Category: Personal Injury

Many recently and currently produced vehicles have onboard systems that automatically notify first-responders with an accident occurs. Most of those systems used 3G networks to connect to cloud-based communications, while a 5G switchover is on the horizon.

With the recent switch to 5G, systems that used 3G no longer will work when 3G systems are replaced by 5G systems. They cannot communicate over 5G and would require hardware and software upgrades to become compatible.

Or you simply have to go without the potentially life-saving service that could notify emergency personnel if you are in an accident and incapable of calling for help. Many who no longer subscribe

Some overseas airlines grounded their aircraft as a precaution when 5G went live. They were concerned about how the new cloud communications technology would affect aircraft safety. Turns out, there is no real issue with its impact on airplanes.

Your vehicle may be another matter. Newer car models have safety equipment that uses 3G communications technology. The switchover to 5G has many motorists understandably concerned about the possible impact on their safety, which is a legitimate concern. Odds are your vehicle will run and drive just fine. But you could lose your emergency notification system and other features.  

An Updated Telematics Control Unit Solves the Problem

Most emergency notification services use a telematics control unit (TCU). Prior TCUs relied on 3G to enable them to communicate outside of the vehicle. But with 5G, that has changed.

So many automakers have offered an upgrade to their TCUs prior to the launch of the 5G system. The upgrades mostly were free and generally were available through February 2022.

But with 5G now in use, the upgrades no longer are free. The cost for a new TCU is about $900. And that cost is stopping many car owners from updating their onboard systems.

Going without the new TCU means your vehicle’s crash-notification system might not work. But if you carry a cellphone, that might not be a concern.  

Popular Telematics Systems

Virtually all major automakers include telematics systems in their vehicles. General Motors uses OnStar, which is among the first and most popular telematics systems. Toyota provides its T-Connect system. Mercedes-Benz includes the Tele Aid system in its luxury cars.

There also are commercial versions, like Ford Telematics, that enable commercial operators to track and communicate with their commercial fleets of vehicles. The Ford 911 Assist goes into private passenger vehicles to automatically report accidents when they happen.

Telematics systems have grown as technology has improved. But like all technologies, they eventually become obsolete. And the 5G rollout is putting an end to the 3G-based systems.

Potential Impact of 5G Changeover on Crash-Notification Systems

The systems that mostly are at-risk are those that provide crash notifications and contact emergency services via E911. Whether or not your system is at-risk depends on which brand of vehicle you are driving.

Honda recently provided owners of its models with free upgrades for their systems through Feb. 22, 2022. With that date now passed, it will cost about $900 to upgrade the hardware needed to communicate with 5G systems.

Those who do not upgrade their systems could lose some safety features. But their vehicles will run and drive normally.

You might find yourself in an accident with your car’s emergency notification system no longer working due to the 5G system change. You would need to use your cellphone to call for help.

The 5G Switch Will Not Affect Several Automakers

Owners of Mazda, Ford, and Mitsubishi models are unaffected. The emergency notification systems used in Ford and Mazda models connect to the driver’s cellular phone to send emergency notifications.

Mitsubishi never used a 3G system and instead designed its systems to run without it. That is because Mitsubishi engineers foresaw the potential for changes in cloud-based communications changing rapidly and rendering the systems useless. Mitsubishi vehicles do not use 3G or 5G for emergency communications.

Other automakers certainly have the same technologies in place that make the change to 5G a non-issue for owners of their respective vehicles. But many of the biggest automakers produced vehicles that will be affected.

The world’s largest automaker, Toyota, and its subsidiary Lexus are good examples. Toyota’s Safety Connection emergency notification system and Lexus’ Enform Safety Connect will cease working on Nov. 1, 2022.

Owners of those vehicles will lose all automatic crash-notification services and other features. Toyota officials said circumstances that are beyond the automaker’s control created the problem and they are sorry for any inconvenience.

Safety Systems Remain Unaffected

It is important to emphasize that vehicle safety systems will continue to operate as designed. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and other popular and effective safety technologies will continue to work properly.

Those systems do not rely on 3G or other cloud communications to function. As long as your vehicle is running, it will work. It always is possible some other factor could cause them to fail, but it will not be the switch to 5G that causes it to happen.

