A Maryland Truck Accident Attorney Discusses: Are Trucking Accidents More Common during the Holiday Season?

Motor vehicle accidents—including those involving large commercial trucks—are more common during the winter months. This is especially true around the holidays, when shipping picks up, and Americans start to travel to family gatherings.

Unfortunately, these commercial truck accidents have the potential to cause serious or even life-altering injuries. If you were hurt through no fault of your own in a traffic accident during the holiday season, you could be entitled to financial compensation.

Truck Accidents Are More Common During the Holiday Season

Truck accidents occur at a higher level in the months of November and December compared to other times in the year. According to the National Safety Council, collisions happen during this time due to the proximity to major holidays. The NSC reports an increase of 20 percent in vehicle accidents in the time surrounding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve.

The reasons for this increase can vary. Understanding them can be useful to anyone considering legal action in the aftermath of a truck crash.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Trucking Accidents During the Holidays

There are many different factors that can increase the risk of a truck accident during the holidays. Some common examples include the following:

Holiday Traffic Surge

People travel for the holidays, and having more cars on the road increases the odds of a truck crash substantially. This is especially true around Thanksgiving and Christmas, where millions of Americans travel across the country to be with their loved ones. The volume of cars on the road is a major factor in the uptick in truck accidents.

Hazardous Weather

While the holidays themselves play an important role in the increased volume of truck accidents, the time of year is also relevant. Winter is known for the increased risk of dangerous weather like ice and snow. When driving conditions become perilous, the chances of a truck crash go up dramatically. These conditions are especially dangerous where trucks are concerned given how much traction is needed to bring a large vehicle to a halt.

Alcohol Use

Not only are there more drivers on the road during the holidays, but there are also more impaired drivers on the road. Countless family and work-related gatherings happen during this time of year, and many of those involve the consumption of alcohol. These impaired drivers represent one of the major risks of accidents on the roadways.

Increased Stress and Distractions

The holidays are a busy time in most households. There is often last-minute shopping to take care of, and hosting family members can bring more stress than usual. When drivers are distracted by these obligations or in a hurry to make final arrangements for a family gathering, they might not notice the road hazards in front of them.

Extended Work Hours

When it comes to shipping, the holidays are the busiest time of year. For many truck drivers, this means long hours and spending far more time on the road. The downside to this is that fatigue can be a factor. Serious accidents can occur when a driver fails to get enough rest due to their hectic work schedule.

Dealing With a Truck Accident During the Holidays

No one wants to get in a truck accident—especially during the holidays. If you were hurt in a crash caused by a negligent truck operator, your health and safety should be your top priority. Your first step should be to see to your medical needs, even if your injuries seem relatively minor at first. It is not uncommon for these injuries to worsen in the days or weeks after a crash. When you see a doctor right away, you can improve your health and the strength of your civil case.

Another important step after a truck accident is speaking with a Maryland truck accident attorney about your options. If another person’s negligence led to your accident, you could be entitled to a monetary award. Having the right lawyer by your side could increase your chances of compensation.

Talk to a Maryland Truck Accident Attorney Right Away

If you were hurt in a commercial truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. No one wants to deal with this kind of difficult situation during the holidays, but when it happens, having the right team behind you is vital. A Maryland truck accident attorney with Timothy Dachille and Associates is ready to help you get the justice you deserve. Call today for a free consultation.