The holiday season brings increased traffic to California roads as families travel to celebrate with loved ones. A car accident on Thanksgiving can turn a joyful celebration into a traumatic experience. This guide explains the rights of accident victims in California and outlines the steps to secure fair compensation.
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Statistics: Thanksgiving Car Crash Risks in California
California highways see a notable surge in traffic during Thanksgiving weekend. According to the California Highway Patrol, the number of accidents rises by approximately 35% during this period. The main factors contributing to a Thanksgiving car crash include:
- Heavy traffic volumes on major highways
- Drunk driving after holiday celebrations
- Fatigue from long-distance travel
- Adverse weather conditions
- Distracted driving
Common Types of Thanksgiving Vehicle Accidents
The pattern of car accidents on Thanksgiving shows several typical scenarios:
- Rear-end collisions in heavy traffic
- Multi-vehicle pileups on highways
- Intersection accidents
- DUI-related crashes
- Side-impact collisions
Understanding Your Rights After a Thanksgiving Car Crash
California law protects victims of auto accidents. You have the right to seek compensation for:
Medical expenses
- Emergency room care
- Hospital stays
- Surgical procedures
- Rehabilitation costs
- Future medical needs
Lost income
- Missed work days
- Reduced earning capacity
- Lost business opportunities
- Benefits and bonuses
Property damage
- Vehicle repairs
- Personal property replacement
- Rental car expenses
Pain and suffering
- Physical discomfort
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful death
- Surviving family members become beneficiaries
Steps to Take After a Car Accident on Thanksgiving
If you find yourself a victim of a vehicle accident, particularly one that’s caused by somebody else’s recklessness and negligence, here’s what you can do to protect yourself.
- Ensure safety
- Move to a safe location if possible
- Turn on hazard lights
- Set up warning triangles
- Contact authorities
- Call 911
- Request police presence
- Ask for medical assistance if needed
- Document the scene
- Take photos of vehicle damage
- Capture road conditions
- Record witness statements
- Get police report information
- Seek medical attention
- Get immediate care for injuries
- Keep all medical records
- Follow treatment plans
- Document recovery progress
- Contact an injury lawyer immediately
- Call a personal injury attorney if you have severe injuries
- Do not give statements to insurance adjusters
- Let your attorney handle all insurance communication
- Protect your legal rights from the start
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
California’s statute of limitations gives accident victims two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to most auto accident cases, but exceptions exist for:
- Government entity involvement
- Minor victims
- Discovery of injuries
- Criminal cases
Insurance Company Negotiations
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts for Thanksgiving weekend accidents. Common tactics include:
- Quick settlement offers
- Requests for recorded statements
- Pressure to sign releases
- Denial of legitimate claims
Don’t jump at the first offer you get. Remember that insurance firms are businesses, and their true intention is to remain profitable. They will most certainly try to give you the lowest amount possible and even downplay your suffering and damages. This is why it is important to have a car accident lawyer by your side.
Maximizing Your Compensation
To increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your losses from a Thanksgiving car crash:
Document everything
- Medical bills
- Property damage estimates
- Lost wages and other income loss records
- Communication with insurers
Avoid social media posts
- No accident discussions
- No activity updates
- No holiday photos
- No location check-ins
Keep detailed records
- Pain journal
- Expense receipts
- Medical appointments
- Recovery milestones
The Role of Legal Representation
A qualified attorney can:
- Handle insurance negotiations
- Calculate fair settlement values
- File court documents
- Represent you at trial
- Protect your rights
- Meet legal deadlines
Why Choose RTM Law Firm?
People engaged in negligent behavior that leads to accidents should be held accountable. RTM Law Firm’s car accident claim attorneys understand the impact of holiday accidents on families. Our legal team:
- Has recovered millions for California accident victims
- Provides personalized attention to each case
- Works on a contingency fee basis
- Brings extensive trial experience
- Shows proven results in settlement negotiations
Victim of a Car Accident on Thanksgiving? Contact RTM Law Firm Today. Free Consultation.
Don’t let a car accident ruin your Thanksgiving holiday. The auto injury lawyers at RTM Law Firm can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call our California office at (949) 287-4342 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Don’t worry about costs. No win, no fee.
Do you need compassionate support and effective representation?
Call the experienced attorneys at RTM Law today | (855) 786-9476
No fees until we win. Available 24/7.
Do you need compassionate support and effective representation?
No fees until we win. Available 24/7.