As we approach the holiday season, we believe it’s part of our duty to ensure readers know about some of the problems they may encounter on the road. Far too often, holidays result in an increase in dangers, meaning more people suffer severe injuries in car crashes. It’s crucial to recognize all of the dangers, their signs, and how it impacts your claim around the holidays.
At 'MAGGIO LAW, we work to guide our clients and our community to ensure they stay as safe as possible. Below, we will explain some of the most common hazards on the road around the holidays. When you know what to look for, you can take steps to stay as safe as possible.
Holiday dangers often include:
- Drunk drivers
- Fatigued drivers
- Weather conditions
- Increased traffic
If you suffer an injury because of negligence, call our firm today at (601) 265-6869 or reach out to us online. We’re ready to answer any questions you have and address your concerns to provide you with peace of mind.
Drunk Drivers
The holidays often mean more parties, and subsequently, drunk drivers. Far too often, it’s drunk drivers who cause some of the most severe injuries. While the holidays are absolutely the time for celebration, they should never lead to a drunk driving accident. Here are some of the signs that can indicate a driver is under the influence:
- They drive at night without their headlights on
- They swerve between lanes, running over the rumble strips
- They slow down as they lose focus on the road, then speed up once they refocus
- They brake when nobody is in front of them
Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of crashes around the holidays. Make sure you know what to look for and avoid passing a driver you suspect is intoxicated.
Fatigued Drivers
So many drivers around the holiday stay up late as they celebrate with their loved ones. As a result, they’re often more tired than they should be behind the wheel. Fatigue can cause some of the same symptoms as intoxication, and it can result in some of the most severe crashes as drivers doze off.
To avoid some of the tired drivers on the road, you should be sure to avoid driving in the later hours. When you’re on the road after 10 P.M., you increase the risks of encountering a tired driver who is leaving a gathering or party. The later you’re on the road, the more problems exist that can cause a severe crash.
Like drunk driving, drowsiness often causes drunk drivers to swerve, brake erratically, and run traffic signs, leading to severe crashes.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can complicate things greatly. Not only can dangerous weather lead to a crash, but it also brings up questions regarding liability and fault. Many people try to claim that their accident occurred solely because of the weather. However, a lot of the liability still falls on the driver for numerous reasons.
Before we discuss liability in a crash involving severe weather, we should explain how rain, snow, and other weather conditions can cause harm. When the ground is wet and slippery, it’s much easier for individuals to lose control of their vehicles, resulting in severe crashes and pileups. Crashes can also occur because of hydroplaning on a large puddle of water.
Now that you know how accidents can occur in bad weather, it’s crucial to recognize liability. Here are some of the ways a driver may be responsible for a weather-related crash:
- Failure to maintain: Drivers must ensure they maintain their vehicles for all conditions, including changing windshield wipers. When windshield wipers fail, they can impact visibility and result in a crash.
- Failure to drive safe for conditions: Despite posted speed limits, drivers must ensure they consider weather conditions whenever they’re behind the wheel. For instance, in heavy rain, even the posted speed limit may be too fast.
Increased Traffic
When the holidays arise, more people are often traveling to be with their loved ones. Not only does this mean more vehicles on the road and an increased risk of a severe accident, but it could also mean travelers from out of town who are not as familiar with the highways, roads, and traffic patterns. It’s often those not from the area and distracted drivers who cause the most crashes in traffic.
With more vehicles on the road, it takes the already disastrous negligent acts and intensifies them. A crash can be much worse when multiple vehicles are involved. In these cases, it’s vital to recognize where negligence may lie and how you can pursue compensation for the damages you sustain due to someone else’s actions.
At 'MAGGIO LAW, we want you to stay safe. However, we’re aware that you cannot always predict nor prevent negligence. You need someone on your side who is committed to providing the highest level of legal counsel when you deserve it most. Our goal is to educate you on some of the most common dangers on the road and be there for you if something goes wrong.
Our Jackson car accident lawyers go above and beyond to protect your rights through the most challenging situations. Trust that we’ll give you a voice and provide you advocacy throughout the entire process. Let us pursue the maximum compensation available to you after a severe accident, especially around the holidays.
For a free consultation to discuss your potential case, call us at (601) 265-6869 today.