What to do if you’re in an accident traveling for the holidays

The end of the year means colder weather, but it also means that the holiday season is upon us. Lights and holiday decor line streets and shops, and there’s a friendless in the air that warms up even the coldest December days. The holiday season is a great chance to be with friends and family. For many, that means packing up the car and driving to celebrate with loved ones. In 2018, one in three Americans traveled during the holiday season. Those sorts of numbers on the road mean lots of traffic and time spent sitting in your car. It can also mean a higher chance of being involved in an accident. More traffic, combined with other factors, like the higher number of drunk drivers on the road, means more accidents can occur. 

A crash on your way home for the holidays can turn a holiday vacation getaway into a nightmare trip. If you are involved in an accident, it’s important to know how to react to protect yourself and others.

After the crash

The best way to avoid an accident is to try to prevent one. Driving around the holidays can be stressful. Plan ahead. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time and expect traffic. Don’t put yourself in a position where you have to rush, because hurrying may mean you’ll be more likely to get into an accident.

Of course, accidents can happen even to the most vigilant drivers. If you’re involved in one, remember to focus on your immediate well-being first. Check yourself for immediate signs of injuries. Blood and immediate pain are obvious indications of injury. Look for small cuts and other lacerations that may hint at less visible injuries. If you’re in a position to help others, do so after checking on yourself. Perform first aid on others if needed and then call for help. 

While you wait for help to arrive, reconstruct the minutes leading up to the crash in your head. Which direction were you going? How fast? What caused the accident? The answers to these questions will be key. If others were in your vehicle, confer with them. When the police come, detail your recollection. The more you can remember, the better they’ll be able to determine what happened.  

Making a full recovery 

Being involved in a car accident can be scary. The last thing you want is for minor injuries to turn into bigger problems and keep you sidelined during the holidays. Being proactive is essential when it comes to your recovery. After the crash, visit a doctor. Even if you feel your injuries are not that serious, a doctor can tell you about potential symptoms and problems you may not have noticed. It’s also important to give yourself time to recover. It’s important not to push yourself back to your regular routine too soon, even in cases of minor injuries. Take time to recoup. If you are able to take extended time off around the holidays, do so. 

One course of care after a car accident is visiting a chiropractor. Many chiropractors specialize in types of injuries commonly caused by car crashes. Car accident victims often report neck and back injuries, soreness and fractured bones. The right chiropractor can put together a recovery plan unique to you and your needs. Chiropractors can also help with some of the side effects that you may experience after an accident, like trouble sleeping.  

Ready for the holiday cheer again 

Everyone wants the perfect holiday season. However, life sometimes has different plans. Be vigilant on the road and watch out for dangerous drivers around this time of the year. If you are in a car accident during the holidays, don’t let it spoil the entire season. Focus on getting better. Visit a doctor to get a professional’s opinion and find further treatment from a chiropractor. Recovering the right way can minimize the time it takes you to heal, and have you celebrating the holidays with your family in no time.

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