The holidays may be a time of good cheer, but they are also one of the most common times of the year for accidents and injuries to occur. In fact, according to reports that there are 6,200 people treated in emergency rooms every year across the United States for injuries related to holiday decorations and Christmas trees alone!
These accidents and sources of injury can potentially be serious. Bone fractures and head injuries are common in falls and slip and falls; burn injuries (which can be debilitating, disfiguring, and even fatal) are the most common injury when fire or heat is involved; and myriad injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to spinal cord injuries can occur when a drunk driver causes a crash. The same is true of product liability accidents – potential injuries fall within a large range.
Tips For Safe Travel During the Holiday Season
Follow this simple safety checklist to ensure the security of your home while you are away on a holiday with your loved ones:
- Close all the doors and windows of your home
- Check your alarm system to ensure it is in proper working condition
- Make sure your family, neighbors, or close friends know of your holiday destination and your expected return date
- Ensure that all tools like picks, spades, axes, and ladders, are securely locked; as criminals could use these to gain access to your home
Things to Do to Keep Safe in the Street
- Remember to take hand sanitizer with you
- Follow the social distancing norms at all times
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry that could make you a soft target for thieves
- Take care not to display your valuables, such as your phone, camera, or wallet
- Carry limited amount of cash and be cautious at ATM terminals
- Avoid quiet or deserted streets in unfamiliar areas, especially at night
- Always keep your guard up and remain vigilant
Things to Do to Ensure Safety on Public Transport
- Use a hand sanitizer liberally to clean your hands when embarking or disembarking
- Always maintain social distancing
- Make sure that you are familiar with routes and operating times, and plan accordingly
- Ask for directions at the start of your journey, if you are not sure
- Be alert and vigilant while traveling on public transport
- Make sure that your valuable items are out of sight
- Use only reputable and recommended private transport services
- Be alert at transport interchanges
Things to Do at Sightseeing or Event Venues
- Always keep hand sanitizer with you
- Always follow social distancing norms
- Make sure you are acquainted with the nearest signs, fire exits, and stairs; in case of emergencies
- Take care of your valuables
- Plan travel arrangements to and from the venue, especially late at night
- Use authorized ticketing and money exchange agents
Things to Do When Driving Long Distances
- Ensure that you clearly chart out your route, using a map for directions
- Ensure your vehicle’s roadworthiness before a long road trip
- Make sure that your car doors are locked and windows closed
- Keep your valuables locked in the trunk
- Avoid picking up strangers
- Always avoid using your cellphone when driving
- Make sure that you stay away from liquor while driving
- Check weather conditions along your planned route
- Minimize contact with strangers during halts along the way
If you have suffered an injury during the 2017 holiday season, and you believe that your injury was caused by the negligence of another party, you may be able to bring forth a personal injury suit for damages. A personal injury lawsuit can be filed when injuries would not have been sustained but for the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. Which means that while you may not be able to recover compensation for the foolish decision to stand upon a swivel desk chair to put the star atop the tree, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver who hit you when you were coming home from a holiday party.
To learn more about how to bring forth an injury suit and recover compensation for your injuries, please contact the Alabama personal injury attorneys at the law office of Smith & McGhee, P.C. today. Our lawyers will advocate for you, and consultations are offered free of charge. You can reach us now at 334-702-1744, or by sending us a message using the contact form found on our website.