With the arrival of Thanksgiving, it’s evident that fall is drawing to a close, and winter, along with the holiday season =, is upon us. However, this day of togetherness, delicious food, and quality time with family and friends can also bring about a surge in car accidents. Unfortunately, the Thanksgiving weekend involves several factors that, in combination, make the risk of being involved in an auto accident more likely. Therefore, it’s vital for those planning to drive this Thanksgiving weekend to know the most common causes of accidents to mitigate the risks. Please continue reading to learn why Thanksgiving accidents are common in California and how our competent Santa Clara County Car Accident Attorneys can fight for you today.
What are the most common causes of car accidents during Thanksgiving weekend?
Traditionally, Thanksgiving festivities involve alcohol consumption. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few drinks with friends and family members, it becomes a severe issue when those individuals make the deplorable decision to get behind the wheel while they’re impaired. Unfortunately, for this reason, drunk driving is the number one cause of accidents during this holiday weekend. Whether it’s wine, beer, or craft cocktails, if you plan on consuming alcohol at any time during the Thanksgiving weekend, ensure you have alternate arrangements of transportation to get home, as intoxicated drivers pose a danger to themselves and others on the road.
In addition, many families travel long distances to attend Thanksgiving celebrations with their loved ones. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), an estimated 48.7 million Americans on the roadways travel 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving. Many families choose driving as their mode of transportation. This means that there are additional drivers on the road, creating an increase in traffic. The sheer volume of traffic is often a contributing factor to why auto accidents are so common this weekend, as motorists frequently engage in dangerous driving behaviors, such as tailgating, as they become impatient during traffic delays. Unfortunately, all it takes is for a motorist to become distracted for a split second for a rear-end collision to occur during a traffic jam.
How long do I have to pursue legal action after an accident in California?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your damages. However, before you can collect any compensation, you must follow the strict legal procedures of the claims process. This includes filing your claim within the strict legal deadline. In California, the statute of limitations is two years. You have two years from the accident date to file your claim. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the absolute bar of recovery. If you miss the strict legal deadline, you will relinquish your rights to pursue legal action.
As you can see, there is a heightened risk of being involved in a car accident during Thanksgiving weekend. Therefore, 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 attorney from the Law Offices of Brian J. O’Grady, who can help ensure you file your claim within the suitable timeframe.
