SURPRISING STATISTICS ON LABOR DAY CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES

Although summer officially ends September 22, Labor Day is generally considered the season’s “last hurrah.” Many Michiganders fill the long weekend with traditional activities such as barbecuing, boating and visiting friends, while some families opt for one last getaway before the kids return to school. Unfortunately, the revelry sometimes has tragic consequences, according to a recent analysis of crash statistics over a 10-year period. The study ranked Labor Day as the deadliest summer holiday and the second deadliest weekend of the year, surpassed only by Thanksgiving. Here are the facts about Labor Day injuries and what you can do to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.

Do You Have a Case?

HOW MANY LABOR DAY CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES WERE PREDICTED THIS YEAR?

The National Safety Council (NSC) projected approximately 456 traffic fatalities across the country over Labor Day weekend. This estimate is two percent lower than the 2021 Labor Day estimate of 466 deaths, based on the decrease in fatal crashes during the early months of 2022.

This year, despite increased patrols by local and state law enforcement and a weekend-long suspension of many construction projects, police reported a spate of accidents that closed freeways and caused numerous injuries and multiple deaths, including motorists and at least one pedestrian and a motorcyclist.

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY LABOR DAY INJURIES AND DEATHS?

There are several reasons for the high rate of injuries and fatalities occurring during Labor Day weekend. Here are some of the most common:

• Increased traffic on Michigan roads and freeways
  • Heavier traffic due to Labor Day weekend activities and end-of-season road trips increases the likelihood of accidents
• More drunk (or drug-impaired) drivers on the road
  • Holiday festivities often include drinking, which is why more than one-third of Labor Day accidents are alcohol-related
• Distracted driving due to crowded vehicles
  • A carful of passengers having loud conversations, changing music and eating and drinking cause dangerous distractions
• Distractions caused by GPS systems or other driving apps
  • Drivers needing directions to unfamiliar destinations may become distracted by GPS systems or other electronic devices  
• Increased night driving leads to more accidents
  • To maximize the holiday weekend, many people drive between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., when crashes are three times more likely to result in death or serious injury

WERE YOU OR A LOVED ONE INJURED IN A LABOR DAY CAR ACCIDENT?

Accidents can happen to the most careful drivers. If you were injured in a crash due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Drivers should take the following steps immediately after an accident:

• Call an ambulance if you or anyone else needs emergency medical treatment
• Call the police
• Document the scene of the accident, including taking photos of the location and other vehicles involved 
• Obtain phone numbers and/or email addresses and insurance information for the other drivers
• If necessary, move your car to the shoulder of the road or other nearby location
• Do not leave the scene of the accident before police arrive
• Never admit fault or talk about the accident with the other driver(s)
• Do not discuss your condition or say you are fine; instead tell those who ask that you will have to see your doctor to determine the extent of your injuries
• Do not talk to an insurance adjuster or sign any papers
• Contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible

Recommended reading: The Most Common Car Accident Injuries And What To Do After A Crash

PUT OUR EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TO WORK FOR YOU TODAY

If you or a loved one is injured in a Michigan traffic accident, we can help. Our knowledgeable legal team knows what it takes to win your case, and we have the expertise and resources to win the compensation you deserve.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan car accident lawyer is simple.

Get your case started today by clicking on the link below or calling 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation remote consultation from the safety of your home.

Do You Have a Case?