Summer Road Trips and Car Accidents: How to Protect Yourself Legally

12 Jun Summer Road Trips and Car Accidents: How to Protect Yourself Legally

Summer road trips bring adventure, freedom, and cherished memories—but they also come with risks. Increased miles on the road mean a higher chance of car accidents, and protecting yourself legally helps ensure you’re prepared if something goes wrong.

In this blog post, we will dive into the key legal steps to take before, during, and after your summer getaway to safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and your finances.

Before You Hit the Road: Prepare Legally

Review and Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Before hitting the highway, make sure your auto insurance is up to date and provides the right coverage. Verify your liability limits and consider optional protections like collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM), and rental reimbursement—especially if you’ll be driving a rental vehicle or towing a trailer.

Update Coverage for Other Drivers and Vehicles

If multiple people will be sharing driving duties, add them to your policy. Planning to borrow a friend’s car? Ensure it’s licensed properly and that they’ve added you as a driver so that coverage remains valid.

Consider Roadside Assistance Plans

A breakdown on a lonely stretch of highway can ruin more than your vacation—it can be costly. Whether through your insurer, AAA, or a car manufacturer’s program, roadside coverage for towing, tire changes, and jump-starts can save you time, money, and stress.

While You’re Traveling: Be Proactive

Maintain Proper Documentation in Your Vehicle

Store your auto insurance ID, vehicle registration, and driver’s license in the glove box. Having these documents readily available can streamline interactions with law enforcement or rental agents.

Take Photos of Your Vehicle Before Leaving

On long trips, especially those involving rentals or borrowed vehicles, take photos of dents, scratches, and existing damage at the start. That way, you’re less likely to be held responsible during inspection or after returning the vehicle.

Know the Law in Different States

Each state has different requirements for insurance minimums, PIP/MedPay, UM/UIM, and even DUI laws. If you’re traveling across state lines, look up the requirements in each jurisdiction you’ll pass through to ensure compliance.

If You’re in a Car Accident: Take Smart Legal Steps

Ensure Safety and Health

• Pull over to a safe location and check for injuries.

• Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there’s property damage.

• Seek medical attention promptly—even “minor” injuries can be serious when left untreated.

Report the Accident

• Contact the police and request a formal accident report.

• Notify your insurance company as soon as you can, even if the accident appears minor.

Preserve Evidence

• Use your phone to take clear photos of damage, vehicles, license plates, and road conditions.

• Note environmental conditions—weather, construction, signage, or obstructions.

• Get contact info from other drivers and any witnesses.

• Secure documentation like repair estimates, medical records, and bills.

Avoid Making Fault Statements

Even innocent phrases like “I’m sorry” can be construed as admissions of guilt. Stick to factual answers when talking to police or insurance adjusters.

Keep Detailed Records

Track everything—towing bills, medical appointments, car rental and repair receipts, and lost income. Also, log missed family events or vacations to support claims for pain and suffering.

Negotiating with Your Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, so it’s important to approach negotiations carefully. Be prepared to advocate for yourself by presenting organized, thorough documentation and sticking to the facts of the accident.

File a Complete Claim Promptly

Include all documentation from the police, photos, and medical records. Incomplete claims are delayed and sometimes denied. The sooner you file with complete, accurate information, the faster your claim can be processed and evaluated fairly.

Be Wary of Quick Settlement Offers

Insurers may offer a fast, lowball settlement to wrap things up. Before signing anything, calculate realistic costs of repairs, medical treatment, rehab, and future medical needs. Accepting an offer too quickly can leave you responsible for uncovered expenses down the road, especially if new injuries or complications arise later.

Consult a Lawyer Before Signing

If you’re uncertain about the settlement amount or believe your injuries are more serious, consult a personal injury lawyer before accepting any offers. An attorney can review your claim, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you’re not forfeiting compensation you’re entitled to for ongoing or future losses.

When a Lawyer Can Help

Complex Multi-Car Collisions

More cars mean more disputed fault. A lawyer can help untangle what happened and hold the responsible party accountable. They can also coordinate with multiple insurance companies, manage conflicting accounts, and preserve crucial evidence before it’s lost or disputed.

Uncooperative Insurers

If your insurance or the at-fault party’s insurer is stalling or denying your claim, an attorney can advocate for your claims and pursue legal action if necessary. They understand the tactics insurers use to avoid paying and can intervene to protect your rights and secure a fair outcome.

Serious Injuries or Future Care Needs

Compensation isn’t just about the immediate cost—it should include long-term medical care, physical therapy, emotional distress, and lost earning potential. A lawyer can evaluate and negotiate your real costs. They can also work with medical experts and financial planners to accurately project future expenses, ensuring your settlement truly meets your needs.

Legal Protections for Travelers

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay/PIP)

If included in your insurance, this helps pay for medical bills regardless of fault, beneficial during travel. It can cover expenses like ambulance rides, ER visits, and follow-up care, providing peace of mind when you’re far from home.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Protects you if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. Given that travel can include encountering unfamiliar drivers, this coverage can serve as financial backup. It can also help cover hit-and-run incidents, which are unfortunately more common during busy travel seasons.

Rental Car Coverage

If your regular policy doesn’t cover rentals, buy short-term coverage from the rental agency. It’s an inexpensive safeguard that can prevent coverage gaps. This protection can save you from personally paying for damage repairs, towing, or liability expenses if you’re involved in a rental car accident.

What Comes After a Legal Dispute

Vehicle Repair vs. Totaled

Your insurer may declare your vehicle a total loss if repairs exceed a certain cost. You’ll receive a payout based on the actual cash value minus any deductible. It’s important to review the insurer’s valuation of your car and provide evidence of upgrades or special features that could increase its worth.

Receipt of Injury Compensation

Medical and rehabilitation claims typically require documentation. Complicated cases might need doctors or experts to testify about your condition. Keeping a detailed record of your treatments, prescriptions, and how the injury affects your daily life can strengthen your claim and speed up the compensation process.

Settlement vs. Court

Many cases settle out of court, but a lawyer will prepare to try your case if the offer is inadequate. Court proceedings may take longer, but can result in significantly higher compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you weigh the risks and rewards of accepting a settlement versus going to trial based on your unique circumstances.

Taking Steps to Avoid Accidents on Summer Trips

Plan Smart, Drive Safe

Avoid rush-hour traffic, stay hydrated, and take rest stops every two hours. Fatigue contributes to accidents.

Check Road Conditions Ahead

Monitor weather alerts, especially in mountain or desert regions, where heat or flash floods can abruptly change driving conditions.

Drive Defensively and Be Unpredictable-Aware

Summer sees new drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and tourists. Others might make unsafe driving moves—stay vigilant.

Adhere to Speed Limits and Reduce Speed When Needed

Increased traffic and changing road conditions mean posted speed limits may still be too fast. Slow down in congested or unfamiliar areas.

Stay Safe, Stay Covered – And Know When to Call for Legal Help

Summer road trips are synonymous with relaxation and exploration, but having a legal plan while you travel is just as important as packing sunscreen. Reviewing your insurance, documenting your trip, and following the correct legal steps after an accident ensure you’re covered if things go wrong.

And when the stakes are high, consulting the Truskett Law team can protect your rights, simplify the process, and help you recover what you need to heal and move on. Being prepared lets you focus on the joy of the journey, knowing you and your loved ones are legally secure.