Dane Shulman Associates, LLC
It shouldn't come as a big surprise that accidents are more common during the holiday season -- everything from motor vehicle accidents to slip and fall accidents. Icy roads and sidewalks, drunk drivers, crowded shopping malls and grocery stores, and the inevitable feeling that you need to "rush, rush, rush" are just some of the things that contribute to holiday accidents.
How can you stay safe this holiday season? What should you do if you are injured?
Preventing holiday slip and fall accidents
In order to avoid slipping and falling this holiday, here are some tips to consider:
- When possible, walk only in areas that are designated for walking
- Keep your hands as free as possible in order to balance yourself
- If there are handrails, use them
- Walk slowly, avoid crowds and pay attention to the walkway in front of you
- Be especially cautious when walking through parking lots or down stairs, especially after snow or rain
- When walking at night, consider using a flashlight
- Wear shoes that provide traction
If you do slip and fall, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries if the property owner did not keep the property reasonably safe and failed to warn you of the hazardous conditions.
Preventing holiday car accidents
Thanksgiving is the worst holiday driving day, but New Year's Eve and Christmas Eve / Day are close behind. More drivers on the road, an increase in drunk driving, more aggressive driving and greater congestion are all reasons why the car accident rate increases during times of celebration.
You can decrease your chances of being in a holiday car accident by:
- Driving the speed limit
- Driving sober
- Giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination
- Keeping distance between your car and other vehicles on the road
- Slowing down in hazardous weather conditions
- Making sure your vehicle is in good condition, including its wheels
If you are injured in a holiday car accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Learn more by visiting our pages on auto accidents and slip and fall accidents.
