Memorial Day Weekend Brings an Increase in Car Accident Injuries and Deaths

Memorial Day: it’s a day set aside to honor fallen heroes who died in service for our country. It’s also come to represent the unofficial start of summer, celebrated with picnics, parties and outdoor gatherings with friends and loved ones. Unfortunately, it can also be a dangerous time to be on the roadways.

According to a USA Today article quoting the National Safety Council, Memorial Day weekend is the second most deadly holiday period for traffic accidents in the United States, with more than 400 deaths (more than 13% higher than on a non-holiday weekend.) Estimates for the 2015 Memorial Day weekend predicted there would be more than 46,000 medically consulted injuries over the weekend.

The increase in injury accidents is not a surprise when you consider that drivers tend to speed more in the summer months. Increased alcohol consumption is also likely a significant factor, as people celebrate summer’s return over a three-day weekend. And, with the use of cell phones on the rise, inattentive driving certainly plays its part in the increased number of accidents.

You can do your part to stay safe on the roadways by wearing your seatbelt, paying attention to driving conditions and other drivers, and never driving while texting or while intoxicated. If you are involved in an accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help advocate for and protect your interests. Traffic accidents often cause both long-lasting physical pain and emotional trauma for victims, in addition to vehicle damage. Having an experienced, knowledgeable attorney behind you will not help with your pain, but it can help make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

To learn more, or if you or someone you love was involved in a traffic accident in Mississippi, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittmann PLLC today to schedule a free consultation.

About the Author
Jefferson D. Gilder is a Partner at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman and was admitted to the Mississippi and Tennessee Bars in 1990. Mr. Gilder is admitted to practice in all courts in Mississippi and Tennessee including Federal Court, the Fifth and Sixth Circuit Courts of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Gilder's areas of practice include personal injury, criminal, medical malpractice, civil rights, and product liability. Mr. Gilder spent his first ten years as an attorney practicing with his father, Robert G. Gilder, at Gilder Law Firm in Southaven, Mississippi before forming Gilder, Howell & Assoc., P.A. with Jamie W. Howell, Jr. in June of 2000. This firm although as another legal entity has now combined their resources and experience with Chatham – Pittman, to form Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman. If you have any questions about this article, you can reach Jefferson through our contact page.