What To Do After A Road Trip Gone Wrong

A road trip is supposed to be a time of freedom, fun, and exploration—not emergency rooms, tow trucks, or confusing insurance calls. If you are in this horribly unfortunate situation, it may be time to talk to our Tampa, FL car accident lawyer to see what your next steps should be.

Whether you’re crossing state lines for a family vacation, a business trip, or a spontaneous getaway, a crash far from home can bring extra challenges—and a lot of questions.

At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we’ve helped many clients navigate car accidents that happened during travel. If you’re injured in a crash while on a road trip, here’s exactly what to do—and what to expect.

Step 1: Get To Safety And Call For Help

No matter where the accident happens, your first priority is safety.

• Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible
• Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help
• Stay calm and wait for emergency responders
• Don’t admit fault—even if you’re trying to be polite
• Cooperate with the responding officer

If you’re in a rural or unfamiliar area, emergency response may take longer. Stay visible, keep your hazard lights on, and remain alert.

Step 2: Document Everything

You may not be familiar with the road or the state you’re in, which makes documentation even more critical. Use your phone to:

• Photograph vehicle damage, license plates, and injuries
• Capture road signs, intersections, and weather conditions
• Take pictures of driver’s licenses and insurance cards
• Record a voice memo of what happened while it’s fresh
• Ask for the officer’s name and badge number, and where to find the police report

If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact info. Their statements could be crucial later.

Step 3: Get Medical Attention—Immediately

Even if you’re trying to get to your next stop, don’t delay care. Minor injuries can turn major—and delays hurt your case.

• Visit the closest urgent care or ER
• Tell the provider exactly what happened
• Mention all symptoms, even if they seem minor (e.g., headache, soreness, dizziness)
• Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and discharge notes

Pro Tip: Use apps like Google Maps or Healthgrades to find nearby medical facilities with good reviews.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as you can—ideally within 24 hours. Even if you’re not at fault, most policies require timely notice.

Be prepared to share:

• Your location and the time of the crash
• Vehicle details and license plate numbers
• Names and insurance info for all parties involved
• The police report number (if available)

Be polite and factual—but don’t speculate or admit fault. And never accept a settlement or recorded call without legal advice.

Step 5: Understand The Local Laws

Car accident laws vary from state to state. This affects:

• Who is financially responsible
• Whether you can sue the at-fault driver
• How much time you have to file a claim
• What insurance coverage applies (your own, theirs, or both)

For example, if you’re from a no-fault state and crash in a state that uses an at-fault system, you may be eligible for different compensation than you’re used to.

This is where having an attorney with national experience—or access to a strong local network—makes a huge difference.

Step 6: What About A Rental Or Borrowed Car?

If you’re using a rental car, contact the rental agency immediately. They’ll walk you through their process and let you know about insurance coverage.

Common scenarios:

• You purchased insurance from the rental company: that policy may cover damages
• You declined insurance: your personal policy or credit card coverage might apply
• You were driving someone else’s car: their policy is usually primary, yours may be secondary

Check your personal policy before your trip to see if you’re covered out of state or in rentals. If you are wondering if you can get sued or sue someone with insurance, discuss your situation with a personal injury lawyer.

Step 7: What If The Other Driver Leaves The Scene?

Hit-and-runs can be devastating—especially if you’re far from home and unsure where to turn.

If the at-fault driver flees:

• Call police immediately
• Try to get the license plate number or vehicle description
• Ask witnesses for help
• File an official police report

Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply if the other driver isn’t found. A lawyer can help review your options.

Step 8: Do You Need A Local Lawyer?

If you’re injured while traveling, the accident will likely fall under the laws of the state where it occurred. That means:

• You’ll need to file your case in that state
• Insurance negotiations may be handled locally
• A licensed attorney in that state is often required

Our firm has handled injury cases for travelers and tourists all over the U.S.—especially those injured while visiting Florida. If you need help in another state, we also work closely with a network of reputable attorneys through trusted referral partners.

Step 9: Keep Records Of Everything

As you continue your trip—or return home—be sure to:

• Save all receipts: hotels, car rentals, meals, and transportation
• Keep copies of all medical records and imaging
• Continue journaling your symptoms, emotional stress, and missed activities
• Update your attorney as new bills or challenges arise

This documentation can help prove pain and suffering, lost income, and other non-economic damages.

Bonus Tips For Safer Road Trip Driving

You can’t prevent every crash, but you can lower your risks:

• Get your vehicle inspected before leaving
• Keep a roadside emergency kit in your trunk
• Avoid driving while drowsy—schedule breaks
• Use a real GPS or app like Waze for real-time road alerts
• Watch for aggressive or distracted drivers, especially in unfamiliar cities
• Drive with extreme caution stormy weather and pull over if the wind and/or rain are making it unsafe.

Final Thoughts: When The Unexpected Happens, You Don’t Have To Handle It Alone

Car accidents are stressful enough. Add unfamiliar roads, out-of-state laws, and a disrupted trip—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we help accident victims across the country get justice, even when the crash happened far from home. Whether you’re passing through Florida or were hit in another state, we’ll guide you with clarity, care, and determination. Contact us now for a free consultation, and let’s get you back on the road—safely.