As we enter Daylight Savings Time, the days are longer, we are finally seeing warmer weather, and our children are highly anticipating time off from school. Families all over Texas are scheduling vacations for spring and summer break, whether it be a warm and sandy beach getaway or scenic stay in the mountains. There’s an overwhelming excitement of the perfect family vacation, creating cherished memories and experiencing something new. 

However, what do you do if the unexpected happens? If you find yourself involved in a car crash while on an out-of-state vacation, it can be a frustrating and confusing experience that adds a layer of complexity to the situation. To help navigate this stressful event, here’s a guide on what you should do after a car crash while on out-of-state vacation. 

1. Call Local Authorities 

After any crash, your first priority should always be the safety of your family and other drivers. If you are involved in a car wreck, move your car to the side of the road if possible and check for injuries. Make sure you and your family are okay first, then check on the passengers of the other vehicle. If anyone is injured, offer to help, if you are able. 

Once you have assessed any injuries, call 9-1-1 and report the crash to local authorities. The official report can be obtained by contacting the responding department and requesting a copy of the report. It can later be used to establish liability and support your claim. 

2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention 

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a crash. If first responders respond to the crash, have an EMT check you out. If they don’t respond to the scene, visit the emergency room or urgent care as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, it’s better to have a doctor examine you for any internal injuries, such as bleeding or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

It’s common for pain to be delayed after a crash due to adrenaline. Some clients may feel fine immediately after the wreck, then start experiencing pain days later. Immediate medical care can help determine your injuries even before you start experiencing symptoms. Aside from your health, a delay in treatment may give insurance companies leverage to use this against you to deny or downplay your injury. 

3. Document Everything 

Documenting everything after a car crash is always important, but it’s even more critical when you are out of state. Because you are on vacation and not a permanent resident, you may not have the opportunity to go back and gather evidence the way you would if you were local. However, if you have to leave the scene for immediate medical attention, all hope is not lost. Local authorities and a personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence to support your claim. 

If you are able, take detailed notes of the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the time, location, and road conditions. Take photographs of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the other driver, and note their insurance details. This information will be invaluable for both legal and insurance purposes. 

4. Call a Personal Injury Attorney 

Getting into a wreck can be scary under any circumstance, but when it happens in an unfamiliar place far from home, the stress and confusion is amplified. A local personal injury attorney should be able to help you navigate filing a claim. If you don’t feel comfortable choosing a random lawyer that is local to the crash, call a personal injury attorney that you trust. They may have partnerships with out-of-state attorneys.  

Each state has different laws regarding personal injury claims. A local personal injury attorney should be able to provide guidance on these local regulations and help you understand your rights and options for compensation. They can also assist you in negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring you receive full value for any injuries caused by the crash. 

5. Report to Your Insurance 

With the help of your attorney, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to notify them of the incident. Be honest and thorough in your report, and provide them with the details you have gathered. Remember that you never have to talk to the other insurance company. Allow your personal injury attorney to handle those conversations. 

Even when talking to your own insurance company, be straight forward, but stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault. If the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance coverage to get you fair value, or lacks insurance coverage entirely, you may be able to seek compensation from your own insurance. Your attorney can help you determine if you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Uninsured/Underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. 

6. Call Your Rental Company 

If you were driving a rental car at the time of the crash, you will need to report to them, as well. Treat this conversation similarly to the insurance company. Be honest and straightforward, but don’t admit fault or make speculations. Your car accident lawyer can guide you through this conversation. If they ask you to fill out a crash report, alert your attorney immediately. 

Document the name and employee I.D. number of the agent you speak with. Ask them where to take the car if it is drivable or ask what towing company to use. Keep detailed records of your conversation, how the car was transported, and where it was left. 

7. Keep Records 

From the time of the crash until your case is settled, it’s incredibly important to keep detailed records of every interaction related to the incident. This includes all communications with insurance companies, doctors, and rental companies, expenses, lost wages, and medical treatments related to the crash. Be sure to keep copies of police reports, medical bills, emails related to the crash, and repair invoices.  

Keeping organized records will support your case if there are legal or financial disputes down the line. All of this paperwork can be overwhelming, but a personal injury attorney can help you keep detailed records. It may be helpful to get a file folder to keep everything related to your crash in one place. 

Remember, being prepared and staying calm can make a significant difference when dealing with an out-of-state car crash. With the help of a personal injury attorney, you can focus on protecting your family, healing, and finding your way back to the cherished moments of your vacation.