Unless a sensor goes bad or the equipment is damaged, you should retain all of your active and passive safety features. You might want to carry a cellphone in your vehicle to call for help if you are in a bad accident, though. The loss of the emergency notification systems might make that necessary.

It is safe to say a majority of motorists keep their cellphones with them. So having it in an easily accessible location while driving could provide you with the emergency communications needed to obtain help after a bad accident. Your car just will not do it for you: that only is the case if the automaker has no plans to upgrade your system or if you decide that you do not want to pay nearly $1,000 to ensure the emergency crash notifications continue to work as intended.

Many Carmakers Intend to Upgrade Systems

Some automakers already initiated technology upgrades for their customers that included new hardware and programming. Others are still planning to make the change before November 2022, when 5G systems should have fully replaced the 3G systems that previously handled the majority of cloud-based communications.

You might be determined to keep your crash and emergency notification apps working. You can, with an about $900 investment in new hardware and programming, which will upgrade the current 3G system to regain cloud connectivity.

Some carmakers included the ability to upgrade their emergency communications systems as needed. Those systems will not need the new hardware but should need to upgrade the apps that handle the communications. That helps to keep them compatible with ever-changing communications technologies.

A free upgrade might be available if you have a vehicle that is incompatible with 5G technology. Check with your local dealership to learn more.

Changeover Should Not Increase Driving Risks

The rollover to 5G and the potential loss of emergency communication technology should not make it more dangerous to drive. Many people drive vehicles that do not use telematics (a technology only widely implemented during the past 20 years.) Many new models do not include telematics, and lots of drivers decline the telematic services if they have to pay a subscription fee.

The changeover should be relatively painless and will not affect anyone’s ability to drive. But it still is good to have automatic emergency notifications sent if an accident occurs and you or your passengers are seriously injured. In such cases, the technology literally might be a lifesaver.

Springfield Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Help to Hold Bad Drivers Accountable For Causing Accidents.

The experienced Springfield car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law can help you to file well-supported claims for damages or injuries that you might suffer during a car accident. Call 912-754-6003 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our law office in Springfield, Georgia. We represent clients in Springfield, Effingham County, Savannah, and surrounding areas.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death in children over the age of four. While today’s motor vehicles are safer than ever thanks to the latest advances in safety technology, and car seats are effective at protecting children in the event of an accident, accidents can and do occur. There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of car accidents, and to ensure that your child is safe and protected. From choosing the right car seat and always wearing a seat belt to obeying the rules of the road and making safety a top priority at all times, establishing safe habits will protect your entire family whenever you are in the car.

How Do I Choose the Right Car Seat?

Car seats have come a long way when it comes to protecting children from serious, even life-threatening injuries if they are in the car when an accident occurs. Choosing the right car seat can be an overwhelming process, but the following tips can help make the right choice based on their child’s age, height and weight:

• Infants and toddlers: Children should be secured in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat until they are at least two years old, or until they outgrow the height and weight limits. It is recommended that children remain in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible, because the child’s fragile neck and spinal cord are supported and protected by the car seat. Examples of rear-facing car seats include infant seats, which are only rear-facing and are designed for newborns and small babies, and convertible seats, which are full-sized car seats that can be used in the rear-facing and front-facing position, some of which may fit a newborn.
• Toddlers and preschoolers: Children should use forward-facing car seats from the time they outgrow the rear-facing seat until they weigh at least 65 pounds, their shoulders are above the seat’s top harness slots and the child’s ears reach the top of the car seat. This usually occurs when the child reaches the age of five or six. These car seats generally have a 5-point harness, which contacts more points of the body and distributes the force of the impact. Examples of front-facing car seats include convertible seats, all-in-one seats and combination seats with a harness, which go from a forward-facing seat to a belt positioning booster.
• School-aged children: Children who have outgrown the forward-facing car seat should be secured in a booster seat, which uses the adult lap and shoulder belt in the back seat. The booster seat lifts the child up so that the adult seat belt will contact the strongest point of the child’s body and provide the best protection. Generally, children should use a booster seat until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.
• Older children: When a child has outgrown the booster seat, they should wear the lap and shoulder belt every time they ride in the car. In addition, all children under the age of 13 should ride in the back seat at all times. If the airbag deploys, and a young child is riding in the front seat, it can cause serious, even fatal injuries.

