The holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Whether you're headed across town for a family dinner or driving out of state for winter festivities, increased traffic, unpredictable weather, and distracted driving all raise the risk of car accidents. Knowing what to do after a crash can help protect your health, legal rights, and future.
At NGK Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming an accident can feel—especially during a time that's meant to be joyful. This guide outlines the steps you should take if you're involved in a car accident this holiday season.
1. Prioritize Safety First
Immediately after the crash, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 right away. If the vehicles are drivable, moving them to the side of the road is safe to prevent further danger or obstruction of traffic.
Turn on your hazard lights and, if available, set out flares or warning triangles. Never leave the scene of the accident, even if it seems minor.
2. Call the Police and File a Report
Even during the busy holiday season, contacting local law enforcement after an accident is critical. A police report provides an objective account of what happened and may include evidence like diagrams, witness statements, or citations. This report often becomes a key part of your injury claim.
Ensure to ask the responding officer how to obtain a copy of the report once it's filed.
3. Document the Scene
If you're physically able, gather as much information as possible. Take photos of:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs or signals
- Weather conditions
- Any visible injuries
Also, exchange names, contact info, insurance details, and driver's license numbers with the other driver(s). Be courteous, but avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you later.
4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
In the rush of the holidays, it’s easy to delay seeing a doctor—but that’s a mistake. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Getting evaluated by a medical professional documents your injuries and establishes a timeline that may be essential to your personal injury claim.
Even if you feel “fine,” schedule an exam as soon as possible.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer promptly. Stick to the facts, and don’t admit fault. Let your attorney handle detailed conversations or negotiations with insurers—especially if the other driver’s insurer contacts you directly.
6. Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney
During the holidays, you may be tempted to "just move on" from an accident—but the consequences can last long after the decorations come down. Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering can take a serious toll.
At NGK Law Firm, we focus on protecting the rights of accident victims throughout Missouri. Our team has extensive experience with holiday-season accidents, and we understand how to navigate the legal process while you focus on healing.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers
The holidays should be a time for connection, not conflict. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident this season, contact NGK Law Firm today. Our St. Louis-based attorneys are ready to listen, advise, and fight for your deserved compensation.
Call us at (314) 241-1919 or visit www.ngklawfirm.com to schedule your free consultation.
