The Risks of Thanksgiving Week Travel on I-93 and the Everett Turnpike 
Thanksgiving week is notorious for being one of the busiest travel periods of the year. People across New Hampshire, especially in areas around Manchester, Concord, and Nashua, are driving long distances to visit family and friends. The combination of increased traffic and hazardous driving conditions makes this time of year particularly risky. Additionally, weather can play a significant role. Icy conditions and wet roads, especially on I-93 and the Everett Turnpike, further heighten the potential for accidents.
The stress of long drives, the pressure of holiday schedules, and the increased number of cars on the road all contribute to higher crash rates. Whether it’s a rear-end collision, a side-swipe accident, or a multi-vehicle pile-up, accidents on these roads can cause serious injuries and leave you with complicated legal battles.
James J. Tenn, Jr.
Attorney
Mary Elizabeth Tenn
Attorney
John J. Tenn
Attorney
Working hard to obtain the best results possible for our clients and fighting to protect their rights.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Thanksgiving Week Accident
After an accident, especially one that happens during the high-traffic Thanksgiving period, it’s crucial to take certain steps to protect both your physical health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do immediately after the crash:- Ensure Everyone’s Safety The first priority after a crash is to ensure that everyone involved is safe. If you’re physically able, move your vehicle to a safe location to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights and check for any immediate injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services right away. Your safety and the safety of others should always be the number one concern.
- Call the Police and Report the Accident For accidents of any severity, especially on busy highways like I-93 or the Everett Turnpike, it’s crucial to call the police. A police report is essential for your injury claim. The police will document the accident scene, gather witness statements, and create an official report. This report will serve as a crucial piece of evidence for your case. Avoid admitting fault or making any detailed statements until you’ve consulted with your attorney.
- Exchange Information with All Parties Involved Be sure to exchange contact information with all the drivers involved in the crash, including names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details. If there are any passengers, get their contact information as well. Additionally, take down the make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved in the crash.
- Take Photos of the Accident Scene If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene from multiple angles. This includes damage to the vehicles, the positions of the vehicles after the crash, any visible road hazards, and traffic signs. You should also take photos of your injuries, if any are visible. Photos can provide crucial evidence when filing a personal injury claim or negotiating with insurance companies.
- Gather Witness Statements If there are any witnesses to the accident, politely ask for their names and contact information. Witnesses can provide an impartial account of the crash and strengthen your case. Eyewitness statements can be invaluable in helping your attorney determine fault and support your injury claim.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s essential to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Delaying medical treatment can not only worsen your condition but can also hurt your injury claim. Medical records serve as essential documentation for your case, providing evidence of the severity of your injuries.
How to Protect Your Injury Claim
Once you’ve ensured that you’re safe and the necessary information has been exchanged, the next step is to protect your injury claim. Here’s how you can safeguard your rights:- Avoid Talking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Insurance companies often try to get statements from accident victims soon after a crash, in an attempt to minimize their payout. While it may seem tempting to give a quick statement, it’s best to avoid speaking with the other party’s insurance company without consulting your attorney. Anything you say could be used against you to reduce the amount you’re entitled to.
- Consult an Experienced New Hampshire Personal Injury Attorney Hiring a lawyer who is experienced in personal injury law is crucial. Navigating the claims process after an accident can be complicated, and having a lawyer on your side ensures that your rights are protected. They will help you gather the necessary evidence, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Document Everything Related to Your Injury Keep track of all medical visits, expenses, and treatments related to your injury. This includes doctor’s appointments, physical therapy sessions, and any medications or treatments prescribed. Additionally, document your lost wages if you had to take time off work due to the accident. These records will be vital for your claim and will help determine the compensation you’re entitled to.
- Don’t Settle Too Quickly In the aftermath of a Thanksgiving week crash, it can be tempting to settle with the insurance company quickly, especially when you’re facing medical bills and car repair costs. However, settling too early could result in a settlement that doesn’t fully account for future medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Speak with your attorney before accepting any offers from the insurance company.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Advice and Attend All Appointments Failing to follow your doctor’s instructions or missing medical appointments can hurt your injury claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed if you don’t stick to your treatment plan. Additionally, missed appointments or failure to follow prescribed treatments could imply that you’re not taking your recovery seriously.
Common Types of Thanksgiving Week Accidents on I-93 and the Everett Turnpike
The Thanksgiving holiday brings a range of driving conditions that increase the likelihood of accidents. On I-93 and the Everett Turnpike, some common types of accidents include:- Rear-End Collisions: Due to heavy traffic and drivers following too closely, rear-end accidents are common, especially if drivers are distracted or not paying attention to the stop-and-go traffic.
- DUI-Related Accidents: With celebrations and alcohol consumption, Thanksgiving is often a time when impaired drivers are on the road. This increases the risk of accidents involving intoxicated drivers.
- Weather-Related Accidents: In New Hampshire, the roads can be icy or slippery in late November, contributing to accidents. Snow and rain can reduce visibility and make driving conditions hazardous, especially on highways like I-93 and the Everett Turnpike.
- Fatigue-Related Crashes: Long trips, coupled with the rush to get to family events, may lead to drivers being fatigued, increasing the likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel or making poor decisions while driving.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents can occur, especially during the busy holiday season. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run on I-93 or the Everett Turnpike, follow these steps:- Get as Much Information as Possible: Try to take note of the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number. If possible, note any distinguishing features, such as bumper stickers or damage.
- Report the Incident Immediately: Call the police and report the hit-and-run. Provide all the details you gathered, including any information from eyewitnesses.
- File a Claim with Your Own Insurance: If the hit-and-run driver cannot be located, your own insurance policy, specifically your uninsured motorist coverage, may cover your damages and medical costs.