The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year. Whether you’re driving across Arizona to visit family, flying in from out of state, or welcoming holiday visitors to the area, increased traffic and unfamiliar surroundings can raise the risk of accidents.
If you’re injured in an accident while traveling, or if a visitor is injured while in Arizona, you may be wondering: What happens next? Which laws apply? And how do I protect my rights during the holidays?
With over 25 years of experience, Jeff GOULD Law is the Attorney in YOUR Corner. We help injury victims navigate complex situations, including accidents that happen away from home or during busy holiday seasons, so they can focus on healing while we handle the legal details.
Table of Contents
Why Holiday Travel Accidents Are More Complicated
Accidents that occur during holiday travel often involve additional layers of complexity, including:
- Out-of-state drivers or visitors
- Rental vehicles
- Unfamiliar roads or weather conditions
- Delayed medical treatment due to travel schedules
- Slower responses from insurance companies during the holidays
These factors can affect how a claim is handled, and make it even more important to take the right steps early.
Common Types of Holiday Travel Accidents
With more drivers on the road, more distractions than ever, and those who celebrated a little more than necessary, holiday travel accidents can happen in many ways, including:
Car Accidents
Busy highways, long drives, fatigue, and distracted driving all increase the risk of crashes during the holiday season. Accidents may involve local drivers, visitors from other states, or rental vehicles.
Pedestrian Accidents
Holiday shopping areas, events, and unfamiliar surroundings can increase pedestrian traffic and the risk of serious injuries if drivers fail to yield or pay attention.
Rental Car Accidents
If you’re injured while driving a rental car or are injured by someone driving one, insurance coverage can be confusing. Liability may involve personal auto insurance, rental company coverage, or third-party insurers.
What to Do If You’re Injured While Traveling in Arizona
If you’re injured in an accident while traveling, taking the right steps can help protect both your health and your legal claim.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Even if you plan to continue traveling or return home soon, it’s important to get medical care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can worsen injuries and give insurance companies an excuse to question the seriousness of your claim.
Report the Accident
For car accidents, call law enforcement and request a police report. For other incidents, notify the property owner or manager and ask for an incident report.
Document Everything
If you are able:
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, hazards, and injuries
- Collect contact information from witnesses
- Save travel records, rental agreements, and receipts
This evidence can be crucial later.
Be Careful What You Say
Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal guidance. Insurers may contact you quickly, especially when multiple policies or states are involved.
Which State’s Laws Apply?
In most cases, the law of the state where the accident occurred applies, even if you live somewhere else. If you’re injured in Arizona, Arizona personal injury laws generally govern your claim.
This can affect:
- Deadlines for filing a claim
- How fault is determined
- The types of damages available
Understanding these rules early helps prevent costly mistakes.
Evidence Matters – Especially During the Holidays
Holiday timing can make evidence harder to collect. Businesses may close, surveillance footage may be overwritten, and witnesses may leave town.
Important evidence may include:
- Police or incident reports
- Photographs or a video of the scene
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Insurance information from all parties involved
Acting quickly helps preserve this information before it’s lost.
Special Considerations in Arizona
Arizona personal injury law has a few important nuances that can directly impact how a holiday travel accident claim is handled. Understanding these rules early can help protect your right to recover compensation and avoid costly missteps.
Comparative Negligence
Arizona follows a comparative negligence system. If you are found partially at fault for an accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you may still recover damages.
Out-of-State Claims
If you’re injured while visiting Arizona, you may be able to pursue your claim here even after you return home. Having an attorney familiar with Arizona law is key.
Why Legal Guidance Matters During the Holidays
Insurance companies often move more slowly during the holidays, and may hope injured individuals delay action until it’s too late. Others may pressure victims to settle quickly before the full extent of their injuries is known.
With Jeff GOULD Law, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. We understand the challenges that holiday travel accidents create and work to protect your rights from the very beginning.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident while traveling in Arizona, or if an out-of-town visitor was injured while here, you deserve clear answers and experienced guidance.
Don’t DELAY: Call Jeff GOULD Law, the Attorney In YOUR Corner – TODAY!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this blog/site is not intended to be legal advice. It is for general informational use only. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your situation. Further, this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.