Giving thanks and preventing serious car accidents

Thanksgiving is just days away. People are likely thinking about the family and friends they will see and the food they will eat. Because Thanksgiving week is one of the deadliest for motorists, New York City residents and others elsewhere should also be thinking about how to get to their destinations safely.

According to AAA, close to 40 million Americans will drive more than 50 miles from their homes. People often get in their cars, whether at Thanksgiving or other times of the year, expecting to get to their destinations safely. Sadly, a negligent driver can change that. Thanksgiving is a particularly dangerous time for motorists because they may be traveling on roads they aren’t familiar with to get to family and friends. In addition, drivers at this time of year often drive more frequently at night when they may become fatigued. Some drivers also make the mistake of getting behind the wheel after they have been drinking. As New York City residents know, a car accident can be devastating. A car accident can leave people with debilitating injuries. Sadly, many crashes result in fatalities. Drivers have a duty to exercise caution. When they fail to do that and harm others in the process, they may be held liable. Car accident victims may pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Families who lose a loved one because of a reckless driver may file a wrongful death lawsuit. Although no amount of money can take away victims’ physical and emotional scars, negligent drivers must be held accountable. Source: USA Today, “Thanksgiving week one of the deadliest on the highway,” Larry Copeland, Nov. 18, 2012