How to Prioritize Valentine’s Day Safety
Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic days of the year – when couples can express their love for one another in extravagant ways to make each other feel special. While Valentine’s Day likely doesn’t make the list of dangerous holidays like New Year’s Eve or Thanksgiving for most people, it still has great potential to cause injuries. In fact, many states are seeing an increase in Valentine’s Day safety concerns, including injuries and deaths. Stay safe this Valentine’s Day by taking precautions.
Car Accidents
It’s common for couples celebrating Valentine’s Day to enjoy a few glasses of wine or a cocktail. However, drunk driving remains an extreme Valentine’s Day safety concern. Whether you feel wholly drunk or just a little buzzed, it’s too much to get behind the wheel. Drunkenness can cause reduced reaction time, poor judgment, drowsiness, and overcorrections. When driving drunk, you could cause serious injury or death for yourself, your loved one, and others sharing the road.
Instead, call a rideshare, taxi, or take public transit if you plan to be drinking. If you drove to your date spot and found yourself too drunk to drive, it’s safer to leave your car and get a ride home. You can pick your vehicle up later when you’re no longer inebriated.
Pedestrian Accidents
On Valentine’s Day, taking a romantic, moonlit walk through downtown or through your nearest park can be an excellent way to spend quiet, one-on-one time together. While you and your loved one are out walking, though, be sure to stay alert while crossing streets or bike paths. Because many Valentine’s Day dates occur after dark, pedestrians are significantly less visible for drivers or bikers, increasing the likelihood that you may be struck. Always look both ways before crossing, wait for your light signal to cross, and ensure you wear vibrant clothes so drivers and bikers can see you.
Flammables
If you’re staying indoors this Valentine’s Day, you may choose to break out the moody, romantic lighting with candles. Perhaps you’ll even whip up a delicious gourmet dinner and dessert for two. While you set the mood, make sure you aren’t setting your home up for danger. Keep candles away from flammable materials like flowers, drapes, or even sleeves. Turn off the stove and oven when you’re done cooking.
Valuables
Whether you need a purse to complete the outfit or want to wear your nicest watch, make sure your valuables are kept safe while you’re out on Valentine’s Day. Those carrying purses or bags should ensure their bag is always in front of them. Avoid hanging the bag on a restaurant chair as it can easily be accessed without your knowledge. Leaving a bag or valuable item in your car while you’re in a restaurant? Keep it hidden in the glove compartment or under a seat.
As with any date night or vacation, avoid posting on social media that you’re going out until after the date is done. Thieves often search social media for people who won’t be home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to bring an injury lawsuit in California?
In California, residents can bring a personal injury lawsuit up to 2 years after the injury. In cases involving sexual assault, that statute of limitations is increased to 10 years.
Can I still bring a lawsuit if I’m partially at fault for my accident?
Yes! If you contributed in some way to the accident, you could still be eligible to collect compensation. California operates on partial fault. If you are deemed 30% at fault for the accident, your recovery will be reduced by 30%.
What should we do after we’re hurt on Valentine’s Day?
If you or your loved one are injured on Valentine’s Day, it’s important to act immediately. Call 911 to receive medical care and to report an accident as soon as possible. Take photos or videos of the scene and of your injuries and collect any eyewitness testimonies from those who were nearby. These all help corroborate your claims. Finally, call an experienced personal injury attorney in California. They can help you file for compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and more.
How to Retain a Dedicated Car Accident or Pedestrian Accident Attorney in California
Despite all your Valentine’s Day safety precautions, accidents can still happen. If you were involved in a car accident or pedestrian accident on Valentine’s Day in California, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your injuries. Follow these steps to contact a personal injury attorney with BD&J.
- Collect documentation on your injuries. Keeping photos, journal entries, and medical records to present to your attorney at BD&J can help expedite the filing of your claim.
- Contact our personal injury team here. Complete our form to receive a call from one of our team members regarding your potential case. Our lawyers will review the information you provide and begin the process of filing.
- Stay in contact with us. Our personal injury attorneys will be keeping you informed as your claim progresses. However, we empower our clients to participate in their claim and may need to discuss the process with you.
More Than $2 Billion Recovered for California Residents
BD&J takes Valentine’s Day safety seriously for our friends, family, and neighbors in California. Our award-winning personal injury attorneys have helped thousands of clients claim compensation for injuries they sustained due to someone else’s negligence. Let us help you and your loved one if you’re hurt this Valentine’s Day. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today!
