You know the feeling — bags packed, sunscreen on, cooler stocked: the perfect start to a relaxing holiday weekend. But the joy and festivities of a holiday often bring a greater potential for accidents. Between seasonal weather like black ice, parties that put drunk drivers on the road, and the sheer volume of holiday travelers, it's no wonder we see a rise in personal injury claims around the holidays.
Accidents at Holiday Rental Housing
Sometimes, despite your own careful planning, accidents happen because someone else was careless. Over the holidays we see a rise in claims caused by poorly maintained rental properties — a faulty electrical switch, hidden hazards, a needlessly slippery walkway or stairs, even collapsing decks. These properties are often left unattended for most of the year. Do your due diligence: read the online reviews and study the listing photos to spot potential problem areas. Doing so upfront — and again on arrival — not only lowers your risk of injury, but also arms you with documentation if a claim becomes necessary.
Slip-and-Falls on Vacation
Every year, slip-and-fall accidents cause tens of thousands of injuries, so it pays to be prepared for the environment you're visiting. Heading somewhere with a wetter climate? Bring non-slip shoes. If the owner of the property or hotel failed to properly maintain it — uneven or slick walkways, faulty wiring, cracked or jagged concrete — and you're injured as a result, you may have a case. If you do fall, remember to photograph the hazard that caused your injuries so you can show your personal injury attorney.
Holiday Stress Behind the Wheel
Rest and relaxation can make people a little lackadaisical about safety — but the opposite is often true too. Between planning, paying for, and finally taking the trip, many people feel burnt out ("we need a vacation from our vacation!"). That added stress — financial, familial, or otherwise — affects how people drive. Stressed-out drivers are sharing the road with you, and stress clouds judgment and invites negligence. Simply staying alert and practicing defensive driving is the first step in avoiding a crash.