What Hot Weather Safety Tips Should I Keep in Mind?

Summer is approaching, which means that the temperatures are slowly but surely starting to climb. On hot days, the temperature inside the car can climb almost 20 degrees in only ten minutes. Cracking the window open a few inches does not prevent the temperature from continuing to climb. Unfortunately, every ten days, a child dies from heatstroke after being in a hot vehicle. In more than half of these tragic fatalities, the caretaker forgot that the child was in the car. Parents can prevent these devastating deaths by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Never leave a child alone in the car. Even if you are making a quick stop or just dropping something off, do not leave a small child in the car, as the car can get very hot very quickly.
• Create reminders. Oftentimes, these tragic accidents occur because the parent or caregiver forgot that the child was in the back seat. You can prevent this from happening by keeping a stuffed animal or some other memento in the front seat as a reminder that your child is in the car. You could also keep your purse, phone, or left shoe in the back seat when you are driving with your child. That way, you will have to reach for it when you get out of the car, which will remind you that your child is in the back seat.
• Take immediate action. If you happen to notice a child in the back seat of a car, and there is no adult in the vehicle, call 911 immediately so that police or emergency personnel can respond quickly and remove the child from the vehicle.

What Else Can I Do to Keep My Child Safe in and Around Cars?

In addition to choosing the appropriate car seat and making sure that your child is not left in a hot car, the following tips will help keep your children safe while they are in the car, or in the vicinity of other cars:

• Avoid letting your child eat certain foods in the car. Having snacks on hand is always a good idea, particularly when the children start to get hungry and cranky. However, certain foods can be a choking hazard, which can turn deadly if the child is in a rear-facing car seat and you do not notice that he or she is choking. Most safety organizations urge parents to avoid giving children any food while they are in the car. However, if snacks are a must-have, applesauce pouches or yogurt tubes would be a safer option.
• Always hold hands in the parking lot. Young children do not always understand the dangers of parking lots, including motorists who back out of their spot without looking or people who drive too fast through parking lots. Parents should hold their children’s hands, even if they have a toddler who is going through an independent phase who wants to do everything without any help. Teach them that holding hands in parking lots is non-negotiable.
• Secure any loose articles. If there are any sharp objects in the vehicle, put them in the glove compartment or in the trunk. In the event of an accident, these can become a dangerous projectile and cause serious injuries. Even unrestrained pets can be projected with extreme force if you or another vehicle were traveling at a high speed at the time of the accident.
• Do not let children play near parked cars. This may seem harmless, but if the car owner gets in and starts to back up, he or she may not see the children if they are in his or her blind spot. This can have tragic consequences.
• Put your phone away. Distracted driving is one of the top causes of car accidents, and talking and texting on the phone is one of the main culprits.
• Teach children to look both ways before crossing the street. Too often, small children will run into the street if they are chasing a ball, or running home from another house. If they do not look both ways before crossing, and a car is driving by, they could get hit by a car and suffer very serious injuries. Even if the car is traveling at a relatively low speed, the injuries could be fatal.
• Keep the windows on child lock when the children are in the car. According to KidsandCars.org, it only takes 22 pounds of force to suffocate or seriously injure an infant. Power winders can exert anywhere between 30 and 80 pounds of force. Despite the fact that newer car models are equipped with power winders that have improved safety features, it is highly recommended that parents and caregivers keep the child lock feature in use when the children are in the car, whether the vehicle is moving or parked.

Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Help Victims of Car Accidents

If your child was injured in a car accident, you are urged to contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. With our office located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve Springfield, Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Getting a driver’s license is a major rite of passage for teen drivers. However, while many parents may appreciate that they no longer have to shuttle their teen to every sporting event or after school activity, handing over the car keys to a newly-licensed teen driver can be terrifying. It is one of the first major steps towards adulthood and independence, and it can be difficult for parents to come to terms with that, especially when statistics show that teen drivers are three times more likely to be fatally injured in a car accident compared to more experienced drivers. In addition to the obvious safety concerns associated with their child being seriously injured in a car accident, parents could face significant legal and financial issues if their child was responsible for causing an accident. If your teen driver was involved in a car accident, and you have questions about liability, do not hesitate to contact an experienced car accident lawyer.

