Weekends tend to have a higher rate of car accidents than weekdays, and this trend is especially noticeable during major holidays like Memorial Day Weekend. This uptick is not coincidental because it correlates with the significant behavioral and traffic pattern changes that occur during both holidays and weekends. Saturdays and Sundays are seen as days of leisure and relaxation, so everyone wants to head out and have fun during them, and that motivation is doubled during a holiday. Unfortunately, the same decisions to have fun also cause increased risks on the road with so many drivers moving around the city at once.
Factors that make car accidents more likely on Memorial Day Weekend include:
- More drivers overall: Memorial Day Weekend sees a sharp increase in the number of vehicles on the road. People are seeing the sights, visiting friends, or running errands, which contributes to heavier traffic.
- More out-of-town drivers: Cities like Athens and Atlanta experience an influx of visitors unfamiliar with the local roads whenever there is a popular holiday like Memorial Day. Out-of-town drivers can be more prone to making navigational errors, contributing to potential accidents.
- More recreational activities to draw in crowds: Memorial Day Weekend is prime time for events and recreational activities, from concerts and community gatherings. Exciting and fun events draw large crowds, adding to the volume of traffic and increasing the likelihood of accidents in or around event locations.
- More intoxicated drivers: The holiday's social activities often involve alcohol consumption. With people more likely to drink when they don't have work the next day, there is a predictable rise in the number of intoxicated drivers on the road.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident during Memorial Day Weekend, taking the right steps can help protect your safety and may even help the outcome of any future claims or legal matters.
After a car accident during Memorial Day Weekend, you should:
- Prioritize safety: Move to a safe location, if possible, without putting yourself or others at further risk. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Do not attempt to move anyone who is seriously injured unless there is an immediate danger such as a vehicle fire.
- Call 911: Regardless of the type of accident, it's important to alert the authorities. A police report can be vital for insurance claims and legal purposes, and a police presence at the scene can direct traffic away from the crash. Provide accurate information about the location and any need for medical assistance.
- Exchange information: Swap contact and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved. You will want to know names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance policy numbers. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.
- Document the scene: Take photographs of the vehicles, any visible damage, the overall accident scene, traffic signs, and road conditions. Photos can be crucial for insurance claims and legal investigations. Write down your account of the accident while it’s fresh in your memory, including the time, date, and weather conditions.
- Get medical attention: Even if you think you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent due to adrenaline. Visit a local hospital or urgent care to get checked out. Document any medical care received and make sure that you give a detailed account of every nuanced injury or problem area.
What You Should Know About Insurance Claims
Before you rush to file an insurance claim, you should:
- Understand your insurance coverage: Know what types of damages and injuries are covered, any deductibles that apply, and whether your policy includes coverage for rental cars if you were using one during your Memorial Day Weekend getaway.
- Consult The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC before speaking to insurance companies: If there has been injuries during a car crash, and you are not at fault, then it is in your best interest to speak to The Athens Injury Lawyer before contacting any insurance company. We will be able to help.
- Avoid giving statements to the other driver's insurance company: While it might seem cooperative to give your account of the accident to the other driver’s insurance company, this decision will probably work against you. The other party's insurer has their own interests in mind, primarily minimizing their financial liability. Anything you say could be used to dispute your claim or reduce the amount of compensation you receive. You should politely decline to give a statement and direct any inquiries to your attorney or insurance company.
Legal Concerns for Out-of-Town Drivers
Anyone who find themselves in a car accident while enjoying Memorial Day Weekend could face a unique set of challenges and legal concerns. The potential differences between Georgia's traffic laws and those of the driver's home state can cause some confusion, for example, with disparities about variations in fault determination, statutes of limitations for filing claims, and specific road laws that could influence the outcome of any legal action. Unfamiliarity with these laws can complicate the situation for out-of-town drivers, possibly affecting their liability and the compensation they can pursue.
Given these complexities, the importance of hiring a The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC cannot be overstated for drivers who have been in a car accident anywhere in the State of Georgia. The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC is not only familiar with Georgia’s traffic laws but also possesses insights into the local legal system and practices and has many years of success of helping injured victims from car crashes.
For Legal Help, Call Our Firm
If you've recently been involved in a car accident this Memorial Day Weekend the The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC is here to provide trusted legal counsel. With an in-depth knowledge of Georgia's traffic laws and a commitment to fighting for the rights of our clients, we believe we should be your first choice when you want to file a car accident claim. We invite you to reach out to us — call (706) 760-9220 today or fill out an online contact form at any time.