4 Common Holiday Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Steer clear of injuries and keep the holidays jolly this year with these safety tips!

Every year, thousands of people are injured in accidents related to holiday activities. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year….but it also has the potential to be the most stressful, the most rushed, and the most dangerous.

You should take care to keep yourself and your loved ones safe by slowing down and paying attention, but many holiday injuries are outside of your control. If you’re injured this holiday season due to someone else’s carelessness, a personal injury attorney can help you get the financial restitution you need to recover! Contact The Florida Law Group at (813) 296-2857 to speak with one of our elite, experienced lawyers and schedule a free case evaluation.

Read below to learn more about the 4 most common holiday accidents and what you can do to prevent them!

Fires/Burns/Smoke Inhalations

Not the kind of warm and cozy you may want. There are a variety of reasons why fire-related injuries occur around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Real Christmas trees are dry and easily spark. They need to be properly maintenanced and watered to avoid any chance of flame. Festive lights and candles are often left on overnight, but they should always be placed out of reach of children or pets who may knock them over and always blown out/turned off before everyone is asleep. Bonfires or fireplace fires should also be watered and completely gone before everyone is asleep. Many fires start in the kitchen; if something is cooking on the stovetop, it should never be unattended…it only takes a few seconds for a fire to start!

Falls

Many people fall trying to put up decorations (inside or outside). Make sure to follow ladder instructions, and have someone close to the ladder in case you get in trouble or do fall. Avoid placing decorations in walkways where people can trip on them. Your driveway and front porch steps should be maintenanced to make sure that inclement weather doesn’t create dangerous or slippery icy conditions for you or for guests.

Cuts and lacerations

Opening gifts in a hurry with a knife, carving turkey, trimming the tree, or cleaning up broken ornaments can all cause deep or long cuts. Consider using scissors instead of a knife, if possible, focus when cooking in the kitchen and never cut with your fingers in the way, and always sweep broken glass thoroughly.

Car accidents

Christmas and New Year’s are two of the worst days for car accident injuries and fatalities. People are rushing to get gifts and make it to parties and family get togethers; people are arguing because tensions are high and aren’t focused on the road; it gets dark earlier, so visibility decreases; traffic makes people impatient; and people are more likely to get behind the wheel intoxicated.

Stay alert for pedestrians, especially in parking lots. Ensure that children and everyone in your car is always wearing their seatbelt. Don’t use your phone while driving, even if traffic is moving slowly. Never drive drunk – get an Uber or designate a driver before the party/gathering. If you’re tired, get a coffee or pull over for a while before getting back on the road, particularly at night.

The Florida Law Group is wishing you a safe and merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, but we know the holidays are not happy for those who have been injured due to someone else’s carelessness. If a fire, fall, cut, or car accident changed your holiday plans, contact us for a free case evaluation – we can get you maximum financial compensation and be your advocate against intimidating insurance companies! We are nationally recognized for our ability to get verdicts for our clients. We proudly offer legal services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we achieve a settlement! Our attorneys have your best interest at heart.