Even though the holidays might look different this year, it is still a time for families to gather together, enjoy delicious food, and remember what they are grateful for. Unfortunately, along with the holiday spirit can also come some degree of holiday chaos. Personal injury attorneys often see a spike in cases around this time. The guide below explains scenarios to watch out for.

A Guide to Thanksgiving Personal Injury Claims

1. Vehicle Accidents

The day before a holiday is typically when traffic is at its heaviest. Many people are trying to reach their relatives' houses or make last-minute trips to the grocery store.

Even with COVID-19 concerns, many are planning small gatherings. While traffic might be lighter as a result, many people have been working from home this year. This means that the drivers you encounter on the road might also be out of practice. To avoid an accident, remain alert and maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. Save texting about holiday plans for when you’re at a complete stop.

2. Social Host Liability

Texas law states that if the host of a gathering enables a teen to drink alcohol—or if they give car keys to an inebriated adult who is partying at their house—and that individual gets into an accident, the host can be held partially liable. Therefore, if you are having any friends and family over, keep an eye on the liquor cabinet. If a loved one has been drinking over the legal limits, encourage them to stay at your home overnight or arrange for someone else to drive them.

3. Kitchen Incidents

While cooking together as a family may be fun, it can lead to distraction. People might assume that others are taking care of certain tasks and leave a burner unattended. Knives and other cutlery could also be left out and increase the risk of harm. If someone from outside your household gets hurt, they could pursue a personal injury claim against you.

Reduce this risk by limiting the number of cooks. Keep younger children away from the work area as well.

In addition, if you accidentally serve an undercooked turkey or some other dish that leads to food poisoning, you might be held responsible for any resulting medical bills. Therefore, store and cook all food in line with the instructions on the package. Check the doneness of your main course with a meat thermometer.

If you are harmed due to someone else's actions or negligence this holiday season, turn to Reed & Terry, L.L.P., of Sugar Land, TX. With more than 50 years of combined experience, these personal injury attorneys maintain close contact with each of their clients and keep them up-to-date on the latest developments in their case. They have a board certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau®. Visit their website for additional information about the firm. Call (281) 491-5000 to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney.