Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year across Pennsylvania. Between visiting family, driving long distances, and the stress of holiday schedules, the risk of a car accident rises dramatically. Unfortunately, celebrations can turn tragic when collisions occur, especially when the roads are crowded or drivers are impaired.
If you’re involved in a car accident on Thanksgiving Day in Pennsylvania, knowing what steps to take can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to pursue compensation later.
1. Put Safety First and Check for Injuries
Your first priority after a Thanksgiving car crash should always be safety. Take a deep breath, turn on your hazard lights, and assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if the injuries seem minor, getting emergency responders to the scene ensures everyone gets the medical attention they need.
Move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic if it’s safe to do so, especially on highways or busy rural roads. If you can’t move it, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
2. Call Law Enforcement to Report the Accident
In Pennsylvania, you are legally required to report an accident that causes injury, death, or significant property damage. On a holiday like Thanksgiving, police departments may be handling multiple collisions, but it’s still important to wait for officers to arrive and make an official report.
A police report provides an objective record of what happened, including the date, time, location, and parties involved. This document becomes crucial evidence if you later file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Similar Post: How Do Police Reports Impact Car Accident Cases in Philadelphia?
3. Exchange Information, but Keep It Professional
While waiting for police to arrive, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Be sure to get:
- Full name and phone number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
Avoid discussing fault or apologizing at the scene. Even well-intentioned statements like “I’m sorry” can be misconstrued as admitting liability later.
4. Document the Scene
Thanksgiving accidents often occur during hectic travel hours, making it easy to overlook key details. Use your smartphone to capture photos and videos of the scene. Include:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Skid marks, traffic lights, and street signs
- Road or weather conditions
- Any visible injuries
If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well. Their statements may help verify what happened.
5. Seek Medical Care as Soon as Possible
After a car accident, especially one on a busy holiday, you may be tempted to skip the hospital if you feel “okay.” However, many injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, don’t appear right away. Getting evaluated by a doctor protects both your health and your potential claim.
Medical records link your injuries directly to the accident. If you wait days to see a doctor, insurers might argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you can. Provide the basic facts of what happened, but avoid giving a recorded statement or speculating about fault before consulting with an attorney.
Keep in mind that Pennsylvania follows a choice no-fault system, meaning your own policy may pay for medical bills under Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage regardless of who caused the crash. However, serious injuries can qualify you to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver.
7. Understand Common Causes of Thanksgiving Car Accidents
Thanksgiving weekend consistently ranks among the deadliest travel periods in Pennsylvania. Factors contributing to holiday crashes include:
- Drunk or impaired driving: Celebratory drinking leads to a spike in DUI-related accidents.
- Fatigued driving: Long drives and early departures increase drowsy-driving crashes.
- Bad weather: November often brings icy rain or early snow, reducing visibility.
- Distracted driving: GPS use, phone calls, and conversations can divert attention.
Recognizing these risks helps you understand how negligence may have played a role in your crash and strengthens your legal claim.
8. Preserve Evidence for Your Claim
Keep every piece of documentation related to the accident, including:
- The police report
- Medical bills and doctor’s notes
- Photos and witness statements
- Receipts for vehicle repairs or towing
- Any communication with insurance adjusters
Organizing this information from the start can make it easier for your attorney to build a strong case on your behalf.
9. Consult a Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorney
Even on a holiday, it’s never too early to seek legal advice. An experienced Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can help you:
- Identify all sources of compensation
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Calculate the full value of your losses, including pain and suffering
- Protect your rights if liability is disputed
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our legal team understands how devastating a Thanksgiving car accident can be. From the first phone call to settlement or trial, we guide you through every step so you can focus on recovery.
Similar Post: What to Expect During a Free Consultation with an Auto Accident Lawyer
10. How to Avoid Accidents This Thanksgiving
While not every crash can be prevented, these steps can reduce your risk:
- Plan your route and leave early to avoid peak traffic.
- Never drive after drinking. Use a designated driver or rideshare.
- Get plenty of rest before a long trip.
- Slow down in poor weather and maintain safe following distances.
- Stay alert and limit distractions behind the wheel.
Simple precautions can make the difference between a safe holiday and a preventable tragedy.
What If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene?
Hit-and-run accidents often increase on holidays. If the other driver flees, try to capture their license plate number and vehicle description. Report it to the police immediately. Pennsylvania law allows you to seek coverage through your uninsured motorist (UM) policy if the driver is never found.
Always purchase UM coverage or auto policy so you can recover compensation if the driver leaves the scene.
An attorney can also work with investigators to locate the responsible driver and pursue justice on your behalf.
Injured in a Car Accident on Thanksgiving Day? Our Pennsylvania Attorneys Can Help
A Thanksgiving car accident can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income, or pain that lingers long after the crash, you don’t have to face it alone.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our personal injury attorneys have a long history of representing injury victims across Pennsylvania with dedication and compassion. We investigate every detail of your accident, work directly with insurance companies, and fight to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident on Thanksgiving Day, call us today at 215-486-0123 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let our team protect your rights and help you move forward toward healing and justice. We represent clients throughout Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Allentown, and Reading.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.