Holiday Injury Risk
The winter holidays are upon us, and the legal team at Bruntrager & Billings, P.C. hopes everyone has a safe and enjoyable season. Unfortunately, too many people have their holidays disrupted when an unexpected accident and injuries occur. Accidents are common during this time, and many people end up spending time in the hospital or recovering at home instead of trimming the tree or ringing in the New Year. The following are only some of the many different holiday-related injury risks.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Holiday parties are a highlight of the season, and many gatherings involve sipping eggnog, champagne, or other festive beverages. Then, some individuals may decide it is okay to try to drive home after having alcoholic drinks. Even though police officers tend to ramp up DWI enforcement efforts over the holidays, they simply cannot catch every drunk driver on the road, and many times, drunk drivers can cause serious crashes and injuries to others.
Holiday Travel
Every form of travel comes with risks of accidents, and the holiday season is one of the biggest travel times of the year. Whether you are booking a flight across the country or driving a few hours to see your extended family members, it is important to stay aware of the possible risks you face. Always leave plenty of time to get to the airport, the bus station, or your driving destination, as hurrying can increase the chances of carelessness. Avoiding traveling when you are overly tired and try to limit distractions in your vehicle while you are behind the wheel on a road trip.
Accidents While Shopping
Most of us don’t expect to head out shopping for gifts or groceries and end up in the emergency room. However, this happens much more often during the holidays. Everywhere you look, parking lots are filled, lines are long, and people are in a hurry. The usual hustle and bustle can become risky for many reasons, including:
- Slip and falls in stores
- Parking lot accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Assaults by other impatient and aggressive shoppers
Try not to be in a hurry when you head out for holiday shopping trips and try to avoid others who seem to be upset or impatient.
Defective Gifts
People like to pick out the perfect gift for their loved ones, especially children and spouses. This often means purchasing brand new products on the market that are the most popular for this particular holiday season. However, it was only a couple of years ago when the “hot” item for the holidays was a hoverboard, and within a short period of time, reports started rolling in that these hoverboards were catching on fire. Often, the newest gifts have not been sufficiently tested, and they might be defective and cause injuries to your loved ones.
Contact a St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney for Assistance Today
In the event that an injury interrupts your holiday celebrations, do not hesitate to contact the law firm of Bruntrager & Billings, P.C., for help. Contact us online or call 314-646-0066 to speak with our St. Louis personal injury lawyers about a possible case.