What’s the risk in gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving? For many New Yorkers, the answer lies in the crowded roads.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weekends in the United States, with nearly 50 million Americans hitting the road. In New York City, where congestion is common, holiday traffic heightens the risk of accidents. Crowded highways, impatient drivers, and rising stress levels create a perfect storm for collisions.
In the event of an accident caused by road-related risks, seeking the counsel of an experienced New York City car accident lawyer can be invaluable.
Top Reasons for Thanksgiving-Related Accidents
With so many people traveling to and from gatherings, airports, and train stations — and under high-stress conditions — a spike in road accidents is almost inevitable around Thanksgiving.
Increased Traffic Congestion
The sheer volume of vehicles on the road during Thanksgiving week is overwhelming, especially in many parts of New York City. With packed highways and backed-up city streets, accidents are more common. Often, these accidents result from sudden stops, lane changes, or collisions due to limited space and maneuverability.
Impaired Driving
Many people celebrate Thanksgiving with alcohol, and unfortunately, this leads to a rise in DUI incidents. Impaired driving presents a significant danger to all road users, and given New York’s usually heavy traffic, there is little room for mistakes.
Drowsy Driving
Long hours of travel can lead to fatigue and drowsiness, especially for those driving overnight or after a long day of festivities. Drowsiness impairs drivers’ decision-making ability, which makes them more susceptible to accidents.
Weather Conditions
Thanksgiving travel occurs as winter begins to set in, which in New York often means wet or icy roads. Slick road conditions increase braking distance and make controlling a vehicle more challenging, particularly for drivers who may not be used to driving in adverse weather. A sudden change in weather can turn an otherwise safe trip into a treacherous one.
Aggressive or Impatient Drivers
Holiday traffic may make many drivers impatient, usually as a result of being anxious to reach their destinations. This impatience resulting from the stress of navigating crowded streets and highways can lead to reckless behaviors, such as tailgating, abrupt lane changes, and even road rage.
New York’s High Pedestrian and Cyclist Density
During Thanksgiving, more motor vehicles travel in and out of New York, and this naturally puts the city’s high number of pedestrians and cyclists at higher risk of getting into an accident. In fact, pedestrian and cyclist accidents are common during high-traffic holidays such as Thanksgiving.
This is why it’s critical to take extra precautions during the busy, festive season. And when necessary, seek the guidance of a New York City car accident lawyer in the aftermath of an accident.
How a New York City Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
If a Thanksgiving accident leads to injury, victims have the right to pursue personal injury claims to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. These claims are essential for covering the often considerable costs associated with serious accidents.
A skilled New York City car accident lawyer offers crucial support and representation, helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. Their assistance spans several key areas, from gathering critical evidence to navigating the complexities of insurance and liability.
Legal Support and Representation
A car accident lawyer can build a strong case for the injured party. They will take on the responsibility of collecting evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, all of which are vital for determining fault. They also have access to accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals whose insights may strengthen the claim.
Handling Insurance and Liability Matters
New York’s no-fault insurance laws can complicate the claims process, as drivers are often required to seek initial compensation from their own insurance regardless of who is at fault. Understanding these nuances can be a huge help, and working with an experienced New York City car accident lawyer can ease victims’ burden in dealing with complex legal and insurance requirements to get fair compensation.
Relieving the Stress of Legal Proceedings
Physical recovery, medical bills, and lost wages all add to the stress of an accident, which can be overwhelming. Hiring a lawyer lets you focus on recovery while legal professionals handle the intricacies of the case.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Thanksgiving car accident, contact Keith D. Silverstein & Associates’ legal team. As your legal counsel, we’ll ensure you get the compensation you deserve and help you navigate each step with confidence. Reach out to us today.
