Thanksgiving is a time for enjoying good company, delicious meals, and a few celebratory drinks with family and friends. However, as is often the case during the holidays, some family members may overindulge, leading to risky decisions—like getting behind the wheel after drinking.
While we’d all like to believe every intoxicated driver could have their keys taken away, the reality is far more complicated, especially during the busy holiday season.
For many families, what begins as a joyful celebration can quickly turn tragic. The end-of-year holidays see more people visiting the emergency room than any other time of the year. Common Thanksgiving accidents include motor vehicle crashes, fires and burns, slip-and-fall incidents, and even cases of food poisoning.
Taking precautionary steps to prevent these accidents is vital to ensuring a safe and happy holiday. Here’s what you need to know about the most common Thanksgiving accidents, tips for avoiding them, and how to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Aiken, SC if the unexpected happens.
1. Car Accidents During Thanksgiving Travel
For many, Thanksgiving involves packing up the family car and visiting loved ones. This makes it one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with millions of people hitting the road. Unfortunately, the heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and increased alcohol consumption make it a peak time for car accidents.
Data from the NHTSA shows that the Thanksgiving holiday sees a significant increase in car crashes and fatalities. While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks, following these safety precautions can greatly reduce your chances of an accident on the busy holiday roads:
Prevention Tips
- Plan Ahead: Schedule your travel to avoid peak traffic hours and map out alternative routes. Avoid speeding, even when running late.
- Stay Focused: Keep distractions, such as phones and conversations, to a minimum while driving. Make sure kids are properly buckled in seats appropriate for their age, weight, and size.
- Drive Sober: Never drive under the influence, and remain vigilant for impaired drivers.
- Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your car is in good working order before hitting the road. Always wear your seat belt and ensure it’s properly fastened.
Legal Note
If you’re involved in a car accident during holiday travel, knowing your legal rights is critical. As a personal injury lawyer, the personal injury lawyers at Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, & Staggs can help you understand your options and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
2. Slip-and-Fall Accidents at Thanksgiving Gatherings
Crowded homes, spilled drinks, or icy walkways can turn Thanksgiving gatherings into potential hazards. For instance, preparing for a Thanksgiving feast often means multiple trips to the grocery store. With the holiday rush, stores tend to be packed with shoppers scrambling for last-minute ingredients.
This increased foot traffic can make it harder for staff to maintain clean and safe floors, raising the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. While slip-and-fall injuries are quite common, they are often preventable.
Prevention Tips
- Clear Walkways: Ensure pathways and entryways are free from clutter and well-lit.
- Clean Spills Promptly: Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slippery floors.
- Use Non-Slip Rugs: Place mats or rugs in high-traffic areas with hard surfaces.
Legal Note
Property owners have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment. If you’re injured on someone else’s property, you may have a premises liability claim.
3. Cooking Fires and Kitchen Accidents
Thanksgiving sees over three times as many home-cooking fires compared to any other day of the year. The primary culprit? Unattended cooking equipment, including turkey fryers, is a popular but potentially hazardous choice.
If you’re planning to fry your turkey this year, it’s best to do so outdoors in a well-ventilated area. In the event of a grease fire, never use water to extinguish it. Instead, smother the flames with a lid or use baking soda or flour. Keep flammable items like oven mitts and dish towels far away from the cooking area to reduce fire risks.
Prevention Tips
- Stay Alert: Never leave cooking food unattended, especially on the stovetop.
- Keep Flammables Away: Ensure items like dish towels or paper towels are kept clear of open flames.
- Be Prepared: Have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
Legal Note
If negligence in the kitchen leads to injury, there may be grounds for a liability claim. If you or a loved one is hurt in such an incident, the team at JJWLS can provide the legal guidance you need.
4. Dog Bites or Pet-Related Injuries
Thanksgiving gatherings can be stressful for pets, especially with unfamiliar guests and children around. This stress can sometimes result in unexpected bites or scratches.
For example, typically gentle dogs might bite if they feel threatened or overwhelmed, as can happen with a house full of unfamiliar faces. Poorly trained, anxious, or aggressive dogs can cause injuries ranging from severe bleeding and muscle damage to infections or worse.
If your dog has a history of biting or you’re concerned they might bite a guest, take precautions to keep everyone safe. You can avoid Thanksgiving accidents by doing the following: consider using a muzzle, keeping your dog outside, or placing them in a separate room or kennel during Thanksgiving festivities.
Be especially cautious if small children are visiting, as they are the most common victims of dog bites.
Prevention Tips
- Provide a Safe Space: Keep pets in a separate room if they’re uncomfortable with crowds.
- Supervise Interactions: Monitor pets closely, especially around children.
- Secure Pets During Meals: Ensure pets are not near food or dining areas to prevent aggressive behavior.
Legal Note
If you’re bitten or injured by a pet, you may be entitled to compensation. Pet owners are often held liable for injuries caused by their animals.
5. Recreational Sports Injuries
A friendly Thanksgiving game of flag football is a great way to burn off some calories and bond with family and friends, but it’s not without risks.
At best, you might end up a little sore from the physical activity. At worst, you could find yourself in the ER with an ankle sprain, a hand or knee injury, or even a broken bone. Play responsibly, warm up before starting, and know your limits to avoid turning your holiday tradition into a painful experience.
Prevention Tips
- Warm Up: Stretch and prepare your body before playing to avoid injuries.
- Wear the Right Gear: Use proper footwear and any necessary safety equipment.
- Play Responsibly: Avoid overly aggressive behavior that could lead to harm.
Legal Note
While informal sports often involve assumed risks, extreme negligence or reckless behavior could result in liability. If you’re injured, our team can help determine whether you have a valid claim.
If You Have Been Injured in a Thanksgiving Accident Contact Skilled Lawyer Today
Thanksgiving should be a time of joy and togetherness, not injury and stress. Being mindful of these common risks and taking proactive steps to avoid them can help you ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for you and your loved ones.
If you or someone you know is injured in a Thanksgiving accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to an Aiken, SC personal injury lawyer. The experienced lawyers at Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, & Staggs are always here to help you navigate your legal options and pursue the justice you deserve. Contact us today at (803) 649-5338 for a free consultation.
