The risk of encountering a dangerous or deadly car accident is always present. No matter what day it is, some drivers will make the choice to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, taking drugs or not getting enough sleep.
When a negligent driver takes their eyes off the road to send a text, programs their GPS or plays with the radio, it puts others at risk. Add in speeders, red light-runners and a whole host of other dangerous but common behaviors, and it begins to become clear why so many people are killed and seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents.
When you have been injured in a car accident during the holidays, it can be difficult to know what comes next. To protect your right to compensation for your injuries, contact a vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Which Holiday Weekends Are Most Dangerous to Drive?
Still, despite this omnipresent danger, there are clearly some times of year that are more dangerous than others.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), vehicle accidents are particularly common over the summer months and during holidays. Inclement weather, distractions, high traffic, and drivers under the influence all combine to create more dangerous driving conditions. If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle accident, a car accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Not surprisingly, some of the most dangerous days are on holiday weekends, when people are more likely to be traveling, staying out late and drinking. According to data published by the American Safety Council, roads tend to be particularly dangerous around the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Labor Day holidays. The ASC’s data shows that, on average, the following are the ten most deadly driving months:
- July
- October
- August
- September
- May
In general, the summer months tend to see a disproportionate share of serious car accidents, with August being the deadliest month overall.
There are a number of reasons that summer brings so many traffic accidents, but one of the prime culprits is a sudden influx of teen drivers. In fact, these young drivers are so at risk that some law enforcement officials refer to summer vacation as the “100 deadliest days.”
During the summer, teens aren’t in school, which means they are spending more time driving to and from work or social engagements. The mere fact that teens are so inexperienced behind the wheel puts them at greater risk of being involved in an accident. Making matters worse is the fact that teens tend to engage in risky behavior. According to a story published in HealthDay News, approximately 4,500 teens try marijuana and another 11,000 drink alcohol for the first time every day during summer vacation.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), other common causes of vehicle crashes over the holidays include:
- Impaired driving
- Holiday stress
- Fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident during the summer or holiday season, don’t hesitate to reach out to a car accident attorney. An injury lawyer with knowledge of local traffic and injury laws can help you establish the value of your claim and determine your next steps.
Contact an Attorney as Soon as Possible
The holidays are a hectic time for everyone, and it can be easy to put off contacting an attorney after your accident. According to N.Y. CVP § 214, you have a limited time in which to file a lawsuit for injuries you sustained in a vehicle crash. Your attorney will need to have time to build your case and negotiate with the insurance company and opposing party.
If negotiations fail, your car accident attorney will need time to file your suit within the designated time period. In court, your legal team will need to prove that the accident was the fault of another person, and that you suffered material damage as a result.
Although the allotted statute of limitations may seem like a long time, these tasks can take months or even years to complete. It is therefore critical that you speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that they have time to establish a solid case on your behalf.
Long Island Car Accident Lawyers
Of course, prevention is always the best medicine when it comes to combating serious car accidents. Thousands of auto accidents every year could be avoided if drivers would slow down, stay sober and focus on the road. Parents of teen drivers can do their part by making sure that their children understand the dangers that come with engaging in risky behaviors behind the wheel.
At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, we understand that sometimes accidents are simply unavoidable. Our compassionate team of car accident attorneys will help you navigate the claim process. We will determine the value of your case, compile evidence, obtain witness statements, and consult with experts in order to build a solid claim, and then we will negotiate your settlement with the opposing party and insurance company.
It is our goal to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. In fact, if a settlement cannot be reached out of court, we will take your case to trial and aggressively defend your rights to just compensation.
Call Our Law Firm Today
If a car accident does happen, it is important for victims to understand and protect their rights. When an auto accident is caused by another person’s negligence, the victim may be able to recover compensation for damages including physical injury, medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, our Long Island personal injury attorneys can help you understand your options. Call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today at (516) 358-6900 for your free consultation.
