Most Common Thanksgiving Accidents

Towards the end of November, millions of Americans kick-off the holiday season by sharing a flavorful feast with their beloved friends and family. Thanksgiving is a time to come together around the table and take a moment to acknowledge what you are truly grateful for. Though Thanksgiving celebrations may be a bit unorthodox this year due to the global pandemic, the risk of accidents and catastrophic injuries will be at an all-time high during the holiday season.

For countless people each year, what starts out as a festive holiday turns gruesome and tragic. More people visit the emergency room during the end of the year holidays than any other time of year. The most common accidents on Thanksgiving that you need to be aware of include: motor vehicle accidents, fires and burns, slip and falls, and food poisoning.

Car Accidents

For most people, Thanksgiving means loading up the family car and heading out to visit family and friends. According to the NHTSA, the Thanksgiving holiday sees an increase in crashes and fatalities. In 2017, 528 people were killed in an auto accident during the holiday season, which officially starts at 6 p.m. the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to 5:59 a.m. on the following Monday. Although you cannot fully avoid a car crash, the following precautions can increase your safety on the busy roads:

Avoid speeding.
Evade distractions while driving.
Wear a seat belt and wear it properly.
Make sure children properly buckled in the right seat belts for their age and size.
Do not drive while you are under the influence of any alcohol or other substances.

Fires and Burns

There are more than three times as many home cooking fires on Thanksgiving than any other day. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 45 percent of home fire injuries and one-fifth of home fire deaths are caused by cooking accidents. The leading cause of cooking fires, especially during Thanksgiving, is unattended equipment like the popular turkey fryer.

If you plan to fry your turkey this holiday season, it is recommended to do so outside. If you experience a grease fire, use a lid to smother the flames or cover the fire with baking soda or flour. Grease fires cannot be extinguished with water. Also, you should keep flammable items like oven mitts away from the cooking area.

Slip and Falls

Cooking for a Thanksgiving feast can mean many trips to the grocery store. During this busy season, grocery stores are generally jam-packed with customers fighting for last-minute items. Store employees may have a harder time keeping the floors clean, leading to more dangerous conditions and an increased potential for slip and fall injuries.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is common during the Thanksgiving season. If raw turkey is handled improperly, it can cause family and friends to become ill after consumption. Raw poultry is a hotbed for bacteria, leading to serious consequences such as salmonella poisoning.

Call an Experienced Accident Attorney!

You may be entitled to compensation. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident on Thanksgiving weekend caused by the negligence of another party, you should discuss your legal options with an accident attorney. The talented accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates can help. For more information or to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our attorneys, call 949-727-9300.