Halloween is sure to be a night of fun celebration, but with that can come many personal injury accidents. Ghosts and goblins are not the only scary parts of the holiday, as there are many other potential dangers. It is important to take the fitting precautions to ensure a safe Halloween.
You can reduce the dangers of holiday celebrations, regardless of what you choose to do. Learn how to have a safe Halloween with this guide from Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys.
Pedestrians Should Avoid Dark Costumes/Wear Lights
Clear vision is essential for safety on Halloween. There may be more pedestrians than usual walking the streets. All pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid obstructing vehicles.
Pedestrians should still abide by the rules of the road, including using crosswalks and looking both ways before crossing. This applies even on roads that are supposedly blocked off.
Our personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles do not recommend wearing dark clothing. Dark costumes may not be easily visible to drivers at night, especially in poorly lit neighborhoods.
Adding lights or reflective accessories to your spooky Halloween costume is a great way to ensure visibility. This can also help with reducing the number of automobile collisions, as your costume will help light up the street. Ensuring that you and the kids are visible on Halloween reduces the chance of accidents and injuries.
Even with these precautions, a pedestrian may be at risk. If you or your child are a victim of an accident, contact personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles immediately. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Be A Cautious Driver
Driving can be difficult during Halloween when there are many trick-or-treaters on the streets and dim lighting. If possible, it is best to avoid driving. The streets are heavily populated on Halloween, with many younger participants who may be unaware of proper road safety.
If you choose to drive, proceed with extreme caution. To avoid accidents while driving:
- Be cautious near crosswalks and intersections
- Drive slowly when there are pedestrians around
- Stay focused for kids running into streets
- Keep cell phones away to avoid distractions
- Make sure your headlights are on and working properly
These tips can help mitigate poor visibility on the roads and avoid personal injury claims. Being a cautious driver on Halloween can save the lives and potential injuries of so many pedestrians.
Note, motorcycle accidents may also be prevalent. Despite the celebratory nature of the night, motorcyclists should continue to follow the rules of the road. They should also be mindful of any costume or attire hazards, including dark clothing.
While pedestrians may act carelessly during Halloween, it is still the responsibility of the driver to act accordingly. This means operating vehicles below the speed limit or stopping for longer amounts of time to ensure the safety of others. Failure to act reasonably under these circumstances can result in a wrongful death claim.
Remove Hazard Conditions on Property
Homeowners should also take part in ensuring Halloween safety. To do this, you can clear your driveways and walkways of objects or obstacles that can cause tripping, slipping, or falling. Maintaining adequate lighting outside your home is also crucial.
Any outside decorations should be securely installed to avoid injuring those passing by. Keeping pets locked up inside can also prevent chaos and frightening of small children. These tips can help make your home a safe place for trick-or-treaters to celebrate.
Premise owners can face personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits for failing to provide a safe environment for visitors. This includes child-proofing the property when possible to ensure trick-or-treaters, even those trespassing, do not face preventable injuries.
Avoid Fire Hazards
Surprisingly enough, fire hazards are extremely common on Halloween. Our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys advise homeowners to be mindful of candles and jack-o-lanterns. You should monitor these decorations continuously, and ensure that nothing flammable is nearby.
Parents should also be aware that many costumes have synthetic materials, which can easily catch on fire. As so, it is important to ensure your child is careful around open flames. Adjusting the costume to be shorter or have fewer outstretching components is advisable.
Our Los Angeles injury attorneys suggest battery-operated candles. These decorations lower the risk of wrongful death lawsuits and can help create a safer environment. Fire accidents will not only ruin your Halloween but can be very dangerous and sometimes fatal.
Keep Dogs Locked Up
Halloween may seem fun and harmless to humans, but can be very overwhelming for dogs and other pets. Much like the Fourth of July fireworks, the chaotic sights and sounds of Halloween can cause anxiety for pets.
Keeping your dogs safe and secure inside the house is important for their safety and for the safety of others. Busy crowds and bright lights can make any pet anxious, despite proper training. Keep pets indoors to make them feel comfortable and prevent them from scaring children.
A dog is the responsibility of its owner. Therefore, dog bites and other attacks can be subject to a personal injury lawsuit. If you or a loved one is a victim of an animal attack, consider filing a wrongful death or personal injury claim.
Mindful of Alcohol Intake
Halloween is a very fun holiday to celebrate, but it is important to do so responsibly. Often, adults leave the trick-or-treating to the kids, and attend parties or gatherings themselves. However, when alcohol comes into the picture, the chaos of Halloween can escalate.
With the surplus of pedestrians, driving under the influence can be increasingly more dangerous. By avoiding drinking and driving, you can celebrate the holiday in a safe way and reduce the risks of personal injury.
Los Angeles Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
Even with proper precautions, Halloween can result in a number of personal injury and wrongful death accidents. It is best to contact a legal representative immediately to ensure your case falls under the statute of limitations.
A Los Angeles personal injury attorney will work directly with insurance companies to identify the best compensation for your injuries. In cases of wrongful death, surviving loved ones may receive financial support to recover funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
Schedule a Free Consultation With A Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer
This Halloween, we should all do our best to avoid accidents and injuries. By implementing the safety measures suggested in this guide, you can help the scariness stay strictly Halloween-themed. It’s important to have good lighting, keep pets safe, and drive safely without and soberly to ensure visibility and security. Let’s have a safe and enjoyable Halloween by avoiding injuries and accidents as much as possible.
John J. Perlstein has over 25 years of experience securing fair and just outcomes in personal injury cases. He will ensure accurate compensation for victims, and clearance for those wrongly accused.
Call (213) 252-1070 or fill out the form for a free consultation with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer regarding your case.