From celebrating with family to getting together with friends, the holidays are one of the best times of the year. With all the excitement going on, it’s extra important to keep safety in mind. As we approach the holiday season, more people are behind the wheel than usual and have more distractions at their disposal. It should be noted that, although other holidays like Fourth of July weekend have the highest number of fatal crashes every year, winter holiday traffic poses its own dangers.
Traveling with family during the holidays can pose many dangers, including car crashes. Approximately 25,000 people were killed in collisions between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day in 2021, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data.
On the actual day of a holiday, the number of crashes declines slightly, but during the days surrounding the holiday, more vehicles crowd the roads. Beginning around Halloween, more drivers will be on the road, whether they are on their way to the mall, going to see family, or attending a holiday party so it is imperative that drivers watch out for driving hazards. Many drivers are forced to spend their holidays seeking the services of car accident lawyer to assist them in recouping damages for their car accident injuries. While it’s not always preventable, it’s important to implement the following safety tips for driving in holiday traffic to reduce the stress of driving during the holiday season.
Don’t Speed
Drivers should make sure to allow themselves ample time to react to traffic around them, as well as to get to their destination on time. For every 1% increase in speed, the risk of a driver being involved in an accident increases by 2%, the risk of being seriously injured by 3%, and the risk of dying by about 4%.
Refrain From Using Cellphones
Holiday drivers should choose to place their phones in the backseats or on consoles where they cannot see them while stopped. Using the phone while driving is never a good idea, and drivers should never use it if they have children with them.
Don’t Drink & Drive
The number of DUI charges over the holidays increases exponentially, and hundreds of thousands are affected every year by drinking and driving. Whenever a driver intends to consume alcohol at a family gathering or holiday party, they should make sure they have a designated driver or use a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft.
Wear A Seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most important aspects of ensuring safety during the holiday season. While many drivers practice proper safety and give proper duty of care to other vehicles on the road, drivers cannot trust other drivers on the road not to cause an accident involving them. Seatbelts are one of the most important safety features of a vehicle. Seatbelts are mandatory for all drivers, front seat passengers, and passengers under the age of 18 in many states. Be sure to buckle up every trip, every time. Seatbelts save lives every day.
Beverly Hills Car Accident FAQs
When a car crash turns your life upside down, it can be hard to know where to turn first. As a Beverly Hills, CA car accident lawyer, we help people understand their legal rights and how to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. At Seber Bulger Law, we have a proven track record of recovering more than $1,000,000 for our clients, and we’re rated by Super Lawyers for the quality of our advocacy.
How Do I Prove The Other Driver Was Negligent?
To show negligence in a car accident case, we work to demonstrate that the other driver failed to exercise reasonable care and that this failure caused your crash. We examine the police report, statements from eyewitnesses, photographs of the scene and vehicles, and any available video footage. Our goal is to clearly connect the other driver’s actions, or lack of action, to the harm you suffered so that insurance companies or a court see the strength of your claim. You will work closely with our Beverly Hills car accident lawyer to go through the facts of the case to establish a timeline of fault for the other party.
What Costs Are Covered In A Car Accident Settlement?
Compensation after a car accident can include many types of losses you’ve had because of the crash. We pursue reimbursement for medical care you’ve already received and any treatment you will need in the future. We also seek compensation for lost wages if you missed work, as well as for pain and suffering and emotional distress. When we evaluate your case, we look at how the accident has affected your life in both concrete and personal ways so that the full impact is reflected in your claim. Our attorneys will use proven equations to determine the amount your case is worth.
What If I Was Hit By A Driver With No Insurance?
Being struck by a driver who doesn’t have insurance can make a claim more complicated, but it doesn’t mean you have no options. We explore all possible avenues for recovery, including your own uninsured motorist coverage and any other applicable sources of compensation. We also pursue claims against any liable party who does have insurance or assets. Our job is to look at the full picture and find every legal path available to support your recovery.
How Do Lawyers Calculate Pain And Suffering?
Pain and suffering refers to the personal and emotional impact of your injuries, not just the financial losses. We consider factors such as the severity of your injuries, how long you’ve been affected, any ongoing symptoms, and how your daily life has changed because of the crash. Unlike medical bills, pain and suffering doesn’t come with a set price tag, so we carefully document the ways your injury has affected your life and use that evidence to argue for fair compensation.
What Should I Bring To A Car Accident Consultation?
Before meeting with us, it helps to gather any information you already have about the accident. That may include the police report, photographs of the crash and your injuries, medical records and bills, contact information for witnesses, and any correspondence you’ve had with insurance companies. Bringing these materials to your first consultation allows us to better understand your situation and give you more detailed guidance about your legal options.
If you’re still coping with injuries, mounting bills, and uncertainty after a collision, we can walk you through what to expect and help you take the next steps. At Seber Bulger Law, we’re dedicated to providing strong representation and clear communication from start to finish. As your Beverly Hills car accident lawyer, we’re here to answer your questions and pursue the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help. The team at Seber Bulger Law is ready to help you.