With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you may be tempted to ignore the aftermath of a car wreck until things settle after the new year.

Before you head to those celebrations, you can be sure to drive safely by avoiding driving if you're under the influence of drugs or alcohol, by avoiding driving if you're tired, by avoiding distractions like cellphones and other technology, and by ensuring everyone in the vehicle is properly buckled. Click here to find additional tips on safe driving from the National Safety Council.

But, if the unthinkable does happen, be sure to act quickly and secure a personal injury attorney. The experts at The Carlson Law Firm have explained these three important reasons:

1) Preserving crucial evidence. As the world keeps turning, evidence becomes stale or disappears altogether, but an experienced attorney, like those at The Carlson Law Firm, will know where to look and which details could be important, so they'll work to preserve fresh evidence that will be helpful throughout the whole process — even if you end up settling with the insurance company.

2) You need to follow legal deadlines. Every case has a statute of limitations, and even insurance claims have their own set of deadlines. The clock is ticking, and missing a deadline can forfeit your right to seek compensation.

3) You need assistance handling insurance companies. After crashes, insurance companies often are quick to reach out with settlement offers, but their goal is to get you to agree to the smallest settlement possible. Having an experienced attorney means you have a strong negotiator who knows the value of your case — and who is working for you. The Carlson Law Firm can help you avoid any costly mistakes and ensure your damages are correctly enumerated and valued, from medical costs to lost wages and more.

Most cases ultimately will be settled, but The Carlson Law Firm has dozens of attorneys with trial expertise — a quality that often demands respect during negotiations with insurance companies. Moreover, they don't require any upfront cost from you if they accept your case. Click here to learn more or call 254-526-5688 to schedule a free case evaluation.