The holidays are meant to be a time of joy—reconnecting with loved ones, traveling to see family, and celebrating traditions. Unfortunately, holiday travel also brings an increase in accidents, from car crashes on icy roads to slip-and-fall injuries in unfamiliar places. If you’re injured while visiting family this holiday season, knowing what steps to take can protect both your health and your legal rights.
At Castle Law Office, we regularly help Kansas City residents who find themselves dealing with unexpected injuries during the holidays. Here’s what you should know if an accident disrupts your seasonal plans.
Common Holiday Travel Accidents
Holiday travel creates the perfect storm for injuries. Some of the most common accidents we see include:
- Car accidents caused by winter weather, congested highways, distracted driving, or long travel days
- Slip and fall injuries on icy sidewalks, poorly lit parking lots, or cluttered homes
- Accidents in stores or restaurants during busy holiday shopping and gatherings
- Injuries on someone else’s property, including a friend or relative’s home
Whether you’re driving across Missouri, flying into Kansas City, or visiting family in another state, these risks increase significantly during the holiday season.
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should always come first. Even if an injury seems minor, seek medical care as soon as possible. Some injuries—such as concussions, soft tissue injuries, or internal trauma—may not show symptoms right away. Prompt treatment also creates medical records that can be critical if you later pursue a personal injury claim.
Step 2: Document What Happened
If you’re able, gather as much information as possible at the scene:
- Take photos or videos of the accident location, injuries, vehicles, or hazardous conditions
- Get names and contact information for any witnesses
- Save receipts, medical bills, and travel expenses related to your injury
If you’re injured while away from home, documentation becomes even more important since evidence can be harder to obtain later.
Step 3: Be Careful What You Say
After an accident, avoid discussing fault—especially with insurance companies. Statements made too early can be misunderstood or used to minimize your claim. You are not required to give a recorded statement without legal guidance.
Step 4: Understand That Laws May Differ
If your injury occurred outside of Kansas or Missouri, different state laws may apply. Deadlines, liability rules, and insurance requirements can vary significantly. This is where having an experienced attorney matters. Castle Law Office helps clients navigate these complexities, even when accidents happen while traveling or visiting family out of state.
Step 5: Contact a Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney
The holidays are stressful enough without medical bills, missed work, and insurance disputes. Speaking with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
At Castle Law Office, we’re proud to serve the Kansas City community and support families during difficult times. We understand how overwhelming an unexpected injury can be—especially during the holidays—and we’re here to help guide you through the legal process with clarity and compassion.
After an accident in Kansas City, figuring out who pays your medical bills is confusing — especially when Missouri and Kansas follow different rules. Castle Law Office helps injury victims in Kansas City get their bills paid, stop collections, and recover the compensation they deserve. Call us today at (816) 842-6200 or to speak with an attorney https://www.castlelaw-kc.com/contact.cfm.
