The festive season is a time for family gatherings, laughter and cherished traditions. But for many Missourians, they also bring something unexpected: an increase in serious car accidents.
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, Missouri’s roads become busier, weather conditions worsen and distracted or impaired drivers become far more common. Whether you’re travelling to visit family or returning home after a holiday event, it’s important to remember that a moment of caution can save your and other people’s lives.
At Price & Randle Injury Attorneys, we witness firsthand how quickly a joyful season can turn tragic. That’s why we’re reminding everyone in Central Missouri, from Osage Beach to Rolla, to take extra care on the roads this holiday season.
Why Car Accidents Increase During the Holidays
There are several reasons crashes spike this time of year:
- Heavier traffic: More travelers on the road mean more opportunities for collisions.
- Distracted driving: Texting, navigation, or talking with passengers can take attention away from the road.
- Fatigue: Long trips, late nights, and stress can all reduce focus and reaction time.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol-related crashes rise sharply around Christmas and New Year’s.
- Poor weather: Missouri’s winter conditions (snow, ice, and fog) make driving especially dangerous.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), winter holiday weekends are among the deadliest times of year for traffic fatalities. But with awareness and planning, many of these accidents can be prevented.
How to Protect Yourself on the Road This Season
A few extra precautions can make a big difference when roads get busy and weather turns bad.
Before you go:
- Check weather forecasts and road conditions.
- Make sure your car is winter-ready: tires, wipers, and brakes all in good condition.
- Avoid peak traffic times if possible.
While driving:
- Buckle up, seat belts save lives.
- Slow down and increase following distance, especially in rain or snow.
- Keep your phone out of reach to prevent distracted driving.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Stay alert for other drivers who may not be as cautious.
If you’re tired:
Pull over and rest. Even a few minutes of drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident During the Holidays
Even with your best efforts, accidents can still happen, often because of someone else’s careless behavior. If you’re involved in a crash, staying calm and following the right steps can protect both your safety and your legal rights.
- Check for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety if possible, away from traffic.
- Exchange information with the other driver but avoid discussing fault.
- Take photos or video of the scene, vehicles, and road conditions.
- Get medical attention, even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear.
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Contact a Missouri personal injury attorney before signing or agreeing to anything from the insurance company.
In Price & Randle, we handle the legal and insurance headaches so you can focus on healing, especially during a season that should be spent with loved ones, not in paperwork and stress.
Missouri Car Accident Laws You Need to Know
If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Crucially, Missouri’s comparative negligence law (RSMo $\S$ 537.765) allows you to recover damages even if you were partly to blame for the crash.
Here’s what every victim should know:
- You have five years from the accident date to file most car accident injury claims in Missouri. This is the statute of limitations.
- Insurance companies frequently push for quick settlements. Be warned: an early offer is almost always a fraction of the full value of your claim.
- An experienced attorney is essential for navigating these rules and securing the fair compensation you deserve.
Don’t Handle It Alone: Let Price & Randle Take Over
If a holiday accident has disrupted your life in Missouri, the last thing you should worry about is a legal battle. Price & Randle Injury Attorneys is here to take that burden off your shoulders:
- We will launch a complete investigation into the accident details.
- We handle all communication with the insurance companies, you won’t have to talk to them.
- We fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
- You pay us nothing unless we win your case (we represent you in court if needed).
We understand this season should be focused on celebration, not stress. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on getting better.
Next Step
Call Price & Randle Injury Attorneys at (573) 444-5555 or visit PriceRandle.com for a free, confidential consultation today.
