The holidays are a joyous time of year for many people who get caught up in celebrating the festive season. Unfortunately, some people enjoy the season too much without taking appropriate precautions. This can lead to car accidents becoming more common during the holidays in Arizona. Fortunately, the car accident attorneys at Jensen Phelan Law Firm can help those who have suffered a holiday collision due to another person’s negligence.
Perhaps the most common factor leading to an increase in car crashes around the holidays is that of drunk driving. Many holiday celebrations involve the consumption of alcohol, something that is understandable as long as it’s done in a responsible manner. Those who drink too much and fail to use designated drivers, car ride providers like Uber or Lyft, or taxi services can pose serious dangers on the streets and highways due to their intoxication.
Driver fatigue can play a role in holiday accidents, especially when festivities last until late evening or early morning. This seems to happen particularly often during the winter holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Fatigued drivers pose risks on the road like closing their eyes for too long, failing to stay in their own lanes, falling asleep behind the wheel, and not slowing down when they should.
Some holiday shoppers become overly aggressive drivers thanks to the bustle of the season. Whether they’re trying to beat the crowds to the malls or find the best bargains, aggressive drivers engage in risky behavior like tailgating, speeding, weaving unexpectedly in and out of traffic, and overall careless driving. These dangerous actions can result in serious car crashes that injure others or cause significant property damage.
The holiday season also causes increased shopping and visiting traffic as well as larger numbers of delivery trucks taking to the road. This is especially true as online shopping becomes ever more prevalent. Professional truck drivers can also face unrealistic expectations from their employers due to the sheer volume of holiday packages that must be delivered. That can lead to careless or reckless behaviors that cause car accidents.
While nobody expects to get in a car accident during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, they can be prepared with steps to take after one does occur. Drivers are required to stop at accident scenes, render appropriate aid to anyone injured in the crash, and wait to report the accident to authorities. Contact and insurance information should be shared with both the police and other drivers involved.
Those who are injured should seek appropriate medical care as soon as possible. They should also file a claim with the appropriate insurance company. In cases where injuries and property damage occur, it’s also typically a good idea to consult with an experienced car accident attorney. They can help clients make informed decisions as they navigate the process of medical treatment, negotiate with insurance companies, and if necessary filing a civil lawsuit.
The personal injury attorneys with the Jensen Phelan Law Firm have been representing clients injured in holiday collisions for decades. You can trust us to evaluate the facts of your case and guide you through the steps required to maximize the financial compensation you receive. Schedule a free consultation by calling us at (928) 778-2660 or contacting us online.