Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest—and most dangerous—travel periods of the year. More than 55 million Americans will be on the roads, and with traffic, early winter weather, and holiday stress, the risk of serious auto and trucking accidents rises sharply.
At Presley & Presley Trial Lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how catastrophic injuries can change lives. As families travel to be together this season, a few safety steps can make all the difference.
Why The Weeks Around the Holidays See a Spike in Serious Crashes
Heavier-than-usual traffic volume: Crowded highways and stop-and-go congestion increase the risk of multi-vehicle collisions and high-impact crashes.
More commercial trucks on the road: Holiday deliveries surge, and trucking companies are often under tight deadlines. Fatigue, long hours, and winter conditions can make heavy trucks especially hazardous.
Distracted driving: Navigation apps, holiday phone calls, passengers, and multitasking all reduce reaction time—a leading factor in preventable collisions.
Drunk or impaired driving: “Blackout Wednesday” and holiday gatherings result in a measurable rise in impaired-driving crashes every year.
Early winter weather conditions: Rain, sleet, sudden temperature drops, and early sunset reduce visibility and create dangerous driving environments.
Most Common Serious Injuries During The Holidays
Our team frequently handles catastrophic injury cases resulting from:
• Trucking collisions (18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and commercial vehicles)
• High-speed highway crashes
• Rear-end collisions in heavy traffic
• T-bone and intersection accidents
• Multi-car pileups caused by sudden stops or weather
These incidents often lead to life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal injuries, or wrongful death.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family on the Road
1. Plan your route early: Avoid peak travel times when possible. Navigation apps can alert you to delays, detours, and weather hazards.
2. Give commercial trucks plenty of space: Large trucks require longer stopping distances and have blind spots on all four sides. If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you.
3. Slow down in bad weather: Even a light layer of moisture on cold pavement can cause skidding or black ice.
4. Avoid distracted driving: Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and designate a passenger to handle navigation when possible.
5. Never drive tired: Fatigue can impair reaction time as much as alcohol.
What to Do If You’re Injured in an Accident Over the Holiday
If you or a loved one suffers a serious injury in a car or trucking accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel “okay,” many internal injuries do not appear right away.
- Document everything—photos, videos, witness names, and vehicle positions can be invaluable.
- Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies. Insurers often try to settle quickly—and for far less than a catastrophic injury case is worth.
- Contact an experienced catastrophic injury law firm. Cases involving commercial trucks, severe injuries, or wrongful death require fast action and deep expertise.
Presley & Presley Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help
If you or someone you love is injured in a serious auto or trucking accident this year, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Our team has decades of experience handling catastrophic injury cases nationwide and holding negligent companies accountable—including trucking carriers, drivers, and insurers.
We’re here for families when the unthinkable happens.
Contact Presley & Presley Trial Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation.