Tips for Safe Holiday Travel From an Accident Attorney in Rapid City, SD

It is the wonderful holiday season, and the last thing anyone should have to worry about is calling an accident attorney in Rapid City, SD. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that you may need to. If you are injured during an accident or your car is damaged, and the party at fault is not willing to compensate you for your injuries and damages, we are here to help, even during this hectic time of year.

Wrecks of any kind are typically unexpected. You may set out on your holiday vacation with great weather conditions and sunny skies, only to end up in a snowy and icy area. If an accident happens to occur, simply contact our office for the help you need to work through the process of dealing with the responsible party’s insurance company. We can work to ensure that your medical bills are paid and your lost wages reimbursed so that you do not go into debt when the accident was not your fault in the first place. Until then, we are here to provide you with some tips on how to avoid having to contact an accident attorney in Rapid City, SD this winter by preparing for the unexpected beforehand. 

An Accident Attorney in Rapid City, SD Wants You to Know the Statistical Dangers and What to Watch Out For

The AAA (American Automobile Association) recently estimated that during the Christmas and New Year’s season, nearly 28,000 Americans will be subjected to serious injuries as a result of auto accidents.

The holiday season is a time of constant celebration; unfortunately, this often also means there will be many more irresponsible drunk drivers on the roads. If you notice a car seems to be driving at an unusual speed or swerving, avoid getting near that vehicle. If the car is behind you, consider taking evasive steps, such as pulling over to avoid being rear-ended.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly one-third of fatal drunk-driving accidents take place on the weekends, and the number of fatal wrecks is four times higher at night than during the day. Also, statistically, it is between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. that the greatest numbers of drunk drivers are out on the road. Consider lessening your exposure to these dangers by avoiding driving late at night, and particularly during those hours when drunk drivers are most likely to be on the road. This is especially important to take into account closer to Christmas and on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. 

In addition to watching out for reckless and drunk drivers, also keep a close eye on the weather while you travel.  Check the weather forecast periodically so as to be aware of any drastic changes as they occur.  Keep in mind that as the temperature nears 32 degrees Fahrenheit, roads and bridges will begin to ice over. Black ice is common during the winter months and can at time be nearly impossible to see. Snowy roads also pose a danger. Even if you know how to drive safely in the snow, others may not.

We hope these tips have helped you gain awareness of the increased danger of traveling during the holidays, so you can be more careful on the roads. If an accident does occur, do not hesitate to call us for help once you have contacted the police and insurance companies immediately following the accident, and once you have had any injuries treated. An accident attorney in Rapid City, SD knows how to handle a holiday travel accident properly and protect your interests.

What You Should Know: Accident Stats from an Injury Lawyer in Rapid City, SD

An injury lawyer in Rapid City, SD, can help if you have been injured in an accident. Whether you were in a serious car accident or a minor fender-bender, it is wise to seek legal help in ensuring that your rights are protected.  You could be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries but you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit, so schedule a consultation as soon as possible.

To protect yourself from getting in another accident, it helps to understand some of the basic accident data.  Knowing who is the most likely to be in a fatal car crash can help you to avoid one.  According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration in 2014:

• 2.3 million people were injured in a car accident
• 32,675 people were killed
• 49 percent of passengers killed in a car crash were not wearing a seatbelt
• 31 percent of fatal car wrecks involved alcohol
• In 28 percent of fatal car crashes, the driver was speeding
• 6.1 million car crashes were reported to the police

Good news from an injury lawyer in Rapid City, SD!  The number of people dying in a car crash has been steadily declining.  From 2005 to 2013 there was a 25 percent decrease in the number of crash fatalities.  That means that car safety measures, the higher use of seatbelts and driver education have been helping to make the roads safer for everyone.

As an injury lawyer in Rapid City, SD, I recommend doing specific things to increase the likelihood of you remaining safe if you are in an accident, or avoiding one altogether.  First, it is necessary to follow the rules of the road.  Things like driving the speed limit, using your turn signals, using your lights from dusk on, and staying off the road after midnight, will all decrease the likelihood of you being in a car wreck and becoming seriously injured if you are.  You will also want to remember to wear your seatbelt and ensure that your passengers do as well.

During the holidays, it is more important to be diligent while driving.  Statistically, more people are in alcohol-related accidents during the holiday season.  With meetings and parties turning festive, people tend to drink more and earlier in the day.  The police simultaneously increase their patrols but, still, you need to practice defensive driving in order to stay safe.  Watch for any cars that are speeding up and slowing down, swerving in and out of lanes, stopping suddenly or driving erratically.  When you see them, slow down and stay far enough behind the vehicle to stop suddenly or to move out of the way if needed.  You may even want to get off the road and call 911 if there is no way to safely drive on the same road as them.  It is better to be late to wherever you are going than to be in a car wreck.

If, after being diligent, you are still in a wreck, speak with an injury lawyer in Rapid City, SD.