The holiday season should be a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings — not unexpected trips to the hospital. Unfortunately, the stress, busy schedules, and extra activities that come with the holidays also increase the risk of accidents and injuries. From car crashes on crowded freeways to house fires and unsafe toys, there are many dangers that Californians face during the winter months.
At Hillstone Law, our experienced San Jose personal injury attorneys are here to protect your legal rights if you or a loved one is injured during the holiday season. Call us today at (310) 595-1222 for a free consultation.
Common Holiday Hazards That Can Lead to Serious Injuries
1. Car Accidents
Holiday travel means more cars on the road — and more crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), road fatalities increase significantly during holiday weekends due to:
- Heavy traffic and longer travel times
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Poor weather, including rain and even snow in California’s mountain areas
Tip: Plan ahead, allow extra time, and never drive under the influence. If you’re injured in a holiday crash, a San Jose car accident lawyer at Hillstone Law can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
2. Accidental Fires
The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that nearly 40% of all home fire deaths happen in December, January, and February. Holiday-related fire risks include:
- Candles left burning unattended
- Cooking fires from long, unsupervised meal prep
- Dry Christmas trees that ignite easily
- Faulty heating systems or space heaters
- Improper storage of flammable cleaners like turpentine or acetone
Tip: Never leave cooking or candles unattended, and discard dry holiday greenery quickly.
3. Food Poisoning
Holiday meals often involve large gatherings, new recipes, and foods prepared in advance. Improper food handling can lead to severe foodborne illnesses.
Tips to prevent food poisoning:
- Store perishable foods promptly.
- Follow proper cooking and refrigeration guidelines.
- When in doubt, throw it out — don’t risk serving questionable food.
If contaminated food from a restaurant, caterer, or grocery store causes illness, you may have grounds for a claim.
4. Dangerous Toys
Bright, flashy toys are a holiday favorite — but they can also pose serious risks. Choking hazards, faulty batteries, and poorly designed parts can cause life-threatening injuries.
Under strict liability laws, toy manufacturers can be held responsible for injuries caused by toys used as intended — even without proof of negligence.
Tip: Always check age recommendations, avoid toys with small parts for young children, and monitor recalls at CPSC.gov.
Protecting Your Legal Rights This Holiday Season
No one plans for an accident, but if one occurs, you need to act quickly to protect your health and your legal rights. Injury victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and future care
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)
Call Hillstone Law for a Free Consultation
At Hillstone Law, we fight hard to ensure accident victims receive the compensation they deserve — even during the hectic holiday season. If you or a loved one suffers a holiday-related injury, don’t let the insurance company pressure you into a lowball settlement.
