Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times of the year on the road. Families are driving in from out of town. People are running to the store for the one thing they forgot. Highway 521 and Highway 9 fill up fast, and everyone is in a bit of a hurry.
Most of those trips end the way they should, at a full table. If yours is interrupted by a wreck, it helps to know a few things ahead of time. David wrote a whole book on this called No One Wakes Up Wanting a Lawyer, and the title says a lot. Nobody plans for this. Here's a short version to keep in mind before you head out.
Right after the wreck
Check on everyone in your car first, then the other vehicle if it's safe. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the cars are blocking traffic. Ask for an officer to come and make a report, even if the damage looks minor. That report becomes an important record later.
While you wait, take pictures if you can. Get the cars, the road, any debris, and the other driver's license plate and insurance card. Get names and phone numbers from anyone who stopped or saw what happened. Witnesses tend to leave quickly, especially on a holiday.
Get checked out, even if you feel okay
Adrenaline is powerful. Plenty of people walk away from a wreck feeling shaken but fine, then wake up the next morning stiff, sore, or with a headache that won't go away. Neck, back, and head injuries can take a day or two to show up.
If you're on your way to a family gathering, it's tempting to push through and deal with it after the holiday. Please don't. Many urgent care clinics are open on holidays, and the ER always is. Getting seen early protects your health. It also creates a record that connects your injuries to the wreck.
Be careful what you say
Within a day or two, you may hear from the other driver's insurance company. The adjuster will probably be friendly. They may ask to record your statement or ask how you're feeling. It's okay to say you aren't ready to give a statement yet. What you say early, before you know how badly you're hurt, can be used later to minimize your claim.
The same goes for social media. A smiling photo at the dinner table can be taken out of context. It's wise to stay quiet online about the wreck until things are settled.
Keep track of everything
Start a folder or a note on your phone. Save the police report number, medical bills, receipts, repair estimates, and any days you missed from work. Write down how you're feeling each day. It may feel unnecessary now. Later, those details help tell the story of what you went through.
When to talk to someone
Not every fender bender needs a lawyer. If you or someone in your family was hurt, if the other driver's insurance is giving you the runaround, or if you just aren't sure what to do next, it's worth a conversation. We'll listen, answer your questions honestly, and help you understand your options. There's no pressure either way.
We hope your Thanksgiving is full of good food and safe travels. If something does go wrong, we're right here in Lancaster and Indian Land.
Have questions about your situation? Call our Lancaster office at (803) 285-0225 or reach out through our contact page. We'll listen first.
This post is for general information and isn't legal advice. Every situation is different.
