As Thanksgiving is upon us, many are finalizing the finishing touches on their dinners or preparing to travel for a celebration. However, many aren’t as stressed about perfecting their pumpkin pie as they are about driving to their dinner destination. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving weekend is incredibly dangerous for drivers, and accidents can occur. If you are involved in a car crash during this weekend, understanding what to do is essential. Luckily, the following blog explores how a Broward County auto accident lawyer can assist you during these challenging times.
Why Is Thanksgiving Weekend Dangerous?
There are generally three days that are particularly unsafe for drivers. The first day that poses a risk is the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This is because many college students and young adults return to their hometowns to celebrate with their families and visit bars and parties the night before. As a result, the risk of drunk driving accidents increases.
Thanksgiving Day also poses risks, as many may speed to their destination to make it on time. As such, they can crash into other drivers or pedestrians if they are not paying attention. Additionally, many enjoy alcohol on this holiday, increasing the risk of drunk drivers on the roads.
Finally, the day after Thanksgiving also poses an increased risk of injury. This is because it’s Black Friday, so stores slash their prices heading into the holiday season. As a result, traffic increases as shoppers want to take advantage of the low prices. With congestion comes the risk of accidents, as rear-end collisions are common.
How Can Drivers Stay Safe?
When on the road this holiday weekend, it’s critical to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Remember, it’s better to arrive late than miss Thanksgiving dinner because you are involved in an accident!
You’ll also want to ensure you stay vigilant of other drivers. If you notice someone driving erratically, such as swerving in and out of lanes, tailgating, or breaking too late, keep your distance. Call 911 to report the driver if you can do so safely.
What Should I Do if I’m Involved in an Accident?
If you are involved in an accident on the holiday weekend, it’s vital to ensure you take the necessary steps to protect yourself. You should seek medical treatment immediately following a collision. Unfortunately, failure to do so can result in your lawsuit against the negligent driver being dismissed as the defense can claim the injuries you sustained were not severe enough to warrant medical attention. Additionally, you should take photos and videos of the accident scene to help collect evidence that can illustrate negligence on behalf of the other driver.
Finally, you’ll want to connect with an experienced attorney from the Finizio Law Group to discuss the details of your case. Having a lawyer is critical to ensuring you can fight for the compensation you deserve, as they can help prove the extent of your damages caused by the other party. Reach out today to connect with a member of our dedicated legal team to learn how we can fight for you.
