Holiday Accidents in Florida: What to Do If You’re Injured During the Holidays

The holiday season is meant to be a time of celebration, family gatherings, and travel. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous times of year when it comes to personal injuries. From crowded roadways and distracted drivers to unsafe holiday decorations and alcohol-related incidents, accidents spike dramatically between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

If you or a loved one is injured during the holidays, knowing your rights—and acting quickly—can make all the difference.

At St. Johns Law Group, our experienced Florida personal injury attorneys help accident victims throughout St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Palm Coast, and Northeast Florida pursue full and fair compensation after preventable holiday accidents.

Why Holiday Accidents Increase in Florida

Florida experiences a unique combination of holiday risk factors, including:

• Increased tourism and out-of-state drivers

• Heavier alcohol consumption

• Congested highways and local roads

• Seasonal distractions and driver fatigue

• Wet or slippery conditions from winter rain

These conditions significantly increase the likelihood of serious injuries, especially motor vehicle and premises liability accidents.

Common Types of Holiday Accidents

Car Accidents and Drunk Driving Crashes

Holiday parties and family gatherings often involve alcohol, making impaired driving one of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries during the holidays.

Common holiday crash scenarios include:

• Drunk or drug-impaired drivers

• Speeding to holiday events

• Distracted driving involving phones or navigation systems

• Fatigued drivers traveling long distances

If you were injured in a crash, our Florida car accident lawyers can evaluate whether you may pursue compensation beyond Florida’s no-fault insurance system, particularly in cases involving serious or permanent injuries.

Slip and Fall Accidents at Stores, Restaurants, and Events

Retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, and holiday events experience heavy foot traffic during the holidays. Unsafe conditions may include:

• Wet or slippery entryways

• Poor lighting in parking lots

• Uneven walkways or curbs

• Spilled food or beverages

• Crowded aisles and temporary displays

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises. When they fail to do so, our slip and fall attorneys can help injured victims pursue premises liability claims.

Injuries Caused by Holiday Decorations and Displays

Seasonal decorations can also create dangerous conditions, especially in commercial properties and rental homes. Common hazards include:

• Falling decorations or signage

• Electrical fires or exposed wiring

• Extension cords across walkways

• Unstable holiday displays or lighting fixtures

If negligence played a role in your injury, a premises liability claim may be available under Florida law.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Shorter daylight hours, increased traffic, and distracted drivers place pedestrians and cyclists at greater risk during the holidays—particularly in busy tourist areas such as downtown St. Augustine and coastal communities.  These accidents can also include Golf Carts on the course or as tourist rentals.

Our pedestrian accident lawyers and bicycle accident attorneys represent individuals injured in crosswalks, parking lots, and along Florida roadways.

What to Do After a Holiday Accident

If you are injured during the holidays, taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal claim:

1. Seek medical attention immediately

2. Report the accident to police, a property manager, or the business owner

3. Document the scene with photos and witness contact information

4. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies

5. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible

Insurance companies often use delays and statements against injury victims. Early legal guidance matters.

Compensation Available After a Holiday Injury

Depending on the circumstances, injury victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses and future treatment

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Permanent injury or disability

• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Florida law imposes strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitation, which make prompt legal action critical.

Why Choose St. Johns Law Group

Clients choose St. Johns Law Group because we offer:

• Local Northeast Florida knowledge

• Trial-ready personal injury attorneys

• Direct access to your legal team

• Clear communication and responsiveness

• A reputation for being Dedicated and Responsive®

We understand how disruptive a holiday injury can be and work efficiently to protect your rights while you focus on recovery.

Injured During the Holidays? We’re Here to Help.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a holiday car accident, slip and fall, pedestrian accident, or other preventable incident, do not wait to get legal guidance.

Contact St. Johns Law Group today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

 Call now: (904) 495-0400

Serving clients throughout St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Palm Coast, St. Johns County, Flagler County, and surrounding areas.