It is easy to get caught up in the holiday season’s hustle and bustle and ignore your safety and well-being. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we encourage you to stay safe and avoid some of the most common accidents seen this type of year.
The best way to stay safe is by knowing what the risks are.
The most common cases we see during the holidays are described here. We have also offered a few words of wisdom to help you stay safe.
Remember, by taking extra time to keep yourself safe, you are helping keep others safe too. No one wants to experience an accident during the holidays, so be sure to keep the information here in mind.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Each year, thousands of people across the state of Connecticut drive to holiday parties, family get-togethers, and more. There is no question that the volume of traffic and people on the roads increases significantly this time of year.
Unfortunately, this also results in more motor vehicle accidents.
Common causes of holiday accidents include negligence, distracted driving, speeding, poor weather conditions, and more. These accidents lead to tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs and other losses that last long after the holiday season has passed.
Reducing the risk of a motor vehicle accident is possible by avoiding distractions and giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. If you’re ever in that position, it’s always good to have a Connecticut car accident lawyer in your corner.
Premise Liability Accidents
Holiday shopping means thousands of people flock to malls and shopping centers across the state. With so many people coming and going from retail establishments, it is more difficult for business owners and staff to keep the property safe and hazard-free.
If you slip, trip, and fall on someone else’s property, and the incident was caused by the negligence of the property owner or occupier, you may be able to file a premise liability claim and recover compensation for your losses and damages.
Some of the most common reasons these incidents occur include clothing or other items in walkways, defective escalators, elevators, or soiled flooring. Even icy walkways and parking lots can lead to serious slip-and-fall accidents.
If you fall on someone else’s property, you must prove negligence to be eligible for compensation.
It is possible to reduce the possibility of this accident by always staying aware of your surroundings. It is also beneficial to report any hazards to a property owner if you see them, which will help other people stay safe.
Defective Product Accidents
Receiving gifts is common during the holidays. It is something many people enjoy and look forward to. Once all the gifts are open, it is only natural to want to try out your new toy, gadget, or gizmo.
However, what you don’t look forward to or anticipate is being injured by the gift you received.
Unfortunately, defective products include any and everything you can imagine, from kitchen tools and weight loss devices to kids’ toys and more.
If you are injured by a product, it may be defective. If this is the case, it is often possible to hold the manufacturer or seller liable.
Some of the causes of defective products include low-quality materials, poor design, not warning of risks, and more.
It is smart to read the instructions for a new product you receive before using it, which can reduce the risk of injury. However, if the product is defective, there may be no way to avoid an accident and injury.
You can file a defective product lawsuit against the responsible party if this happens. Because multiple entities may be liable, it is smart to contact an experienced Connecticut personal injury lawyer for help.
Tips to Stay Safe This Holiday Season
You must take steps to keep yourself and others safe this holiday season. At Jonatan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we offer tips to help you do that.
Plan Ahead and Slow Down
Are you going to be traveling this holiday season? If so, make sure you plan your trip before leaving. Planning will ensure you remember everything you need to take along, but ensure you have time to take breaks and still make it to your destination on time.
When you have a plan, you won’t have to speed, which is the top cause of motor vehicle accidents during the holidays and throughout the year.
Avoid Distractions
Distractions are some of the most common causes of holiday accidents. A lot is going on, and you likely have a lot on your mind, whether you are driving to a party or shopping at the mall.
While this is true, you need to make sure you avoid distractions, like your phone, that may take your mind and eyes off what you are doing. Staying aware of your surroundings is one of the best ways to avoid being involved in an accident this holiday season.
Clear Out Clutter
While you probably don’t want to add anything else to your holiday to-do list; however, eliminating clutter right away is the best way to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
If something doesn’t have to be there, move it. This is true for store owners and if you plan to have a party or gathering at your home.
Always Read the Instructions
It can be fun to remove the packaging and start using a new gadget or toy immediately. However, you need to take some time to see what the instructions say.
Taking a few minutes to do this may mean the difference between an injury and enjoying your gift.
What to Do if You Are Injured During the Holidays
The holidays should be a time of fun. Spending time with family and friends is what this time of year is all about. Chances are, you don’t plan on sustaining an accident or injury this time of year.
Unfortunately, accidents happen all the time. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, there are a few things to remember.
The first step to take if you are in one of these types of accidents is to get evaluated by a doctor. You need to have your injuries documented and ensure you receive treatment right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, having a full medical report will help when (and if) you file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
It is also recommended that you take photos of the accident scene (if possible) and your injuries. Write down everything you can remember after the accident since evidence can be lost and memories can fade.
One of the most important steps to take is to contact our Connecticut personal injury attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers. We have years of experience helping accident victims in New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Woodbridge, New London, Hartford, and the surrounding areas.
You can schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your situation, and we can get to work on helping you recover the compensation you are entitled to.
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