Thanksgiving presents families with a unique opportunity to travel somewhere special with their loved ones, where they can reflect on their blessings and acknowledge their gratitude. Unfortunately, despite Thanksgiving consisting of delicious food and fun times with loved ones, this holiday weekend often results in substantial car accidents. There are numerous reasons behind such a sudden increase in collisions, including a high volume of traffic, drunk driving, general holiday stress, and the possibility of poor weather conditions. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced New York City & Westchester County Car Accident Lawyer who can help you fight for the maximum compensation you deserve and need to get back on your feet.
HOW COMMON ARE AUTO ACCIDENTS ON THANKSGIVING WEEKEND?
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports an average of around 400 crash fatalities on Thanksgiving weekend over the last ten years, with similar numbers predicted for this year’s holiday. With such staggering statistics, it’s imperative to understand some contributing factors to Thanksgiving weekend accidents that can help you mitigate the risks. The following include some of the most common causes of car accidents during Thanksgiving weekend:
- Drunk Driving: Thanksgiving festivities often involve alcohol consumption. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few drinks with your loved ones, it becomes a serious issue when an individual makes the poor decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Alcohol diminishes an individual’s critical abilities needed to operate a vehicle safely. Drunk driving is the number one cause of car accidents this holiday weekend. Therefore, if you plan on driving, arrange alternate transportation. Even if you don’t plan on drinking, be mindful of impaired drivers, as they pose a danger on the road.
- Increased traffic: According to research, most families will travel at least 50 miles to their Thanksgiving holiday destination. Traffic delays are a contributing factor to the more significant number of accidents. Drivers tend to become impatient while stuck in traffic jams, which causes them to engage in dangerous driving behaviors.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO PURSUE LEGAL ACTION?
You may be entitled to significant compensation if you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. However, you must fulfill the burden of proof before you can collect compensation for your damages. Essentially, you must demonstrate the other driver’s negligence directly caused your injuries.
In New York, the statute of limitations is three years. This means you have three years from the accident date to file your claim. Failure to meet the strict legal deadline will result in an absolute bar of recovery. Failing to file your suit within the suitable timeframe means you forfeit your right to pursue legal action.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, it’s in your best interest to contact a determined lawyer from the Bàez Legal Group, who can help you get the justice you deserve.