The holiday that has the most fatalities varies year to year, but research suggests that Thanksgiving ranks first among the holidays with the most traffic fatalities, followed by Independence Day. Other holidays with the most fatalities include Memorial Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
Losing a family member in a fatal holiday accident is devastating for you and your loved ones. You don’t have to deal with the ramifications of this tragedy alone. Talk with a wrongful death lawyer in Atlanta about your loss. If warranted, your attorney can represent and advocate for you as part of a claim or lawsuit against anyone liable for your loved one’s death.
A Closer Look at the Holidays with the Most Fatalities
Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, and Memorial Day represent three of the holidays with the most fatalities. Below are some of the reasons why fatalities are reported more often on these holidays than on others.
High Traffic Volume
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that 439 people would die on U.S. roads during the 2025 Thanksgiving Day holiday period. Many people travel by car on Thanksgiving and other holidays, increasing the risk of auto accidents. If motorists don’t drive safely in heavy traffic on holidays, they can cause accidents, along with injuries and fatalities to those involved.
Alcohol Use
In a recent four-year span, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported more than 4,931 deaths in drunk driving traffic crashes in the month of December. The NHTSA has encouraged motorists to drive sober in December as they go from point A to point B for holiday gatherings. Otherwise, intoxicated drivers could be responsible for fatal holiday crashes.
Outdoor Activities
Some research indicates that July is the month with the highest number of drowning deaths in the United States. If people go outdoors on the Fourth of July, they could be prone to fatal drowning accidents if they’re not careful near water. In addition, there are times when fireworks shows on Independence Day and Memorial Day result in fatal accidents.
You have the right to request compensation from anyone liable for a family member’s fatal accident, regardless of whether this incident occurs on a holiday. A wrongful death attorney empathizes with you and your family as you cope with your loss. They will position you to secure fair compensation from a liable party through a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.
What to Do if You Lose a Family Member in a Fatal Holiday Accident
Prioritize the needs of yourself and your family in the aftermath of the loss of your loved one in a fatal holiday accident. Support yourself and your family during this difficult time and continue to do so for as long as you feel it’s necessary.
If you want to take legal action against anyone responsible for your loved one’s traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other fatal injuries, speak with a lawyer who has relevant case experience. Wrongful death attorneys will learn about your case, determine who’s liable for the loss of your family member, and explain what a wrongful death claim or lawsuit will entail.
Trust your attorney to give your wrongful death case their undivided attention. Ideally, your lawyer will get you money for losses relating to your loved one’s death through a claim. However, if a lawsuit is required, your attorney will present your case in court and argue to a judge or jury why you should be awarded compensatory damages.
When to File a Claim or Lawsuit After a Family Member’s Fatal Holiday Accident
As you think about which holidays have the most fatalities, consider how much time you will have to proceed with a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for seeking compensation from anyone liable for a family member’s death is generally two years from the date of death.
Meet with wrongful death lawyers if you’re weighing the pros and cons of a claim or lawsuit. Your attorney will discuss the statute of limitations relative to your case. They will also let you know the eligibility requirements for claims and lawsuits based on wrongful deaths.
Typically, you are able to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit if you’re the spouse, child, parent, or personal representative of a deceased person (decedent). If you want to move forward with pursuing compensatory damages from anyone responsible for your family member’s death, your lawyer will guide you through the process for doing so.
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Learn More About Which Holiday Is Associated with the Most Fatalities
Sadly, fatalities are reported on holidays every year. If you suffer the loss of a family member on a holiday and someone else is responsible, hold the liable party accountable. Ask for legal help from wrongful death attorneys, as they will assist you with a claim or lawsuit against the responsible party.
At John Foy & Associates, our compassionate and caring lawyers want to help those who lose a family member on a holiday in any way possible. Our team has over 350 years of combined experience and will use what we know to assist you with your wrongful death case. To find out more, request a free case consultation with us.
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