Author: Jay Howard
With Black Friday rapidly approaching, it is a dangerous time to be on the road. According to data from Progressive Insurance, there are 34% more car accidents on Black Friday, 25% more accidents on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and 20% more accidents on Thanksgiving Day, compared to the two weeks before and after.
Due to this increased risk of an accident, Sami Tabbaa of Tabbaa Law is concerned about what shopping deals are worth risking your life and well-being. As far as he is concerned, no deal is worth it. Tabbaa Law has the experience and the knowledge necessary to pursue the maximum compensation if you have been involved in a car accident on one of the busiest days of the year.
Why Do Auto Accidents Increase during Black Friday?
Simply put, Black Friday is incredibly hectic. Shoppers are rushing out onto the roads at extremely early hours, and traffic congestion is a major factor in the number of accidents. From bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highway to overcrowded parking lots, more vehicles out and about means more potential for collisions.
Traffic isn’t the only reason there are more accidents on Black Friday. Four of the leading causes of auto accidents throughout the year are especially prevalent during Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel. The following are the four leading causes of auto accidents:
Distracted Driving
All types of cell phone use (i.e., downloading coupons, calling or texting family members, using your phone as a GPS, etc.) present dangerous driving distractions. Interacting with passengers and other in-car distractions can lead to serious accidents as well.
Fatigued Driving
Driver fatigue is a real problem on Black Friday. Driving long hours, getting up early, or staying up late to be there when a store opens all contribute to accidents. Studies have shown driver fatigue to be extremely dangerous, in some cases causing impairment on par with alcohol intoxication.
Drunk Driving
Due to the nature of holiday celebrations, drunk driving is a very real concern during the Thanksgiving holiday and throughout the remainder of the holiday season. Drunk driving is dangerous at any time; however, the increased alcohol intake during the holidays will potentially lead to more accidents on Black Friday.
Aggressive Driving
No behavior is more synonymous with Black Friday than aggression. To that end, it’s not surprising that aggressive driving is the cause of many car accidents on Black Friday. Dangerous driving, speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, and darting around crowded parking lots are all mistakes that can have drastic consequences for drivers.
What Happens If You Are in a Black Friday Car Accident?
Enduring an accident over Thanksgiving weekend can be a painful experience. If someone else caused a crash that resulted in your injuries and vehicle damage, you should not be held responsible for the costs involved. To hold someone else legally responsible, you must be able to prove they acted with negligence.
When another driver’s negligence causes your injuries, you might be able to secure compensation for your accident-related expenses, such as medical bills, property damage costs, and lost wages. However, you must first prove that the driver’s negligence was a direct cause of your injuries. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to go over the facts of your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyer at Tabbaa Law for Expert Car Accident Representation Today
No matter how careful you are, a bad accident can still occur on Black Friday. Whether a careless shopper slams their heavy cart into you, or a careless driver causes a car accident, there is no shortage of hazards during Black Friday in Atlanta.
Attorney Sami Tabbaa of Tabbaa Law will expertly handle the day-to-day aspects of your case. He will gather and review evidence, speak to witnesses, and negotiate with insurers. Sami Tabbaa has the skill and experience necessary to handle car accident claims. To schedule a free consultation, you can call (770) 370-7881 or complete our contact form.
Auto Accidents