37.4% of fatal holiday crashes include drunk drivers – significantly higher than other times of the year.
Translation: Bottom line? Holiday crashes are more frequent AND severe than non-holiday accidents.
5 Steps To Take Right After A Crash
What happens in the first hour after a holiday crash matters… A LOT.
What you do (or fail to do) can impact your injury recovery and potential claim. Follow this easy step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Check For Injuries
First aid tip: Check yourself and your passengers. If anyone is injured – however mildly – call 911 immediately. If someone complains of neck or back pain, do not move them. Wait for the paramedics.
Step 2: Get To Safety
Move non-drivable cars out of traffic and onto the shoulder. If they are drivable, move them. If not, flash your hazard lights. Holiday traffic will be heavy and fast. Everyone needs to avoid a second collision.
Step 3: Call The Police
File a police report – even for “minor” accidents. The police report is critical evidence later on. Explain what happened to the officer and do not admit fault. Just state the facts.
Step 4: Gather Evidence
Pull out your phone and take photos of:
- All vehicles involved
- The crash scene from multiple angles
- Damage to your car
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- Any visible injuries
Also grab the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance info, and license plate.
Step 5: See A Doctor
Very important: Even if you feel okay, get checked out anyway. Some injuries (whiplash, concussion) can take hours to show up. Also, having a doctor’s report makes it part of your medical record connecting your injuries directly to the accident.
Common Injuries From Holiday Wrecks
Holiday accidents are usually more serious due to increased speed and drunk drivers. Here are the most common injuries that accident lawyers deal with:
- Whiplash and neck injuries – the most common crash injury
- Broken bones – arms, ribs, legs, and collarbones
- Head injuries – including concussions and brain trauma
- Back and spine injuries – which can lead to long-term pain
- Cuts and bruises – usually from broken glass or airbag deployment
Some injuries appear minor at first and develop into something serious days or weeks later. That’s why you should never put off seeking medical attention – even if you feel like everything is “fine.”
Why You Need A Holiday Car Accident Lawyer
Here’s something most people don’t realise after a crash…
Insurance companies do NOT have YOUR best interests at heart. Their goal is to pay you as little money as possible (or nothing). They have armies of adjusters who are skilled at manipulating you and your claim.
A good lawyer levels the playing field.
A solid car accident attorney will:
- Handle all communication with the insurance companies
- Investigate the crash and gather evidence
- Calculate the true value of your claim (including future medical needs)
- Negotiate fair compensation
- Take your case to court if needed
You either leave thousands of dollars on the table or lose your case. Without it.
The good news is most car accident lawyers work on contingency. This means you don’t pay unless they recover for you. Neat huh?
How A Lawyer Builds Your Case
Ok, but how do holiday car accident lawyers win cases? Evidence. Strategy.
Here’s a quick look at the process.
Investigation
Your attorney will collect any and all evidence surrounding the accident. This can include police reports, witness testimonies, traffic camera footage, and even the cars’ data trackers.
Medical Records
Your medical records demonstrate the extent of your injuries. Attorneys collaborate with your doctors to record every visit, treatment, and future care need.
Liability
Next up is proving fault. In a holiday crash, this could involve:
- Alcohol or drug testing of the other driver
- Cell phone records to prove distracted driving
- Witness accounts
- Expert reconstruction of the crash scene
Damages
Finally, your attorney will tally up everything you’re owed. And by everything, that doesn’t just mean costs related to car repairs. It means:
- Medical bills (past AND future)
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care needs
After everything is ready, your attorney negotiates a settlement or goes to trial.
A legal representative should be contacted AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Evidence is lost, witnesses’ memories fade and insurance companies are contacting you within hours of the incident. The best chance you have at winning is getting that phone call in early.
Closing Thoughts
Holiday auto accidents are horrible – but they’re also frequent. Being prepared BEFORE one happens will put you in the best position possible if disaster strikes.
To quickly recap:
- Check for injuries and call 911
- Get to safety and call the police
- Gather evidence at the scene
- See a doctor (even if you feel fine)
- Hire an experienced holiday car accident lawyer
The holidays are a time of happiness AND hazards on the road. If an accident disrupts your festivities, you shouldn’t have to face the music alone. With capable legal representation, the right team can alleviate your stress while you focus on recovery.
Stay safe out there.
