Black Friday: Drivers Beware!

black friday drivers beware

tired driverMany people wait all year long to go shopping on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving when retailers lure shoppers with the promise of significant discounts. While there may be many good deals on Christmas gifts you can’t find any other time, Black Friday is also one of the most dangerous days of the year. If you or someone you care about is injured in an accident on Black Friday, consider contacting the Tampa personal injury attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore for help and guidance.

Types of Injuries that may Occur

Personal injury law covers a variety of accident types. Some of the most common accidents that may occur on a busy holiday such as Black Friday include:

Common Expenses

After an injury, you will most likely have expenses related to that injury. If someone else caused your injury through negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to obtain compensation for expenses such as:

  • Hospital Expenses
  • Doctor Bills
  • Medical Devices Such As Canes or Wheelchairs
  • Lost Wages

 

What To Do After An Injury

If you are injured in an accident on Black Friday, there are a few things you can do that may increase your chance of obtaining compensation for your injuries. Immediately after an accident:

  • Take Pictures of the Scene, if Possible
  • Make a Police Report
  • Get the Other Party’s Contact Information
  • Take Pictures that Show Your Injuries, if Possible
  • Do Not Admit Fault to Anyone at the Scene, Before Speaking with your Attorney
  • Get the Names of Any Potential Witnesses

How A Lawyer Can Help

Hiring Tampa personal injury lawyers may help you in a variety of ways. An experienced attorney can help by:

  • Hiring Investigators
  • Gathering the Facts
  • Finding Medical Experts to Explain Your Injuries
  • Calculating Lost Wages, Both Present and Future
  • Working with the Insurance Company to Obtain a Settlement
  • Taking Your Case to Trial, if Necessary

If you need to speak with a personal injury attorney, contact Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, Tampa personal injury attorneys, for advice. During the initial consultation, they can review your case and make recommendations that will help you decide how to move forward with your case.

 

 

 

black friday shopping woes

slip and fallThe day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, is the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States. Retailers pull out all the stops in hopes of attracting shoppers. These tactics include offering huge sales on many of the season’s most popular items, including toys and electronics. Retailers promote these deals aggressively, and it is not unusual for shoppers to line up outside stores hours in advance in hopes of being able to take advantage of these discounts.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to Black Friday. The natural excitement brought about by these store events, combined with large groups of people packed together tightly, waiting to enter the store, can sometimes result in injuries or even death. There have been too many incidences where crowds have become unruly and shoppers have been injured or even killed in the crush.

Other possible causes of injuries include slip and fall accidents that can take place inside or outside the store. Confrontations between shoppers have also been a problem in the past, as is the possibility of car accidents in a very full parking lot.

Because of the real threat of Black Friday injuries, consumers should be aware of their surroundings when they go shopping and take precautions to protect themselves. However, it is also true that stores and shopping malls can be held responsible for injuries and accidents. Premises liability requires business owners to take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of their patrons. Failure to take these precautions can open up the mall or store to legal challenges, including lawsuits by those affected by the retailer’s negligence.

Be safe out there! But remember: If you or a family member suffer injuries on Black Friday, you may benefit from speaking with the Tampa personal injury attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore. Our attorneys would be happy to review your case and explain what, if any, legal strategies may exist that can help you receive compensation for your injuries, including medical care.