Thanksgiving weekend is rapidly approaching, and for many, the preparations have begun. Whether hosting or attending dinner as a guest, you may be excited to spend time with your loved ones. However, the worst part of this weekend for many is not the stress of cooking but rather the stress of traveling. Unfortunately, accidents on Thanksgiving weekend are common, so understanding why these accidents occur, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you are injured is crucial. You’ll also learn how a Baltimore County auto accident attorney can help you through these complex matters.
What Should I Know About Car Accidents on Thanksgiving Weekend?
Unfortunately, this holiday weekend is often unsafe for drivers, as many factors can create dangerous conditions.
To begin, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a popular day for college students and others returning to their hometowns to go out and drink. Unfortunately, this means there is an increase in drunk drivers on the road.
Thanksgiving day also poses issues as many are in a hurry to get to their celebrations. As such, a speeding driver can lead to collisions due to unsafe operation of their vehicle. Additionally, those who have had a few drinks with dinner may want to get behind the wheel to drive home, leading to drunk driving accidents.
The day after Thanksgiving, often called Black Friday, can also be dangerous as this is the day that many retailers participate in sales. As such, there is often a considerable amount of traffic, and congestion can lead to collisions. Unfortunately, a driver who takes their eyes off the road for even a second when in bumper-to-bumper traffic can cause a crash.
What Can I Do to Stay Safe?
If you plan on traveling during the holiday weekend, whether you are driving to your hometown or plan on taking advantage of the sales prices, doing what you can to remain safe is critical. The most crucial thing to do is remain vigilant. If you notice that a driver is swerving or driving dangerously, you’ll want to keep your distance from the vehicle. If possible, you should dial 911 to report the possibility of an intoxicated driver.
Additionally, it’s necessary to give yourself ample time to get to and from your destination. Though things may delay your departure time, it’s better to arrive late than take a trip to the hospital because you were speeding.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured by a Negligent Driver?
If you sustain injuries due to a negligent driver speeding or driving while intoxicated, it’s important to ensure you seek medical attention as soon as possible for the injuries you’ve endured. Even if they seem minor, it’s in your best interest to get checked out.
Because medical bills can be expensive, especially for traumatic injuries, it’s in your best interest to consult an experienced attorney from the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi as soon as possible. Our dedicated legal team understands how devastating it can be to look forward to a fun and relaxing weekend with family only to sustain injuries that leave you suffering.
