Tis the season to be jolly, but what if someone injures you?

This is the time of the year when a lot of people in Delaware and across the country suffer injuries resulting from the negligence of others. Although the festivities might involve smaller gatherings this year, some may still travel to spend time with family and friends. It takes no more than one person’s mistake to have people spending the holidays in hospitals.

Winter weather increases the risks of slip-and-fall accidents and decorating poses dangers of electrical shocks and falls from ladders. However, car accidents remain the cause of a significant percentage of injuries and deaths between October and February. A report posted by the National Safety Council underscores that statement.

Reportedly,163 people lost their lives in transportation-related accidents nationwide on Jan. 1, 2020. On Christmas Day 2019, the estimated number of road accident fatalities was 115, with 485 more on Thanksgiving Day. Alarmingly, 33% of the deaths involved alcohol impairment.

The NCS urges drivers to take the following steps for safe arrival at their destinations:

• Plan the trip ahead with potential heavy traffic in mind.
• Get enough sleep before the drive to avoid drowsy driving.
• Regardless of the distance, all occupants of the vehicle must be securely buckled up.
• Avoid cellphone distractions by turning them off, placing them on silent mode or packing them away.
• Practice defensive driving and be alert to telltale signs that other drivers might be impaired.
• Avoid taking over-the-counter medications, any prescription or other drugs and/or alcohol.
• If medicines must be taken and/or alcohol will be part of the festivities, designate a driver who will remain sober and will not take medicines during the trip.

Victims of car accidents or any other incident that followed another person’s negligence might have grounds to seek financial relief through the Delaware civil justice system. Proof of the defendant’s negligence will have to be established for a personal injury lawsuit to be viable. Once successfully presented, a monetary judgment to cover financial and other damages may be awarded.