Summer Trips and Car Crashes: What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road
Summer is the season of sunshine, open highways, and long-awaited road trips. Families pack up their cars for beach vacations, students celebrate the break with cross-country adventures, and travelers rent vehicles to explore new destinations. But amid the excitement of summer travel, car accidents are an all-too-common reality—and they can quickly turn a dream vacation into a legal and financial nightmare.
At the Reed Firm, we are passionate about protecting people and relentless in our pursuit of justice. Whether you’ve been hurt in a summer travel car accident close to home or involved in a rental car accident while exploring a new city, our team is here to guide you through every step. We believe no one should face the aftermath of a collision alone—especially during what should be the most carefree time of the year.
The Summer Spike in Car Accidents
Statistically, car accidents increase during the summer months. With more drivers on the road, especially inexperienced teenage drivers, out-of-town travelers unfamiliar with local roads, and distracted vacationers, the risk of collisions rises. Add in high temperatures, road construction, and holiday traffic, and it’s easy to see why summer is one of the most dangerous times to drive.
Whether you’re driving your own vehicle or behind the wheel of a rental car, it’s important to understand how to protect yourself—and your rights—before and after an accident.
What to Do After a Car Accident While Traveling This Summer
If you’re involved in a car accident while on vacation, follow these steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights:
- Get Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
- Report the Accident: Call local law enforcement and make sure a police report is filed. This will be a key piece of evidence later.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, the other car, license plates, and visible injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident, but be cautious about what you say. Avoid admitting fault or making detailed statements until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Especially if you’re out of state or injured in a rental vehicle, having an experienced attorney can make all the difference in your recovery and compensation.
Rental Car Accidents: Special Considerations
Rental car accidents introduce extra layers of complexity. You may be dealing with:
- A rental agreement full of confusing fine print
- Questions about who is responsible for damages
- Multiple insurance policies—yours, the rental company’s, and possibly a credit card provider’s
- Out-of-state or international legal jurisdictions
- A different state’s or country’s reporting deadlines and legal requirements
These situations can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle them alone. Reed Firm is equipped to investigate liability, handle insurance companies, and pursue full compensation—no matter where the accident occurred.
Domestic or Abroad: Your Rights Still Matter
Car accidents during international vacations can be particularly stressful. Local laws, language barriers, and insurance restrictions all complicate the situation. If you’ve been hurt in a rental car accident abroad, we can help you explore options for recovering damages through U.S. policies or litigation, depending on your specific circumstances.
No matter where you were injured, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping you get your life back.
We’re Here for You—This Summer and Beyond
At the Reed Firm, we don’t just handle cases—we fight for people. We know the pain, stress, and confusion that follow a serious car accident, especially when it happens far from home. That’s why we’ve built our practice around compassion, communication, and a relentless drive for justice.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a summer travel car accident or rental car accident, don’t wait. The sooner you get experienced legal help, the better your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Contact the Reed Firm today for a free consultation. Let us help you turn the page on this chapter and move forward with confidence.