The holidays are meant for celebration, family, and time together – but they’re also one of the busiest and most dangerous times on the road. Increased traffic, long drives, distracted drivers, fatigue, and impaired driving all raise the risk of accidents during holiday travel.
If you’re injured while traveling, the experience can feel especially stressful – far from home, routines disrupted, and unsure of what to do next. As a South Carolina attorney who has helped many accident victims through this exact situation, I want you to know: there are steps you can take to protect yourself, even when a crash happens away from home..jpeg)
Put Safety and Medical Care First
Your health always comes before travel plans. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured, and seek medical attention as soon as possible – even if your symptoms seem minor at first.
Holiday adrenaline is real. It can mask pain, and injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or internal trauma often worsen hours or days after the initial impact. Getting evaluated promptly also creates a medical record that directly connects your injuries to the accident – something that becomes critical if you pursue a personal injury claim in South Carolina.
If you're treated out of town, request copies of all medical paperwork, discharge instructions, and billing records before you leave.
Make Sure Law Enforcement Is Notified
A police report is one of the most important documents in any car accident case – and it's especially critical during holiday travel. It creates an official, timestamped record of what happened and can be essential when dealing with insurance companies, particularly if the at-fault driver is from another state.
South Carolina law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Don't skip this step, even if the other driver pressures you to handle it privately.
Document Everything You Can
If you're physically able, document everything at the scene before vehicles are moved or conditions change. Take photos and video of:
- All vehicle damage (yours and theirs)
- The roadway, skid marks, traffic signs, and surrounding area
- License plates and insurance cards
- Any visible injuries
Collect names and contact information for all witnesses. These details can be nearly impossible to track down once everyone returns home after the holidays.
Be Careful With Insurance Conversations
Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims within hours or days of a crash – and they may seem friendly and helpful. But their goal is to settle your claim quickly and for as little as possible.
You are not required to give a recorded statement right away, especially when you're still traveling, in pain, or haven't yet consulted with a South Carolina car accident lawyer. It's completely appropriate to tell an adjuster that you need time to focus on your medical care before discussing the details of your claim.
Anything you say to an insurance company can be used to reduce or deny your settlement. Protect yourself by speaking with an attorney first.
Hurt During Holiday Travel in South Carolina? We Can Help.
A holiday accident can interrupt more than your trip – it can affect your health, your finances, and your peace of mind. Taking the right steps early helps ensure that a difficult moment doesn’t become a lasting burden.
If you’re hurt on the road this holiday season, give yourself grace. Prioritize your well-being, protect your rights, and know that support is available – wherever the road may take you.
At Pracht Injury Lawyers, LLP, we represent injured accident victims across South Carolina. Whether you were hurt near home or while traveling through our state, we're here to fight for the full compensation you deserve – including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us fight for YOU.
