Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year. Millions of Americans hit the road to visit family and friends, and Florida’s highways, airports, and local roads see a dramatic increase in traffic. Unfortunately, this also leads to a spike in car accidents, pedestrian injuries, distracted driving crashes, and drunk driving incidents.
Understanding the risks—and your legal rights—can help keep your family safe and protect you if an accident occurs.`
Why Thanksgiving Travel Is So Dangerous
According to the National Safety Council, Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest holidays for road travel in the United States. In Florida, the most common causes of Thanksgiving travel accidents include:
- Heavy Traffic Congestion — Packed highways like I-95, I-75, and Florida’s Turnpike
- Driver Fatigue — Long road trips, lack of sleep, overnight driving
- Distracted Driving — GPS use, texting, passengers, kids in the car
- Drunk or Drugged Driving — Alcohol-involved crashes increase significantly during this week
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving — Rushing to arrive, impatience in traffic
- Out-of-state drivers & tourists unfamiliar with Florida roads
Common Types of Accidents During Thanksgiving Travel
| Accident Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Rear-End Collisions | Stop-and-go traffic, distracted drivers |
| Head-On Collisions | Fatigue, wrong-way driving, DUI |
| Side-Impact (T-Bone) Crashes | Intersection or red-light accidents |
| Multi-Car Pileups | Highway congestion + sudden braking |
| Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents | Crowds near homes, stores, sidewalks |
| Drunk Driving Accidents | After parties, bars, or family gatherings |
Understanding Florida Law: No-Fault & Lawsuits
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means:
- Your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance covers medical bills—regardless of who caused the accident.
- You can only sue the at-fault driver if your injuries are serious or permanent.
You may be able to file a personal injury claim if you experience:
Permanent injury or disability Significant scarring or disfigurement Death of a loved one (wrongful death claim) Medical costs that exceed PIP insurance limits
What To Do After a Thanksgiving Car Accident
- Call 911 immediately — Report the accident and request medical help.
- Get medical treatment, even if you feel fine — Florida law requires treatment within 14 days for PIP coverage.
- Document everything — Photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, weather, etc.
- Exchange information — Names, insurance info, witnesses, police report.
- Avoid admitting fault or apologizing — Insurance companies can use this against you.
- Contact a personal injury attorney — Especially before speaking with insurance adjusters.
Tips to Stay Safe on the Road This Thanksgiving
- Plan your route ahead of time (use Waze or Google Maps live traffic).
- Avoid overnight or early-morning driving to prevent fatigue.
- Take breaks every 2 hours during long drives.
- Assign a sober driver—no alcohol if you’re driving.
- Keep an emergency kit (water, charger, flashlight, first aid).
- Make sure car insurance, registration, and vehicle maintenance are up-to-date.
How Darfoor Law Firm Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Thanksgiving travel accident, Darfoor Law Firm is here to help. We assist victims by:
Investigating the accident and gathering strong evidence Handling insurance claims and negotiations Filing personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits when needed Fighting for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering
Contact Darfoor Law Firm today for a free consultation. Your recovery is our priority.
The post Thanksgiving Travel Accidents: Car Crashes, Fatigue & Legal Rights in Florida appeared first on The Injury Advocates.