Why Are Teen Drivers at an Increased Risk for Car Accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more than 13 million teen drivers on the road on any given day. There are a number of risk factors that put teen drivers at an increased risk for car accidents, including the following:

• Inexperience: The more experience drivers have, the better they are able to recognize potentially-dangerous situations and take the necessary steps to avoid them. Because they do not have the experience behind the wheel, they do not readily recognize dangerous situations or react as quickly to those situations.
• Nighttime and weekend driving: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, roughly 40 percent of fatal car accidents involving teens between the ages of 13 and 19 occurred between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am, and over half of those accidents occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
• Not using seat belts: Teen drivers have the lowest rate of seat belt use compared to other age groups. Close to half of the teen drivers and passengers who were fatally injured in car accidents in 2019 were not restrained by a seat belt at the time of the crash.
• Distracted driving: This continues to be a serious problem among all drivers, but teen drivers are particularly susceptible to distracted driving behaviors, including talking and texting on the phone, and checking social media.
• Speeding: Teen drivers are also more likely to drive over the posting speed limit, and follow too close to the vehicle in front of them, which increases the risk of a rear-end accident.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in a car accident than older, more experienced drivers, even if they both have the same blood alcohol concentration (BAC), or have the same amount of drugs or substances in their system. The impairment, coupled with inexperience behind the wheel can have devastating consequences.

What Liability Issues Do I Need to Know About as a Parent of a Teen Driver?

When determining fault in an accident, the alleged victim will have to prove that the at-fault driver was negligent in some way. According to the theory of negligence, all drivers have a duty to obey the rules of the road and drive in a reasonably safe way, and if a driver breaches that duty causing injury to another motorist, they may be legally liable for the resulting injuries and property damage. This concept applies to all drivers, including inexperienced, newly licensed teen drivers. Regardless of skill level or experience behind the wheel, teen drivers are expected to make safety a priority and avoid any dangerous or irresponsible driving behavior.

There are situations where a teen driver’s parents may be held legally liable if a car accident was caused by their teen’s negligence. The following are examples of civil statutes that can be used to hold parents liable for a teen driver’s negligent or reckless behavior:

• Theory of Negligent Entrustment. This states that a parent may be held liable for their teenage driver’s car accident if it can be proven that the parents knew, or should have known, that the teen posed a danger to other motorists. For example, if a teen driver had multiple accidents, and was issued multiple tickets for speeding or reckless driving, and the parents continued to give their teen driver permission to use the car, they could be held liable for any damages in the event of an accident.
• Theory of Vicarious Liability. Also referred to as the “family purpose doctrine,” this states that the parents of a teen driver may be held liable for a car accident that occurred while their teen driver was behind the wheel. For example, if the parents ask the teen motorist to drive to the grocery store to pick up a few items for dinner, and the teen is involved in an accident on the way home, the parent may be held liable for the injuries or property damage caused by the accident.

Can My Teen Driver Get Car Insurance?

In Georgia, a provisional driver’s license is granted to drivers who are at least 16 years old, who have held an Instructional Permit for one year and one day, and who pass their driving test. However, when it comes to purchasing car insurance, a 17-year-old is still considered a minor, so a parent or guardian would be required to co-sign the policy until he or she turns 18. That means that the parent will be financially responsible for the policy. It is also important for parents to consider the potential costs of purchasing a separate insurance policy for a teen driver once they turn 18. While some parents may think that a separate policy will save money, insurance companies consider teen drivers to be high-risk drivers, so a separate policy is going to be much more expensive than adding him or her to an existing policy.

Circumstances become much more complicated if a teenager caused a car accident while driving a vehicle that belonged to someone else. If the teen driver had permission from the owner of the vehicle to use the car, the auto insurance on the car will likely apply. However, if the owner of the vehicle did not give permission, or told the teen not to use the car, the liability insurance on the vehicle may not apply. There are some situations where insurance policies may have exclusions for certain actions. For example, if a teen driver’s willful or malicious actions were intentional, it is unlikely that the insurance on the vehicle will apply. In order to obtain financial compensation, the injured victim will need to file a lawsuit.

