TL;DR: Holiday-related injuries, such as car crashes, slips and falls, electric shocks, and burns, tend to spike during busy, festive months. Travelers, partygoers, and shoppers are among those likely to be injured. Injuries caused by distracted driving, unsafe property, and defective products may give rise to legal issues. In such cases, California law allows injured victims to pursue compensation.
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The holiday season brings joy and celebration, but it also brings a rise in preventable injuries. Common holiday injuries include car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, pedestrian collisions, electrical shocks, and burns, and California law allows injured people to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence caused them harm. You may need legal guidance if:
- Your injuries are severe or getting worse.
- Liability is unclear, or multiple parties may be at fault.
- An insurance company disputes your claim or delays payment.
- You feel overwhelmed navigating paperwork or medical bills.
- You’re already thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer.”
Holiday decorations, increased travel, winter weather, intoxicated driving, and crowded stores can all increase risks. If you were injured, you may have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other losses, but every case is unique.
Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case” form here for a free initial consultation. Our California personal injury attorneys can handle the legal aspects of your case. This way, you can focus on recovering from your injuries and enjoying the season.
Holiday Season Personal Injuries You Should Watch Out For
Many accidents become more common during the holidays due to increased travel, crowded stores and parking lots, winter weather hazards, and an increase in home decorating activities. If you plan to be on the road or visiting relatives, check out our Thanksgiving travel safety guide to help avoid common hazards.
If any of the injuries below occurred because someone acted carelessly, you may have a legal claim, and determining liability on your own can be challenging. The following sections outline the most common holiday-season injuries and what to look out for.
Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
Motor vehicle accidents often rise during Christmas and New Year’s. Busy roads, holiday parties, and driver distraction contribute to these crashes. It may help to consider reading a holiday season driving guide available online.
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that approximately 14,900 people suffered nonfatal injuries in vehicle crashes during Christmas in 2024. On the other hand, estimates for injuries during New Year’s Day in 2025 numbered about 20,400.
Common causes of holiday season car accidents are as follows:
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, holiday errands)
- Drunk driving
- Increased traffic volume
- Fatigue from long driving hours
- Adverse weather conditions
Typical injuries sustained during a car accident:
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Fractured limbs
- Spinal injuries
Drunk driving is a significant cause of holiday accidents. Learn more about holiday DUI accident trends and how they affect driver safety and injury risk during busy festive periods. If another driver caused your injuries, a lawyer can help determine liability, gather evidence such as police reports and photos, and deal with insurance disputes, especially when adjusters question fault or the extent of your injuries.
Pedestrian And Cyclist Accident Injuries
Pedestrians and cyclists have limited physical protection from vehicles, and increased holiday foot traffic often heightens risks near busy shopping centers, parking lots, and event areas. Elevated congestion and distracted driving can make these areas especially dangerous:
- Crowded parking lots and busy crosswalks.
- Festive events that disrupt regular traffic patterns.
- Holiday parties and get-togethers, especially at night.
Pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere you walk. During the holidays, crosswalks and parking lots may see a higher risk of accidents than other areas due to slippery conditions or reduced visibility.
Common pedestrian and cyclist injuries include:
- Broken Bones — Fractures often occur when someone is struck, knocked down, or tries to brace a fall.
- Concussions — A blow to the head can cause a concussion or even a brain injury, even without loss of consciousness.
- Soft Tissue Damage — Sprains, strains, and bruising commonly occur when someone is struck or pushed off balance.
If a driver fails to yield, becomes distracted, or disputes liability, an attorney can help gather witness statements, obtain surveillance footage, and protect your claim when the other party questions your injuries.
Slip And Fall Accident Injuries
Slip-and-fall accidents increase during the holidays as malls, retail centers, and event spaces become more crowded. Winter weather and spilled liquids can also create slippery walking surfaces. Key risk factors include:
- Decorations or displays that extend into the walkway.
- Slippery indoor and outdoor conditions from winter weather or spills.
- Poor lighting in stairways or walkways.
- Uneven or poorly maintained flooring.
Typical injuries include:
- Ankle Sprains — Often caused by twisting or landing awkwardly.
- Broken Bones — Falls may cause wrist, arm, or ankle fractures.
- Head Injuries — A fall may cause head injuries, such as bruises, concussions, or skull fractures.
Holiday decorating also creates risks. Serious falls can occur when climbing ladders, reaching for ornaments, or handling large decorations.
Data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) show that about 160 injuries associated with Christmas decorating occur each day. Falls make up nearly half of these accidents.
If unsafe property conditions contributed to your injury, you may have a legal claim. Arash Law can also connect clients with qualified medical providers, including doctors or chiropractic professionals, when appropriate for the injury.
Electrical Current Shocks And Fire Hazards
Holiday lights and electrical decorations can malfunction or overload, creating risks of electric shock or electrocution. These incidents may cause burns, nerve damage, or, in severe cases, cardiac complications.
Fire hazards also increase when homes use heaters, fireplaces, or overloaded outlets during gatherings. Tree fires can ignite quickly when wiring or decorations are faulty, and dry Christmas trees can catch fire within seconds, creating a serious holiday hazard.
Consider seeking legal help if unsafe property conditions contributed to your injuries. Our team at Arash Law also handles product liability cases. Contact us for a free case review.
