Personal Injury Law Blog

Fatal Car Accidents More Likely Over Memorial Day Weekend

For many, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer. It’s a time for celebration. It’s also an incredibly dangerous time to be on the road. Studies show that you are four times more likely to be killed in a car accident over Memorial Day weekend than during any other time of the year.

Memorial Day is fast approaching. It’s important to know why accidents are more likely to happen, how to stay safe, and what to do if you are involved in a crash this holiday weekend.

Why Are There More Car Accidents Over Memorial Day Weekend?

There are a few reasons why car accidents happen more frequently over Memorial Day weekend.

More Traffic

A lot of people travel over Memorial Day weekend. As a result, there are more cars on the road than normal. One study estimates that 34.6 million Americans will logs more than 50 miles behind the wheel this holiday weekend.

When roads are congested, accidents are more likely to happen. There’s simply less room for error when you’re sharing the road with more vehicles.

Drunk Driving

Alcohol is a common factor at many Memorial Day celebrations. Monday may be a holiday, but there’s still school and work on Tuesday. Many drivers, in a rush to get home, don’t take the time to sober up after spending hours drinking at a backyard BBQ.

Drivers under the influence contribute to a significant number of Memorial Day crashes. When a driver is drunk, they lack the skills and reflexes that are necessary to navigate safely.

Fatigued Driving

Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. After a long weekend of celebrating, people can be too tired to drive safely. When you are tired, it’s more difficult to concentrate on the road and react to the traffic around you. When a driver falls asleep, the consequences can be catastrophic.

How Can I Stay Safe While Driving This Memorial Day?

Accidents happen more frequently over Memorial Day weekend. However, there are certain steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

  • Take a cab, Uber, or Lyft instead of driving.
  • Take public transportation.
  • Travel before it gets dark out.
  • Limit the number of drinks you have or appoint a designated driver.
  • Take regular breaks if traveling long distances, especially with young children.
  • Celebrate early in the day with family, perhaps by enjoying a parade and lunch.

If you do drive, make sure you’re sober, remain alert at all times, and avoid distractions.

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Crash This Holiday Weekend?

Even if you take steps to stay safe, there’s still a chance that you’ll be involved in a Los Angeles car accident. Your choices and decisions after an accident will affect any injury claims you decide to file.  Here’s what you should do if you are involved in a crash this holiday weekend:

  • Call the police to report the accident right away
  • Seek medical assistance to make sure that all of your injuries are treated and documented
  • Refuse to speak with insurance companies, except for providing basic information
  • Reject early settlement offers, as they are likely much less than what you deserve

The best thing to do after an unexpected accident is to Contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney. Your lawyer will help to protect your rights and maximize your financial recovery.

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