Why Auto Accidents Spike During the Holidays and How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration with family and friends, but it can also become a period of heightened risk on the road. The season can bring heavy travel, inclement weather, and more fatigued drivers. Many drivers might also be on the road after consuming alcohol or feel rushed to get to their destination. These factors and others can lead to an increase in accidents around the holidays.

If you were injured in a holiday crash caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important to understand that you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your situation and advise you regarding your rights and options.

Key Takeaways

Common Reasons Car Accidents Increase on Holidays

The holidays can bring a significant amount of stress, congested highways, and other dangers that contribute to an increased risk of auto accidents. Drivers may engage in riskier driving behaviors during the season and be forced to travel unfamiliar routes in dangerous weather conditions. These factors can make the holidays a uniquely dangerous time to be on the road.

Other common factors that contribute to holiday car accidents can include the following:

• Alcohol and substance use: Alcohol is part of many holiday parties and gatherings, increasing the likelihood of DWI collisions around the holidays. When a driver gets behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol or using drugs, their judgment is impaired, their reaction time is slower, and they may not have the ability to respond to hazards, pedestrians, or other vehicles.
• Winter weather conditions: Winter weather, such as snow and ice, can reduce visibility and make roads slippery and dangerous. Drivers may not see hazards ahead of them or be able to stop in time to avoid them.
• Driver distraction: When drivers are distracted by their phones, the radio, or anything else that takes their attention off the road, they can cause rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, and other types of crashes.
• Speeding: Although speeding can cause accidents throughout the year, many people are in a hurry to get where they need to go around the holidays. Speeding can result in loss of vehicle control, reduce driver reaction time, and increase the required stopping distance. When a driver operates their vehicle over the speed limit, a collision can be more severe due to the force of impact.
• Fatigue: The holidays can be a tiring and stressful time for many people. Long travel, shopping, attending social events, and burnout can all impact driving. Driving while fatigued can mimic the effects of driving while intoxicated. Fatigue can impair judgment, slow reaction time, and lead to falling asleep at the wheel.
• Increased traffic volume: When there is an increase in traffic volume around the holidays, the space between vehicles is reduced and many drivers become frustrated by the delays, resulting in aggressive driving behaviors. Chain reaction accidents are common in congestion, when one driver strikes another from behind and causes the front vehicle to rear end another.

If you were injured in a holiday crash caused by a driver who was negligent, careless, or reckless, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process of filing a lawsuit and work to ensure you receive the monetary recovery you deserve.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help After a Holiday Crash

Recovering from a car accident during the holiday season can be physically, financially, and emotionally overwhelming. You may be facing mounting medical bills, lose time from work, and be experiencing a significant amount of physical pain and mental anguish. While it is the insurance company’s objective to reduce your payout, it’s crucial to have the representation of an experienced personal injury lawyer who can protect your interests.

Holding the Liable Parties Responsible

After a holiday crash, a personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident, gather the necessary evidence, and determine liability. Although the at-fault driver is typically responsible in these cases, there may also be third parties who can be held accountable for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer will identify the liable parties and explore all potential avenues of compensation. They will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to secure the maximum settlement possible for the damages you suffered.

Helping You Recover Your Damages

You may be eligible to recover both the economic and non-economic damages you suffered in connection with your holiday crash injuries by filing a personal injury action. A personal injury lawyer can help you calculate these losses and ensure your injuries are properly valued. Economic damages are those that can be quantified, including:

• Unreimbursed medical expenses
• The costs of surgery, rehabilitation, and hospital stays
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future loss of earnings
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Replacement services

Non-economic damages are the intangible losses that cannot easily be quantified. These include your pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. A personal injury lawyer can assist you with gathering the evidence you need to demonstrate how the quality of your life decreased in connection with your injuries and work to secure a fair settlement. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer the maximum amount you are entitled to, your lawyer can fight for your rights in the courtroom.

Contact an Experienced Washington Personal Injury Lawyer

If you suffered injuries in a holiday crash, it’s vital to have a skillful personal injury lawyer who can assist you with recovering your rightful compensation. With locations in Burien and Bellevue, Herron Law Office, PLLC is committed to helping Washington car accident victims obtain the maximum monetary recovery available in their cases. We welcome you to contact us for a consultation to discuss your case by calling (425) 600-2580.