The holiday season brings a rise in traffic accidents, and understanding the most common causes can help you stay safer on the road. With increased travel, harsher weather conditions, and the distractions that often come with the holidays, the risk of car accidents is higher than ever. Whether it's impaired driving, speeding, or distracted driving, these factors can lead to serious collisions that disrupt the festivities and lead to life-altering consequences.
If you've been involved in a holiday car accident, it's essential to take action immediately to protect your rights. Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Decatur who can help you understand your options and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Call Marks Law Group at (678) 251-9309 today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your case.
Is There an Increase in Accidents During the Holiday Season?
Yes, there is typically an increase in car accidents during the holiday season. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic fatalities rise during the holidays, particularly around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.
For example:
- Thanksgiving: The period around Thanksgiving has one of the highest rates of traffic fatalities, with an average of 400-500 deaths occurring over the four-day holiday.
- Christmas and New Year: Between Christmas and New Year’s, there is a noticeable spike in car accidents. NHTSA reports that nearly 1,000 people are killed in car accidents during this time frame each year.
- Winter Months: Accidents also rise in the winter months, especially in colder regions. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, December is one of the most dangerous months for driving, with increased collisions due to weather conditions, holiday travel, and more vehicles on the road.
Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that the overall number of motor vehicle crashes tends to rise by about 25% during the holiday season. This is a time when more people travel long distances, increasing the overall volume of traffic and, consequently, the likelihood of accidents.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents During the Holidays
During the holiday season, several factors contribute to an increase in car accidents. Here are the most common causes of car accidents during this time:
- Impaired Driving: The holidays often lead to increased drinking at parties, family gatherings, and celebrations. Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction times, and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Driving under the influence is one of the leading causes of holiday car accidents.
- Distracted Driving: With more people traveling and spending time with loved ones, there is a higher likelihood of distracted driving. Drivers may be distracted by texting, using their phones for navigation, or talking to passengers, which leads to slower reaction times and increased chances of collisions.
- Bad Weather Conditions: Winter weather, including snow, ice, and heavy rain, is common during the holiday season, particularly in colder climates. Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and longer stopping distances can make driving more dangerous, especially for those who aren’t accustomed to winter driving conditions.
- Fatigue: Many people travel long distances or have late-night holiday parties, leading to driver fatigue. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and decreased attention spans, which can easily result in accidents.
- Increased Traffic: Holiday travel typically increases the number of vehicles on the road. Traffic congestion, longer travel times, and impatience can contribute to accidents, as drivers may be more likely to engage in aggressive driving behaviors, like tailgating or speeding.
- Speeding: With tight schedules to meet family obligations or reach destinations, some drivers may speed to save time. Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions can cause accidents, especially in bad weather.
- Poor Road Conditions: Roads may not be properly maintained during the winter months, with patches of snow, ice, or untreated surfaces. These road conditions can lead to accidents, particularly if drivers are not cautious or fail to adjust their speed for the conditions.
- Lack of Experience with Winter Driving: Many holiday travelers may not be familiar with winter driving conditions, particularly those from warmer climates. Lack of experience can lead to mistakes, like skidding on icy roads or misjudging stopping distances.
Awareness of these common causes can help drivers stay vigilant and take extra precautions to ensure their safety during the holiday season.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured in a Car Accident During the Holidays?
If you're injured in a car accident during the holiday season, it's important to take the right steps to ensure your health and protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention
First and foremost, assess your condition and the condition of others involved in the accident. If you're injured, call 911 immediately. Even if you feel fine at first, some injuries may not be apparent right away, so it's a good idea to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Your health should always be the top priority.
Ensure Safety at the Scene
If you're able to do so safely, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you're unable to move your car, stay in it with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
Contact Law Enforcement
Call the police to report the accident, especially if there are injuries, significant property damage, or if the other driver is at fault. A police report is an important document that can be used in insurance claims or legal proceedings later. Be sure to get the officer’s name and the report number.
Document the Accident
Collect as much information as possible at the scene, including:
- Names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers and passengers involved
- License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions
- Witness statements and contact information
- Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
- Weather conditions and road conditions at the time of the accident This documentation can be crucial for your insurance claim or any legal action that may follow.
Avoid Admitting Fault
It’s natural to want to apologize or explain yourself, but avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Focus on providing factual information to law enforcement and insurance representatives.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Be honest but concise when providing details about the accident. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process and help you understand what benefits you may be entitled to for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and other losses.
Keep Track of Medical Treatment
Follow through with any medical care you receive after the accident, including doctor’s visits, physical therapy, or hospital stays. Keep records of all your medical treatments, prescriptions, and bills. This documentation is important for your claim and any potential legal action.
Speak with an Attorney
If you’ve suffered significant injuries, or if there are disputes over who was at fault in the accident, it may be wise to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney. They can help you navigate the complexities of filing claims, negotiating settlements, or taking legal action if needed.
Be Aware of Statutes of Limitations
In some states, there are deadlines by which you must file a claim or lawsuit. Be sure to know your rights and the timeframe for filing a claim for damages or injuries, as missing these deadlines could limit your ability to seek compensation.
Consider Possible Holiday-Specific Risks
During the holidays, other drivers may be distracted, impaired, or fatigued. If you suspect that the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, make sure to inform the authorities. This information can help your case if you need to prove fault.
Taking these steps will help you manage the aftermath of a car accident, ensuring that you receive the medical care you need and protecting your ability to seek compensation for injuries and damages.
Get the Legal Help You Need After a Car Accident
As the holiday season approaches, it’s crucial to stay aware of the common causes of car accidents and take steps to avoid them. From impaired driving to weather-related hazards, being prepared can help keep you and others safe on the road. If you’ve been involved in a car accident this holiday season, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal guidance. Contact our experienced team today to discuss your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.