The holidays are a great time to get together with friends and family, eat delicious food, play fun games and exchange gifts. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when car accidents greatly increase. If you’re injured in a car accident during the holidays, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s important to talk to a car accident lawyer about your options.
Here are a few reasons why there are more car accidents during the holidays:
There are More Cars on the Road
During the holidays, there are many more vehicles on the road. Many people are traveling to see family members or friends out of town. The more vehicles there are on the road, the more likely accidents are to occur. This becomes an even bigger issue when there are a lot of out-of-town drivers. People who are traveling to an area to see family or friends may not be familiar with the roads, increasing the risk of car collisions.
More People Are Driving While Drunk
It’s not uncommon for people to have a few drinks at holiday parties. They’re having a great time with their family and friends and may indulge in some spiked eggnog or champagne. However, when they’re enjoying the fun moments with their loved ones, they might not realize how much alcohol they’ve actually consumed and get behind the wheel. Driving while intoxicated can lower a person’s reaction time and increase the risk of an accident.
Harsh Weather Conditions
During the holiday season, the weather conditions tend to be harsher in many parts of the country. The combination of snow and ice can make it much more difficult to drive on the roads. Snow can impede your vision while ice can make the roads very slippery. Those who don’t proceed with extra caution on the road are more likely to cause accidents.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Whether you need new brakes or tires, you should never wait too long to get your vehicle services. However, people tend to be busier during the holidays and may put off vehicle maintenance longer than they should. They may also avoid vehicle maintenance because they want to use that money to buy gifts for their loved ones. Unfortunately, poorly maintained vehicles are more likely to break down and cause accidents on the road.
Were You Injured in a Car Accident?
If you were recently hurt in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you should consult with a car accident lawyer soon. What happened to you wasn’t fair and you deserve to be compensated for that. An experienced car accident attorney in Des Moines, IA can help you file an accident lawsuit against the driver and protect your legal rights.
Thanks to Johnston Martineau, LLP for their insight into personal injury claims and why car accidents are more common during the holidays.