What Can Parents Do to Protect Their Teen Drivers?

Car accidents are the number one cause of death in teenagers, which is a sobering fact for parents of newly licensed teen drivers to consider. Graduated licensing programs help ease some of the worry by imposing certain restrictions on new drivers. For example, newly licensed drivers may not operate a motor vehicle between midnight and 6 a.m. Another restriction in graduated licensing restricts the number of passengers teen drivers can have. In addition to the laws that are meant to protect teen drivers, there are a number of steps that parents can take to prevent their child from being involved in a serious car accident, including the following:

• Set a good example. If you expect your teen driver to always wear a seatbelt, obey the speed limit, and avoid distracted driving behavior, model the behavior you want them to follow.
• Put the phone away. Distracted driving is a major problem among teen drivers, so make sure your teen driver understands the consequences of texting and talking on the phone. Always leave your phone in your purse or in the glove compartment while you are driving and set a good example to your teen driver.
• Make sure the vehicle is properly maintained. Have the vehicle inspected on a regular basis by an experienced mechanic and make any necessary repairs as soon as possible to ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive.
• Create a driving contract. This should include a set of rules that your teen must follow, including when he or she is allowed to use the car, how many passengers are allowed in the car, and what time your teen driver is expected home. The contract should also make it very clear what the consequences are if any of the rules are broken.

Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Car Accidents Involving Teen Drivers

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident involving a newly licensed teen driver, you are urged to contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law as soon as possible. Our dedicated legal team will assist you with every step of the claims process, and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients throughout Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Wrong-way car accidents occur when motorists end up in the wrong lane and are driving against the flow of traffic. If the driver is able to correct their mistake quickly and return to their lane, a potentially accident can be avoided. However, if the motorist is driving on a busy highway or they are intoxicated, a wrong-way accident can result.

Wrong-way accidents often result in severe injuries and fatalities.In most cases, when you make safety a priority, keep your attention focused on the road, and avoid any distractions, it is unlikely that you will end up driving in the wrong direction. In fact, the majority of wrong-way accidents are the result of some type of negligent behavior, such as distracted driving and drunk driving. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), over half of all wrong-way accidents are caused by drunk drivers. In many cases, their blood alcohol level shows that they consumed twice the legal limit or more before getting behind the wheel of their car.

The following are examples of other common causes of wrong-way car accidents:

• Advanced age: A significant percentage of wrong-way accidents are caused by elderly drivers due to vision problems, dementia, or other health complications.
• Distractions: When a driver’s attention is not focused on the road, there is an increased risk of a serious car accident. For example, if you are reading or sending a text and your eyes are off the road for a matter of seconds, you may start to veer into the wrong lane or turn onto the wrong highway ramp.
• Unfamiliar roadways: Motorists who are unfamiliar with an area may not understand how to navigate a traffic circle or may be more likely to turn onto a one-way street going in the wrong direction.
• Detours: If traffic is re-routed due to construction or some other emergency, it can cause confusion, particularly if the driver is not familiar with the area. If the proper signage is missing or the lane-shifting techniques are not clearly marked, motorists could end up driving in the wrong direction.
• Poor road design: Traffic circles, highway interchanges, and jug handles can be very confusing, particularly if entrance and exit ramps are parallel. This can increase the risk of a wrong-way accident if driver who is turning left accidentally turns too shallowly, plunging them in the path of traffic.
• Badly marked road signs: Lack of Do Not Enter signs, ramps that have overgrown foliage that block traffic signs, or inadequate lighting increase the risk of a wrong-way accident. Proper signage is extremely important, as it can help prevent a motorist who is unfamiliar with the area from entering an empty stretch of highway going in the wrong direction.
• Defective auto equipment: If defective tires, brakes, steering system, or other equipment causes the motorist to veer into the wrong lane, causing a wrong-way car accident, the product designer or manufacturer may be held liable for the accident.
• Drowsy driving: Drowsy drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to become distracted or start to doze off while driving. This increases the risk of a wrong-way accident if they drift into the wrong lane, enter a ramp going in the wrong direction, or turn onto a one-way street.
• Other unsafe driving behavior: Other driving behaviors that can cause a wrong-way accident include speeding and unsafe passing, particularly when a motorist tries to pass another car in a no-passing zone.

