Christmas and New Year’s Day are quickly approaching. During these holidays, you may decide to drive out of town to visit friends and family. Maybe you are going several hours away. Perhaps you’re going out of state or even across the country.

You probably have your itinerary planned weeks or even months in advance. You are excited to see your family. You are excited to get some rest. You are not expecting to get into an automobile collision, but the truth is that a crash is possible any time you are on the roadway.

More than three-quarters of crashes occur within 15 miles of home. 23% occur elsewhere. If you are out of state when it happens, you may feel vulnerable. You are in unfamiliar territory. What do you do now?

Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to make some changes to your travel plans. If the crash was severe and several people were injured, you or someone with you may need to spend some time in the hospital. Then you’ll need to go home and begin to heal.

However, if nobody was injured, then you may be able to continue with your family get-together. You may be delayed, but you should still be able to enjoy your trip. You will need to figure out what to do with your car, though, which can be frustrating when you are trying to get somewhere by a certain time. If the damage is minimal, you can have it fixed when you return. If the damage is severe, you may need to wait around to have your car repaired.

You must understand all the legal ramifications of a car accident, especially if it occurred out of state. Each state has different laws regarding compensation and liability, so it is in your best interest to understand your legal rights. A lawyer can also protect you from any claims of blame by the other party involved. Consulting with a lawyer can give you peace of mind.

Getting into an automobile collision away from home can be a scary situation. How do you proceed? What mistakes should you avoid?

If you or a loved one have been in an automobile collision over the holidays, contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at Clawson & Clawson, LLP. Our legal team has years of experience handling automobile collisions and will work diligently to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a no-obligation case evaluation.