Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to come together, but unfortunately, it is also a time when car accidents can be more common due to various factors. In Tennessee, as in many other states, there are various causes of Thanksgiving car accidents that can lead to serious injuries and property damage. If you were injured in a Thanksgiving car accident, the Tennessee car accident lawyers at GriffithLaw will fight for your fair financial recovery.
Common Causes of Thanksgiving Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur for many reasons. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Tennessee during Thanksgiving weekend are discussed below.
Distracted Driving
With the prevalence of smartphones and in-car entertainment systems, distracted driving remains a significant factor in accidents. Drivers may be tempted to check texts, make calls, use apps, or talk to their passengers while traveling to or from their Thanksgiving destination.
Impaired Driving
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest on the roads, with people off from work and home for college break going to bars and other celebrations. In addition, Thanksgiving and the day after also see an increase in accidents due to individuals choosing to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired driving is illegal and can impair a driver's judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
Drowsy Driving
Long-distance travel to visit family and friends during the Thanksgiving holiday can lead to drowsy driving, especially during the late hours or early morning. Fatigue can impair a driver's ability to stay alert and make quick decisions. It can also cause a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel and cause a serious accident.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding is another cause of car accidents on Thanksgiving. People may speed or drive recklessly to get to their holiday destination on time. Speeding and reckless driving significantly increase the risk of accidents and can lead to severe consequences.
Inclement Weather
In late November, weather conditions in Tennessee can be unpredictable. Winter weather conditions such as rain, snow, or icy roads can make driving hazardous, leading to accidents.
Increased Traffic Congestion
More than one million Tennesseans travel 50 miles or more from their home by car over Thanksgiving weekend. This can result in congestion and a higher likelihood of rear-end collisions and other traffic-related accidents.
Deer-Related Collisions
Tennessee has a high population of deer, and collisions with these animals are more common in rural areas. Deer-related collisions can cause significant damage to vehicles and pose a danger to drivers.
Inexperienced Drivers
Younger or less-experienced drivers may be on the road during Thanksgiving break. Their inexperience can lead to accidents, mainly if they are not used to driving in challenging conditions or high-traffic areas.
How Lawyers at GriffithLaw Can Help
Despite meticulously following all safety precautions, such as wearing your seat belt and obeying the speed limit, you might be unexpectedly hurt in an auto accident. If you are involved in a Thanksgiving car accident in Tennessee, the lawyers at GriffithLaw can provide essential assistance in recovering fair damages. A car accident lawyer can help you with your Thanksgiving car accident case in the following ways.
Investigation
A car accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the crash. They will gather essential evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to establish liability.
Determining Damages
Lawyers will help you assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Negotiation
A skilled lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Litigation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the lawyers at GriffithLaw have the experience and expertise to take your case to court and advocate for your rights.
Damages You Could Recover
If another party is found liable for a Thanksgiving car accident in Tennessee, you may be able to recover compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages