Be On the Lookout for These Injury Hazards During the Holidays

The holidays are a stressful time for many Californians. In addition to our usual heavy traffic, many of us also deal with seasonal shopping, cooking, parties, visits, cards, and financial stress. Being stressed and overtired can increase the risk of being injured. It is important to be mindful of the risks of household accidents, car crashes, workplace injuries, and other hazards that can happen during the stress of the chaotic holiday season. Our experienced San Jose car accident attorneys at Deldar Legal can help protect your legal rights after any type of holiday injury. We fight hard to defend victims’ legal rights to be fully and fairly compensated for all losses they suffer as a result of someone else’s negligence. Call (844) 335-3271 to schedule your free consultation.

The National Safety Council has issued a list of particular hazards we should all be aware of throughout the holiday season. Here are a few of the most common holiday injury hazards:

Car Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 454 people will be killed in car accidents across the United States over the Thanksgiving weekend this year. NHTSA also estimates that there will be 799 road fatalities between Christmas 2019 and News Year’s Day 2020. Generally, there are more motor vehicle traffic crash fatalities during holiday periods than during non-holiday periods due to increased travel time, more alcohol use, and excessive driving speed. Heavy traffic and poor weather conditions can also increase the risk of an accident.

Use extra caution in your holiday travels. Allow extra time to arrive at our destination, as heavy Southern California traffic can be even worse during holiday weekends. Do not assume there will be nice weather simply because you are in California. Rain and wind can increase the risk of a collision, and there is sometimes snow in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Be especially cautious if you are driving out of state for the holidays. Many Californians lack experience driving in snowstorms or icy conditions. Pull over and let the storm pass if necessary.

Accidental Fires

The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that 30 percent of all home fires and 38 percent of all home fire deaths occur during the months of December, January, and February. The EFSI also reports that fires caused by cooking, heating, and open flame all increase during the winter holiday period. Be aware of the many different fire hazards that are in your home.

• Candles should never be left unattended.
• Keep timers on your oven while cooking, and have someone act as a “safety check” to the chef. Resist the temptation to leave your turkey, goose, or ham unattended during lengthy cooking times.
• Perform regular maintenance on your heating system and check it regularly for signs of blockage, overheating, or malfunction. HVAC systems can cause fires if they are not properly maintained.
• Keep your Christmas tree, wreaths, and boughs watered. Throw them out when they start to dry up and drop needles. Dry pine needles can be a serious fire hazard.
• Be careful with your holiday cleaning. Many household cleaners are flammable and toxic. Keep them safely stored and use them only in a well-ventilated area. Do not leave rags collected in the trash after they are contaminated with flammable cleaners. Use particular caution with paint thinners, turpentine, linseed oil, and products containing acetone (like nail polish removers).

Food Poisoning

With so many hearty meals being consumed by so many Americans over the holidays, it is almost inevitable that food poisoning will accidentally occur. Be sure to properly store all food products as soon as you bring them home. If you order prepared foods from a caterer, deli, or restaurant, be sure to follow the preparation instructions exactly. Be very careful when trying new recipes. Read up on danger temperatures and proper preparation, then do a test run before you prepare the dish for your friends and family. With a wealth of information on the internet, it is easier than ever to check your recipes and food preparation tips. You can check the danger signs of spoiled food with the click of a button. Always play it safe and throw away food that is questionable, rather than serving it to your guests.

Dangerous Toys

Toys can be one of the leading dangers children face around the holidays. Nothing is as likely to attract a child’s attention as a new, shiny toy with fancy features and bright colors. This is why toy manufacturers are held to standards of strict liability. If any injuries occur through the intended use of a toy, the toy manufacturer is legally obligated to compensate victims for the losses that occur as a result of these injuries. The victim does not have to prove that the manufacturer was negligent. Because toys are designed to attract children, manufacturers have a heightened duty of care to design toys that are safe for children to use. Your child has legal rights that must be protected after a toy injury. It is important for parents to get legal advice in order to protect an injured child’s legal right to compensation.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Consultation with a San Jose Car Accident Attorney

While the holidays are typically filled with fun and festivities, there are many ways a person can be injured during the season. It is important to understand and protect your legal rights after any type of holiday accident. Call Deldar Legal at (844) 335-3271 to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced San Jose car accident attorneys have helped many victims across the bay area. We work with victims and families, doctors and expert witnesses, economists, and other professionals to ensure that you know the fair value of all the losses you have suffered. Even during the busy holiday season, it is important to make time to protect your legal rights. We at Deldar Legal wish you a safe and happy holiday season! If a winter accident leaves you less than holly jolly, we are here to help.

Tagged with: car accident, San Jose

Posted in: Auto Accidents