Thanksgiving Car Accidents

Thanksgiving is a quintessentially American holiday that draws family and friends together to celebrate gratitude and enjoy an elaborate meal. Because of this, it's also the most heavily traveled holiday of the year, even more so after COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted. Approximately 50 million Americans travel during this time, primarily using motor vehicles. Despite busy roads, people are happy to get an opportunity to spend time with their loved ones.

However, some of the causes of Thanksgiving-time accidents are directly linked to the holiday itself. We understand how tragic and life-altering Thanksgiving car accidents can be at Morgan and Morgan. If you or someone you care about was injured or killed in a holiday accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, we might be able to help. 

What Are the Leading Causes of Thanksgiving Car Accidents?

Anytime you have an increase in road traffic, the risk of getting into an accident escalates. Still, traffic is just one of the factors that make driving during this time dangerous. Here are the leading causes of Thanksgiving car accidents:

More motorists on the road - An immense amount of people will be traveling to nearby and far-off destinations throughout the country during the Thanksgiving break. It's not surprising that the number of motor vehicle accidents will spike because of this. Some people may only drive a few miles to their grandparents, and others may have a journey that takes them hundreds of miles from home. One thing is certain, though. Whenever more drivers are on the road, the chances of getting into a collision surge.

Bad weather - Depending on where you live and where you're driving to, bad weather conditions increase during this time of the year. Weather can be erratic, and it's not uncommon to find yourself suddenly within a rain, ice, or snowstorm. Driving while it's raining or snowing is always hazardous, but one of the most dangerous conditions a driver might come across is black ice. This danger can result from rain that freezes on the asphalt or snow that melts and then refreezes. The reason it's called black ice is that it's so thin that the black asphalt can be seen through it, making it difficult for drivers to notice it and take precautions. It can form quickly in shady areas and over bridges and overpasses.

Drunk driving - Driving while under the influence of alcohol is always a poor decision. However, when coupled with other driving hazards present during the holidays, it's a recipe for disaster. Alcohol is a staple at many holiday gatherings, and since many people have more free time around Thanksgiving, festivities, and libations are usually abundant. It's also more likely that people let their guard down around the holidays and may think it's okay to drive after just having a few drinks with friends. People who drive with an illegal amount of alcohol in their system rarely grasp the stupidity of their decisions, and it's demonstrated through slower reaction times, loss of coordination, and unsound judgment. The results can be Thanksgiving car accidents.

Drowsy driving - One thing people usually don't consider is that driving while sleepy can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Consuming a large meal can make you feel slow and lethargic, and everyone knows that Thanksgiving gives us an excuse to overindulge. Still, even without a heavy meal in your stomach, the flurry and businesses of the holidays can leave drivers overtired and more vulnerable to falling asleep at the wheel or making rudimentary driving errors.

Motorists who are not familiar with their surroundings -  Driving in unfamiliar territory leaves motorists at risk for accidents. They might be distracted by GPS coordinates, talking on the phone to get more specific directions, or unexpected changes in the roadway. Speed limits might drop rapidly, and a driver not paying attention could end up going around a curve faster than manageable and lose control of their vehicle. Drivers who miss their turnoff might make a rash decision to cut across lanes of traffic to make sure they’re not late for Thanksgiving dinner but end up hurting others instead.

How Can Drivers Avoid Thanksgiving Car Accidents?

We have to accept there are dangers anytime we get behind the wheel, and we cannot control the actions of other drivers. Still, there are steps that can be taken to lessen the risks associated with driving during the holiday season. Your legal representatives at Morgan and Morgan appreciate how important your safety and well-being are, so here are some tips for driving around Thanksgiving time that might help you avoid an untimely accident.

Expect heavy traffic - Traffic is never enjoyable, even less so when there is a special destination you want to get to on time. In anticipation of the inevitable delays that traffic will introduce, make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get there. When we're in a hurry, we are more prone to make mistakes and take risks. Think about all the other people on the road that are equally eager to get where they're going and the likelihood of them making driving errors because of being hurried. Leaving plenty of time to get there will also reduce your stress and may even save you some gas money.

Accept that patience is a virtue - Everyone wants to get to their destination safely, and while traffic can be exasperating, don't allow it to interfere with good driving habits. Impatient drivers cause accidents all the time. However, by legal standards, an impatient driver who causes an accident is also a reckless driver. Avoid the temptation to tailgate. That only infuriates the driver in front of you. Stay in your lane, as frequent lane switching may only result in your getting two car lengths ahead. Of course, this kind of advancement is hardly worth getting into an accident. Likewise, cutting other drivers off isn't worth a road rage incident. Slow your roll and do your best to enjoy the view.

