Common Causes of Car Accidents During the Holidays
Being in a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming, regardless of the time of year when it happens. However, if you’re involved in a car accident during the holiday season, it can pose a few additional challenges. You may find it difficult to pay for your repairs, especially with all the other costs that come with the holidays. Without reliable transportation, it can also be difficult to get to your holiday parties or events. Now is a good time to review the most common causes of car accidents during the holidays:
1. Driving Under the Influence
Drunk driving rates increase during the holiday season. People are attending work and family celebrations, many of which include alcohol. This can lead to more DUI-related car accidents.
2. More Drivers on the Road
The holidays also lead to more drivers on the road. You have more people visiting nearby shopping districts to complete their shopping lists. You also have a lot of travelers on the roads, who may be less familiar with them. With an increase of drivers and pedestrians on the road, there also tends to be more accidents.
3. Fatigued Driving
The holidays can be a busy time for everyone. In addition to long work schedules, you may be spending your evenings preparing for the season. If you have family who lives out of state, you may have to travel long distances to attend their celebrations. This can lead to fatigued driving, which can be dangerous.
4. Distracted Driving
There are plenty of distractions present during the holiday season. You may be focused on finding a parking spot in a busy shopping mall. You may be tempted to update your friends on when you’ll arrive at the party. Busy holiday shoppers may also be distracted when walking in parking lots. The increase in distractions can also lead to more car accidents.
How To Avoid a Holiday Car Accident
Being aware of your situation at all times is an important part of avoiding a car accident this holiday season. This means making alternative transportation plans when attending a holiday party. It means avoiding using your phone to make phone calls or send text messages when driving.
If your holiday plans include travel, make sure you plan ahead. Take many breaks and pull off the road when you’re tired. It’s also important to note that while you can take certain steps to improve your safety when driving, you can’t always control what other drivers do. Defensive driving is an important part of staying safe. This means avoiding distractions and not following the vehicle in front of you too closely.
Know Your Rights This Holiday Season
Navigating an accident also means knowing your legal rights, and what to do if you’re involved in a car accident this holiday season. There are two things that you always want to do following a car accident, including receiving medical care and filing a police report with the local police department. Depending on the damages done to your vehicle, you may decide to file an injury claim, and you’ll need proof.
Contact a Camden County Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gelman Law represent clients injured because of an accident in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester Country, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 861-4236 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rt 70 West Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
