While the holidays are a time for fun and festivities, statistics show that car accidents increase significantly during this time. Being injured in a car accident during the holidays will undoubtedly take away some of your holiday cheer, but having an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer on your side can help. Attorney Mike Deering is committed to advocating for your rights in a car accident claim so that you will be fairly compensated for the damage it caused. Call Deering Hedrick at (757) 383-6848 to schedule a free consultation today.
The Statistics
The statistics clearly show that there are more car accidents causing injuries and fatalities during the holidays than on other days. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017, the average number of fatalities on U.S. roads was 102 per day, increasing to 119 per day during holiday periods. Data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles shows that in 2019, a total of 2,119 people were injured in accidents on Virginia roads during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays, and 28 were killed. This year, the National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 515 people may die and 58,800 may be injured on U.S. roads during the Thanksgiving holiday alone.
Common Causes of Holiday Car Accidents
There are a number of reasons why car accidents increase over the holidays including:
- Increased travel – During the holidays, people often travel to visit family and friends, and many choose to travel by car, often on unfamiliar roads and in unfamiliar vehicles. More time spent traveling by car and unfamiliar roads and vehicles are all factors that increase the risk of a crash.
- Increased traffic – People also tend to spend more time driving to go shopping and run errands in preparation for the holiday season. This increases the amount of traffic on the road, often resulting in more crashes.
- Increased driver negligence – Increased traffic, combined with the stress that comes with organizing holiday festivities, can cause drivers to become impatient on the road. This often leads to negligent driver behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving, increasing the likelihood and severity of a crash.
- Hazardous driving conditions – In many parts of the country, the holiday season brings winter weather like snow and ice that create dangerous driving conditions, such as poor visibility and slippery roads.
- More drunk driving – Holiday festivities often involve alcohol, and this results in more drunk drivers on the road. According to the NHTSA, drunk driving accidents causing death increased from one-third to almost 50 percent during the 2018 Christmas and New Year period.
Injuries Suffered in Holiday Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause different types of injuries at different severities. These may include:
- Bruising, strains, and sprains
- Lacerations
- Fractures and broken bones
- Damage to internal organs
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
How Deering Hedrick Can Help
While we shouldn’t have to feel unsafe on the roads during the holiday season, we cannot ignore the truth of the statistics. Having practiced personal injury law for over ten years, Mike Deering has seen how a car accident can ruin the holidays for everyone involved. No matter when a car accident happens, it will likely have a negative impact on your physical and mental health, as well as your finances, and may even change your life forever.
If you have been injured in a car accident during the holidays, you need a dedicated Virginia personal injury attorney who can understand the specifics of your case and the damages you are entitled to claim. Mike Deering is committed to getting you the financial compensation you deserve. Call him at (757) 383-6848 today to schedule your free consultation.