Have your vehicle inspected before your trip - Car trouble on the road is never fun, especially when you might miss your aunt's award-winning green bean casserole. Having your vehicle break down on the roadway is also dangerous because of a host of reasons. You could get hit from behind by another driver that isn't paying attention, especially in fog, heavy rain, or snow. Likewise, a vehicle inspection can uncover car issues you weren't even aware of, like a busted tail or headlight, broken turn signals, and tires in poor condition. The items listed previously could also make you vulnerable to liability in the event of a car accident because it may be ruled as your fault for driving a poorly maintained vehicle.

Get a good night's rest before traveling - Driving is a skill that requires the full use of your faculties. As mentioned previously, drowsy driving is more hazardous than many people realize, yet the consequences can be disastrous. Make sure to get rest before embarking on a long journey, and take rest periods when you need to. Stop and get coffee, walk around, and if you're traveling with a companion, ask if they can switch out with you from time to time.

Map out your route prior to travel - Planning ahead will let you know how long it will take to get there, reveal road closures and traffic jams, and alleviate stress. When planning a long haul, it's not always possible to know road conditions, as they can change at any time. Still, under most circumstances, you'll be better off planning out your route ahead of time rather than fiddling with the GPS while traveling 75 mph down the highway.

Don't drink and drive - It should go without saying, yet accidents that involve alcohol occur every day. The holidays are undoubtedly a time for revelry. Still, your poor decision to get behind the wheel after drinking could have a tragic outcome for your family or someone else's. Likewise, it would be best if you never got behind the wheel under the influence of recreational drugs or prescription medications that impact your ability to be a responsible driver.   

Strap on your seatbelt - While seatbelts have no power to prevent accidents, they do have demonstrable and significant powers to save you from serious injury. Passengers should buckle up for the same reason, and it's the law.

What Should I Do Following a Thanksgiving Car Accident? 

If you find yourself in the unenviable situation of being involved in a Thanksgiving car accident, there are steps we recommend taking, including:

Call the police - Getting law enforcement involved may be a legal requirement depending on where the accident takes place. Usually, it's mandatory whenever there are injuries or significant property damage. We always recommend getting a police report for insurance purposes, and police documentation can be used to prove the other party's liability. Before the police arrive, don't talk to the other driver about the fault. Leave it up to your insurance company and Morgan and Morgan to establish the fault, even if you have no-fault insurance.

Get medical care - Obviously, if you're injured, you need to be looked at immediately. Don't assume you're fine because you feel fine. That may change when the adrenaline wears off. Only a medical professional can determine your physical state. Furthermore, medical documentation of your injuries is essential evidence for an insurance claim.

Document the aftermath with video or pictures - If you or a traveling companion are able to do so, get picture or video evidence of the crash. Try to document damage to both vehicles, where the vehicles came to rest, and any injuries you and your passengers sustained. Additionally, try to capture images of the crash scene, including any skidmarks, roadway debris, discarded alcohol bottles, and weather conditions.

Collect witness information - If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their information, as their testimony could be critical in the event of a dispute over fault. Collect their names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails.

Exchange information with the other party - Share your contact and insurance information with the other party and ask that they do the same. However, keep the banter to a minimum, as you don't want to say anything that could be used against you. This means don't apologize and don't say the accident was your fault.

Notify your insurance company - Let your insurance carrier know you were in an accident. Even in the event of a minor fender bender and the agreement that you and the other party will settle things without insurance, you don't want the other party coming back at you weeks down the road making a claim against you. If you don't report it, your insurance company may deny coverage, even if it wasn't your fault.

Talk to Morgan and Morgan

Thanksgiving car accidents are stressful and poorly timed. When serious injuries are involved, you need the help of a Morgan and Morgan expert attorney to protect your rights and pursue compensation on your behalf. We can help you secure payment for your losses and injuries, including medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, pain and suffering, and more. Sometimes accidents can include multiple parties that may even extend to commercial drivers.

When you have a dispute about fault, serious injuries, or any complexity that can make compensation recovery difficult, Morgan and Morgan can provide solutions. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We'll work to ensure future Thanksgivings involve better memories.