Common Accidents During the Holiday Season
‘Tis the season of giving, but it’s also a time when personal injury accidents are on the rise. From driving accidents and home fires to slip and falls while decorating or shopping, there’s a lot that can happen during the holidays. It’s important to keep an eye out for accidents in an effort to try and avoid them, but if an accident does happen, we can help. Our expert personal injury lawyers in Gainesville, Florida, will listen to you and determine if you have a case. And if you do, we’ll be right beside you every step of the way.
Here are the four most common types of accidents to keep an eye out for during the holiday season as well as some helpful tips on how to avoid them.
Driving Accidents
During the holidays, accidents on the road can be a lot more common, and drinking and driving is often the main cause. If you’ve been drinking and need to drive, don’t be the cause of an accident. Request a designated driver, use a rideshare program like Uber or Lyft, call a taxi, take advantage of free rides from services like AAA, or make plans to stay where the party is until you’re sober. Also, if you’re out on the road and notice another driver who may be impaired, stay clear and report it to law enforcement when it’s safe to do so.
Driving accidents don’t always involve alcohol or other substances. They can happen in bad weather when visibility is low, on icy roads, or when driving at high speeds. If you’re involved in a traffic or driving accident, our personal injury attorneys or criminal defense attorneys can help.
Theft
Shopping for gifts and other needs during the holidays can be a mix of fun and stress, but it’s also a time when thieves are on high alert for easy targets. Make sure to keep your belongings close by while shopping and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If you’re shopping for gifts online, be aware of fake websites and make sure to use a secure payment method like PayPal or a credit card.
Slip and Falls
Getting into the spirit of the season with lights and other outdoor decorations is fun, but be careful as slip and falls are quite common and often result in personal injuries. Ensure ladders are securely placed and that the rungs are sturdy. If hanging lights and electrical issues arise, consult an electrician rather than attempting to fix it yourself. Visiting family or friends in colder climates? Take your time when walking in snowy or icy conditions and wear shoes with plenty of traction.
Fires
During the holidays, many people enjoy celebrations around a warm fire. Whether it’s an indoor fireplace or an outdoor fire pit, it’s important to be mindful of yourself, and holiday decorations, when around a fire. Always keep a watchful eye on an active fire, and always ensure children are supervised around it, too. For indoor wood fireplaces, check that they’re clean and maintained, and make sure the flue is operational prior to lighting the fire. For electric fireplaces, always double check that it’s installed correctly before turning it on. If using an outdoor fire pit, keep it at least 10 feet from anything flammable, including your home, decorations and overhead trees.
Fires can also occur if items like space heaters and candles are used improperly. Always be present in the room if candles are lit and supervise children around then. Follow the directions on space heaters and keep them on a flat surface away from high-traffic areas. Plug them directly into an outlet (don’t use an extension cord), and never leave them unattended. Don’t use a space heater if the cord is damaged, as this can also lead to preventable fires.
Did you know? Live Christmas trees that have dried out can also be flammable. Keeping the tree watered will keep its needles supple, and your home protected until it’s time for disposal.
The holidays can be a joyous time of year, and we hope that by keeping these common accidents in mind you’ll be able to avoid any accidents or mishaps. But if you need us, we’re here for you. Our personal injury lawyers and criminal defense attorneys will help you navigate any legal issues that may arise, whether from negligence, criminal activity or behavior, or something else. If you have a legal case, contact us today. We’ll assist you with the process from start to finish, fighting for you and putting your mind at ease every step of the way.