More Unexpected Holiday Injury Risks
Holiday activities and gift-giving can also lead to less predictable injuries. Toys, decorations, and everyday household items may pose risks when they are defective or misused. Common examples include:
- Defective Products — Faulty toys, electronics, or decorations may reach the market during the busy shopping season. Faulty products can cause serious harm, and in 2020, nearly 150,000 toy-related injuries in children 14 and under were treated in emergency departments.
- Injuries From Opening Gifts — Sharp tools such as scissors or box cutters may cause cuts when gifts are opened quickly or without caution.
- Dog Bites During Family Gatherings — Dogs can become stressed during crowded gatherings, increasing the risk of dog bites. California law generally holds dog owners responsible for the injuries their pets cause, even if the dog has never exhibited aggressive behavior in the past.
What To Do After A Holiday Accident
If you get injured during the holiday season, the steps you take immediately afterward can affect your health and your legal rights. Consider the following:
- Ensure Safety and Medical Care — Prioritize safety by checking for injuries and calling 911 when needed. Seeing a doctor early also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the incident, which may become important evidence later.
- Report and Document the Scene — After checking that everyone is safe, you can start recording the incident while the details are still fresh and clear.
- Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, or the hazard that caused the injury.
- Record the lighting and weather, any skid marks, and any signage or lack thereof.
- Obtain witness contact data and insurance information from all parties.
- Capture hazards such as spills, icy patches, or tripping hazards before they are cleaned or repaired.
- Report the accident to the appropriate authority and request a copy of the report.
- Avoid Common Mistakes — To protect your claim, avoid these common mistakes:
- Avoid taking responsibility. The statements you make at an accident scene may affect your personal injury claim.
- Steer clear of social media posts. Other involved parties may review the information you share online.
- Be cautious of hasty settlement offers. An initial offer may not account for the full extent of your medical needs or other losses.
Not every injury requires legal representation. However, certain circumstances may necessitate the assistance of an experienced lawyer. Car accident lawyers can help navigate the complexities of such claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me After A Holiday Injury?
A comprehensive investigation is the first step in developing a personal injury case. A competent attorney will gather proof to help establish who is potentially at fault. Such actions include:
- Collecting police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Obtaining traffic camera or surveillance footage.
- Interviewing experts like engineers or medical professionals. They can provide testimony about your injuries.
- Working with accident reconstructionists. They can evaluate vehicle damage, skid marks, or road conditions in car accident cases.
After documenting your damages, your lawyer will negotiate with the opposing party. Many personal injury cases settle without a trial. However, if the other side refuses to agree, your attorney can take your case to court.
What Types Of Damages Can I Recover?
If you get injured in an accident, you can pursue special damages. These are damages that can be quantified with a clear dollar value. Examples include:
- Medical bills.
- Past and future medical expenses.
- Money lost in past earnings.
- Value of lost future earning capacity.
You can also seek general damages. These cover pain, suffering, anxiety, and other emotional harm caused by the injuries. Each type of loss has a unique value and has no set formula.
Can I Pursue Compensation Even If I Was Partially At Fault?
Yes. California’s pure comparative negligence law lets you file an injury claim even if you’re partially at fault. However, your share of responsibility may reduce your compensation. For example, if your damages total $50,000 and you’re 20% responsible, you may still recover $40,000.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim For A Holiday-Related Injury?
In California, injured parties typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Some exceptions may extend this deadline. These include:
- The at-fault driver is out of state.
- The injured person is a minor.
- Your injury wasn’t discoverable right after the accident.
Do Lawyers Only Get Paid If They Win?
If your lawyer accepts payment through a contingency fee, they’ll get paid if they win your case and obtain a settlement or court award on your behalf. If no compensation is received, you’re generally not obliged to pay their legal fees. Regardless of the outcome of your case, you may still need to shoulder case-related costs. Your lawyer can discuss these during the consultation.
What Are The Common Holiday Injuries And When Should I Seek A Lawyer?
Holiday-related injuries vary depending on your circumstances. If you’re in a car accident, you may experience whiplash, back injuries, or fractured limbs. For slips and falls while decorating, you may suffer from ankle sprains, head injuries, or broken bones. Meanwhile, electric shocks and fires may cause burns or tissue and nerve damage.
Other potential injuries include those sustained from defective products. You can also suffer from cuts when opening gifts. If you are visiting a friend or relative who owns a pet, dog bites are another potential injury to be aware of. These injuries may involve legal issues requiring a lawyer to help you understand.
Suppose you’re seeking compensation for these injuries but find it difficult to file a claim on your own. In this case, consider working with an attorney who can assist you in navigating the legal aspects of your case. Our lawyers at Arash Law have extensive experience handling cases involving these injuries.
Injured During The Holidays? Call Arash Law To Speak To A Personal Injury Attorney
Many people celebrate the holidays to spend time with loved ones. However, it’s not always possible to completely avoid injury, especially when someone’s negligence causes it. A skilled accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for your losses.
You may be thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer,” or looking for “free accident lawyer advice.” Arash Law offers a free case review. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or contact us through our online contact form. We are here to answer your questions during our free initial consultation. Stay safe, and we wish you a happy holiday season!