What Injuries Are Caused by Wrong-Way Car Accidents?

Since wrong-way accidents often cause head-on collisions with other vehicles, the resulting injuries can be devastating or even fatal. The following are common injuries seen in wrong-way accidents:

• Broken bones, including facial bones, arms, hands, collarbone, legs, pelvis, and ribs.
• Cuts and lacerations.
• Chest and thoracic trauma.
• Neck, back, and spine trauma.
• Head trauma, including concussions and brain injuries.
• Internal injuries to the organs in the chest or abdomen.
• Wrongful death.

What Damages Are Available in Wrong-Way Accident Cases?

If you are injured in a wrong-way car accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be eligible for financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit. In order to reach a successful settlement outcome, you must be able to prove that the other driver failed to exercise the duty of care to the other motorists on the road by driving in the wrong direction, which caused the accident and resulted in your injuries. A car accident lawyer will assist you with the claims process and determine if you are eligible for the following damages:

• All medical costs associated with the injury.
• Lost wages.
• Loss of future earning capacity.
• Property damage.
• Pain and suffering.

How Can I Avoid a Wrong-Way Accident?

The Department of Transportation is installing larger Do Not Enter and Wrong-Way signs to alert drivers that it is a one-way street and motorists should not enter. However, these signs do not always prevent wrong-way accidents that occur on a busy highway at night when visibility is low. They also do not prevent a motorist from getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

To reduce the risk of being involved in a devastating wrong-way car accident, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• If you see another motorist driving in the wrong direction, put as much space between you and the other driver, and call 911 to report the vehicle.
• Stay awake and alert while driving and avoid any distractions. Pay attention to your surroundings and the other vehicles in the vicinity.
• Stay in the furthest lane to the right when driving at night. Most wrong-way accidents occur at night when a motorist drifts out of their lane and into oncoming traffic.
• Keep your headlights on when driving at night. If a motorist is driving in the wrong lane, this will alert the driver that they are going in the wrong direction.
• Do not talk or text on the phone or engage in any other distracting behavior while driving.
• Do not drink and drive.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Due to the severity of a wrong-way accident and the fact that they often result in a head-on collision, the injuries tend to be quite severe. A skilled car accident lawyer will help you navigate the claims process. A car accident lawyer will provide the following services:

• Connect you to rental car providers and auto repair shops.
• Secure the best possible settlement.
• Recovery for the loss of your vehicle.
• Connect you with a health care provider.
• Provide access to pre-settlement loans.

Springfield Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Clients Who Have Been Injured in Wrong-Way Car Accidents

If you have been seriously injured in a wrong-way car accident, it is in your best interest to contact one of our Springfield car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law as soon as possible. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients throughout Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with friends and family to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. However, it is also one of the most heavily traveled holidays of the year. People who did not see friends and family last Thanksgiving due to COVID-19 travel restrictions are very much looking forward to the holiday this year, despite having to deal with heavy traffic.

Each year, approximately 50 million people travel for Thanksgiving, mostly by car. The increased number of motorists on the roads, combined with a number of other factors, cause car accidents to spike during the Thanksgiving holiday break.

What Are the Main Causes of Thanksgiving Car Accidents?

More motorists on the road means more accidents. However, that is just one of the factors that causes a spike in car accidents over Thanksgiving break. The following are some of the most common causes of car accidents on and around Thanksgiving:

