The holidays bring family gatherings, decorations, home-cooked meals, and plenty of travel. But with so much going on, the risk of accidents also increases. From busy highways to kitchen mishaps, holiday personal injury risks can turn a joyful celebration into an unexpected trip to the emergency room.

Here are some common holiday hazards across Huntsville and North Alabama, along with simple ways to stay safe.

Holiday Accidents That Lead to Emergency Room Visits

Holiday celebrations often mean more driving, drinking, cooking, and decorating. Add crowded stores, visiting relatives, and changes in daily routines, and there are more opportunities for accidents.

Common holiday-related emergencies include:

  • Car Accidents: Heavy traffic, distracted driving, and impaired drivers increase crash risks.
  • Falls: Ladders, loose decorations, and slippery walkways can lead to broken bones and head injuries.
  • Burns: Hot cooking oil, open flames, and unattended stoves can cause serious injuries.
  • Cuts: Sharp kitchen tools and broken ornaments can cause injuries that require medical attention.

Holiday Car Crashes and Drunk Driving

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, millions of Americans travel to visit family and friends.

During the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday period, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated 697 traffic crashes and made 20 DUI arrests. Seven people died in crashes, with impaired driving and speeding among the contributing factors in the fatal crashes.

In North Alabama, holiday traffic can make busy routes like Memorial Parkway, I-565, I-65, and U.S. 72 even more dangerous.

To reduce your risk:

  • Arrange a designated driver or rideshare if you plan to drink.
  • Wear your seat belt, even on short trips.
  • Watch for impaired or distracted drivers, especially at night.
  • Don’t drive when you’re tired.

If you’re hurt in a crash caused by another driver, be cautious when dealing with their insurance company. An adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement and later use your words to challenge your claim. Consider speaking with a Huntsville car accident lawyer before agreeing to a recorded statement.

Falls While Decorating Your Home

Hanging lights and putting up decorations can lead to falls, especially when ladders are placed on uneven ground. Extension cords, scattered decorations, and wet entryways also create tripping hazards.

A few precautions can make decorating safer:

  • Place ladders on firm, level ground.
  • Ask someone to help when hanging decorations.
  • Secure cords and keep them away from walkways.
  • Remove clutter from stairs and entrances.
  • Clean up wet or slippery areas promptly.

If you’re injured while visiting someone else’s home or business, the property owner may be responsible if an unsafe condition caused your fall. Depending on the circumstances, you may have grounds for a Huntsville slip and fall claim.

Kitchen Burns and Holiday Fires

Holiday cooking brings families together, but busy kitchens can become dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking caused 49% of reported home fires between 2019 and 2023.

Hot grease, crowded countertops, and unattended food can cause burns or start fires. Candles, overloaded electrical outlets, and dry Christmas trees increase the risk.

To reduce the risk:

  • Stay in the kitchen when you fry, grill, or broil food.
  • Keep towels, packaging, and decorations away from burners.
  • Keep a suitable fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
  • Never pour water on a grease fire.
  • Water real Christmas trees regularly.
  • Choose flameless candles and LED holiday lights when possible.

If a fire starts and you can’t safely control it, get everyone outside and call 911.

Keeping Kids and Guests Safe at Gatherings

Small toys and ornaments can pose choking hazards for young children, while swallowed button batteries can cause serious injuries. Keep small decorations out of reach, check toys for age recommendations, and clear walkways of wrapping paper and gifts.

Food is another important part of holiday gatherings, but dishes left sitting out too long can make guests sick. To help prevent food poisoning:

  • Wash your hands before you prepare and serve food.
  • Keep hot foods at 140°F or warmer and cold foods at 40°F or colder.
  • Refrigerate perishable leftovers within two hours.
  • Use separate utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods.

What to Do If You’re Hurt During the Holidays

If someone else’s negligence causes your injury, taking a few steps early can help protect your health and your right to seek compensation.

  • Get medical attention. Seek medical care as soon as possible. Huntsville Hospital is a Level I trauma center serving North Alabama.
  • Document the accident. Take photographs of the scene, visible injuries, and any dangerous conditions.
  • Collect contact information. Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses and anyone involved.
  • Keep important records. Save medical bills, receipts, insurance correspondence, and documentation of missed work.
  • Be cautious when speaking with insurers. Avoid guessing about who caused the accident or accepting a settlement before you understand your rights.

How Alabama Law Can Affect Your Claim

Alabama gives injured people two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Some exceptions apply, so don’t assume you have the full two years.

Alabama also follows a strict rule called contributory negligence. If your own negligence contributed to an accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation, even if you were only 1% responsible.

For example, after a car crash, an insurance company might argue that you were distracted or driving too fast. An attorney can investigate what happened, challenge unsupported claims of fault, and help determine if you have grounds to seek compensation.

Injured This Holiday Season? We’re Here to Help

A holiday accident can leave you facing medical bills, missed work, and insurance questions.

Tyler Mann, founder of Tyler Mann Injury Law, previously worked as an insurance claims manager. That experience gives him firsthand knowledge of how insurance companies handle injury claims. Today, our firm helps injured people and families throughout Huntsville and North Alabama.

With our No Fee Guarantee®, you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

Contact Tyler Mann Injury Law today for a free consultation to discuss your accident and your legal options.