Thanksgiving Not Happy for All: Deadly for Some Georgia Drivers

Thanksgiving weekend is a time for family celebrations, football and eating way too much, but the holiday weekend is not always a positive experience for everyone in the Atlanta area or elsewhere in Georgia. Sadly, Thanksgiving is a time of life changing tragedy for many Georgia families involved in deadly auto accidents. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, there were 520 Georgia car accidents resulting in 11 deaths and 231 injuries.

Many factors contribute to the surge in accidents, including an increased number of cars on the road and the tendency to drink and drive. Nationwide, there are nearly 400 fatalities during Thanksgiving weekend and thousands more are injured. At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, we have been representing those injured in serious motor vehicle accidents throughout all of Georgia for over 39 years.

The increased number of accidents during the holiday season make it prudent to carry a list of things to do if you are involved in a car accident. Most people this time of year are thinking about shopping for the upcoming holidays as opposed to thinking about what to do if they are involved in a serious car accident. However, the risk of being involved in a serious motor vehicle collision goes up greatly during the holidays. It is a good idea to be especially alert and attentive to one's driving during the holidays because there are many drivers that are distracted, rushed or operating a car after drinking. Other driving safety tips during the holiday season include doing as much of your driving as possible during daytime hours, driving with your lights on, and avoiding the roads if you feel tired or fatigued. It is also important to resist the temptation to use electronic gadgets like cell phones and MP3 players that may cause you to be distracted.

Even the most cautious drivers face increased risk of being involved in a serious motor vehicle accident during the holidays. When a driver is involved in a serious car accident, it can be a confusing, stressful and pain filled experience. Because it is often difficult to think clearly when involved in a serious car crash, it is a good idea to carry a checklist in your vehicle during the holidays just in case you are involved in a motor vehicle collision.

If you keep this list in your car, it can guide you in how to proceed if you are involved in a car wreck:

• Make sure everyone is out of harm's way
• Get medical treatment for anyone injured
• Summon the police
• Exchange insurance and driver's license information with other drivers
• Gather contact information for any passengers or witnesses
• Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles and any injuries you suffer
• Do not discuss details of the accident with anyone other than the officer
• Honestly answer the officer's questions, but do not admit fault to anyone even if you think you may be at fault
• Get a police report number and name of the officer on the scene
• Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries
• Contact a qualified Georgia personal injury attorney
• Print out the What to Do in Case of Auto Accident Checklist and keep it in your car.

At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, our car accident lawyers in Georgia have been assisting those seriously injured in Georgia motor vehicle accidents for over 39 years. We know that things can be confusing at the scene of an accident so keeping this list close can guide you if you find yourself involved in a Georgia auto collision. We are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Dalton, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. Call us today for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333), or visit us on the web at www.montlick.com. No matter where you are in Georgia, we are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you.