• Increased traffic: Millions of Americans will be traveling by car this Thanksgiving. Some people only have to drive a few miles to get to the destination, while others may have to travel several hundred miles. Either way, there are significantly more cars on the roadways, which leads to more accidents.
• Inclement weather: As fall progresses, the weather can be unpredictable. It can also change quickly from rain to freezing rain and snow. Black ice is also extremely dangerous because motorists usually do not see it until they hit the ice with their vehicle and start to skid. Inclement weather can cause road conditions to become unsafe, particularly at night when visibility is also a concern.
• Drunk driving: Alcohol is often served at Thanksgiving dinner celebrations. In addition, people often gather at restaurants and bars over the course of the week and weekend to see friends who are home from college or to spend time with family who are visiting. Too often, people get behind the wheel of a car after consuming too much alcohol. Drunk drivers have slower reaction times, less coordination, and impaired judgment, which significantly increases car accidents.
• Drowsy driving: Eating a large meal can leave you feeling tired and sluggish. If you also traveled earlier in the day, you may be exhausted by the end of the day. Driving is one of the top causes of car accidents throughout the year, particularly during Thanksgiving break. The more tired you are, the more likely it is that you could cause a serious car accident.
• Drivers who are unfamiliar with the area: If you are constantly checking the navigation app on your phone or calling a friend for directions, you will be more likely to be involved in an accident. In addition, if you are not familiar with the area, you may not be aware of sharp curves in the road or other hazards that may cause you to swerve into another lane or slam on your brakes.

How Can I Avoid a Car Accident on Thanksgiving?

You cannot control the way other motorists drive, but you can make safety a top priority and take proactive steps to ensure that you and your passengers arrive at your destination safely. As you prepare for the holiday weekend, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Anticipate heavy traffic. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, and try to avoid peak travel times.
• Be patient. Getting stuck in traffic can be frustrating, but do not take it out on other drivers by tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, slamming on your brakes, or cutting off other motorists. This will not get you to your destination any sooner.
• Make sure that your vehicle is in good working order. Have a skilled mechanic check the tire pressure, brakes, the engine, headlights and taillights, and turn signals. Refill any fluids that are running low, and have any repairs done before your trip.
• Get plenty of rest before driving a long distance. Take plenty of breaks along the way to get out of the car, stretch, and get some fresh air. If possible, share the driving responsibilities with another adult driver.
• Plan your route. Map out your route before you hit the road so that you have a good idea of where you are going and how long it will take to get there.
• If you have consumed alcohol, do not drive. Either stay the night where you are, get a ride home with someone who has not been drinking, or call a rideshare service.
• Wear a seat belt. This may not prevent an accident, but wearing a seat belt is one of the most effective ways you can prevent serious injuries. Make sure that all passengers are buckled up as well.

What Should I Do After a Thanksgiving Car Accident?

Nothing derails a holiday weekend like getting into a car accident. However, knowing what steps to take immediately following the accident can make the ordeal less stressful and overwhelming:

• Report the accident. Call 911 immediately so that dispatch can send police to the accident scene. They will also send emergency medical technicians if there are injuries. When police arrive at the scene, they will talk to both parties, ask questions about the accident, and write a police report.
• Seek immediate medical care. Even if you did not suffer a serious injury, it is important that you are examined by a skilled medical professional after an accident. Some injuries do not show up right away, or the adrenaline rush can mask certain symptoms. Failing to seek medical care also sends a message to the other driver and your insurance company that your injury must not be very serious.
• Take pictures. If you are physically able to do so, take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle, the position of the other vehicle compared to yours, your injuries, any skid marks or debris on the road, and the current weather conditions.
• Talk to witnesses. If there were people who saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide an official statement. Ask for their contact information as well.
• Exchange information with the other driver. You and the other driver should exchange contact information, as well as your driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance information. Keep the conversation with the other driver brief, and avoid saying anything that can be interpreted as an apology, as this can be used against you by the other driver’s insurance company.
• Contact your insurance company. Notify your insurance company that you were involved in an accident.
• Call a lawyer. A lawyer will assist you with the claims process and protect your rights.

Possible Damages

If you were injured in a car accident over Thanksgiving break and the other driver was at fault, you may have legal options. Whether the motorist was drunk, drowsy, or failed to use extra caution during inclement weather, you may be able to recover the following damages:

• All related medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

Speak to a lawyer to determine if you are eligible to pursue damages.

Effingham County Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Advocate for Clients Injured Over the Thanksgiving Holiday Break

Thanksgiving is a great time to gather with friends and family, but it is also a dangerous holiday for motorists. If you have been injured in a Thanksgiving collision, our Effingham County car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law can help. Call us at 912-754-6003 or contact us online for a consultation. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients throughout Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.