Tag Archive for: holidays

Tips for Avoiding DUI Accidents During the Holidays

/by

Nothing throws a wrench in your holiday plans like an auto accident. Unfortunately, the holidays are an incredibly common time for car crashes, especially those caused by impaired drivers. People are getting together for the holidays, indulging a bit to enjoy their time off, and perhaps overestimating their driving abilities. Combine that with poor weather in some parts of the country and drivers who are unfamiliar with the roads, accidents are almost inevitable.

Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or staying close to home, make sure you do everything you can to keep your family safe and limit the risk of accidents. If you are involved in a crash regardless of your efforts to stay safe, we can help. Call Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne at 251-928-1915 to set up a meeting.

Know the Dangerous Days and Times

Impaired driving crashes can happen anywhere at any time, but there are certain times of the week when you should be even more attentive to the roads around you. Per the Alabama Department of Transportation, drunk driving crashes are fairly uncommon between 4:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.

They start to really increase by 8:00 P.M., and the most common time for impaired driving accidents is 1:00 A.M. Knowing this can help you minimize your outings between 8:00 P.M. and the morning hours. If you must be on the roads during this time, at least you know to give other drivers extra space.

The most common days for impaired driving accidents are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This often remains true during the holiday season, when people are taking time off of work and spending extra time with family and friends.

Limit Travel When Possible

While travel is an unavoidable part of the holiday season, don’t put yourself at unnecessary risk. Limit your driving to the safer hours of the day and try to combine errands into one trip with multiple stops.

Ramp Up Your Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is always recommended, but it is particularly important when you’re on the roads during the holidays. Take a few minutes to review important defensive driving tips, including:

  • Always be scanning your surroundings
  • Don’t depend on other drivers to protect you—always expect them to act in an unexpected way
  • Leave several seconds of following distance between yourself and the car in front of you
  • Don’t get stuck in a situation that there is no way out of
  • Drive slightly slower than you think you need to
  • Avoid distractions

Review Accident Protocols

Know what you should do if you are involved in an accident. We recommend:

  • Reporting the crash to the police
  • Taking photos of the crash scene
  • Exchanging insurance and contact information with the other driver
  • Being aware of any injuries you may have suffered
  • Seeking medical care right away
  • Contacting a personal injury attorney to explore your legal options

Always Stay Sober

One thing you can always count on when it comes to driving is that you can’t count on other drivers. People know that driving while impaired is an unsafe choice that puts other people at risk, but they choose to do it anyways.

While you can’t stop others from making poor choices, you can at least put yourself in a better position to protect yourself from them. Stay sober when you go out this holiday season, even if you usually only have a couple of drinks. Even small changes to your reaction time or decision-making capabilities could be disastrous if you share the road with a drunk driver.

By following these tips, we hope you’ll be able to navigate this holiday season safely and without incident. You deserve to spend the season celebrating with friends and getting ready for a new year, not dealing with injuries and legal proceedings.

Have You Been Hurt in a Crash? Call Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne

If you or someone you love is injured in a car crash, make sure you have an attorney you can trust. The team at Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne is focused on helping victims pursue the compensation they deserve. To set up a consultation call our Fairhope office at 251-928-1915, or get in touch online.

Helpful Tips for Dealing with a Divorce During the Holidays

/by

If you’re in the midst of a divorce just as the holiday season starts, you’re not alone. The holiday season is actually a fairly common time for couples to decide to part ways. In some cases, it’s a split that has been coming for a long time and one party just can’t go through another Christmas pretending everything’s okay. In other cases, the joy of the holiday season shows one spouse the happiness they are missing in everyday life.

No matter what has led to your divorce, this Christmas season will undoubtedly be hard on you. At the very least, don’t go through this alone. The team at Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne is here to provide the strong legal advice and support you need during this difficult time. Give us a call at 251-928-1915 to set up a time to talk to a divorce attorney.

Get Your Legal Needs Squared Away

First, make sure you are protecting yourself legally. If your ex already has a lawyer and you don’t, waiting until the holiday season is over could put you behind. Even if you decide to take things slow while getting through Christmas and the New Year, you at least want to have someone you can call if your ex-partner tries to pull something. No matter what time of year it is, we’re here to listen to your needs and get started on your case.

Consider Putting a Pause on Proceedings Until the Holidays Are Over

Once you have the must-have discussions of the season—who will have the kids and when, if you’ll give the kids gifts together or separately, and so on—think about how you want to handle the legal side of your divorce.

Some people take a little break from the legal process, particularly if it’s been a mental drag on them for months. This option is easier if your divorce is relatively low-stress and non-adversarial, as your ex is less likely to try to sneak something past you. But if your divorce is highly adversarial or you’ve already caught your partner trying to abuse the process for their benefit, you probably just want to plow ahead and keep going at full speed during the holidays.

Talk to Loved Ones to Figure Out Your Support Network

Your mental health may hinge on having loved ones you can rely on when things get tough. Know whom you can count on and for what. You may have some friends that are always just a phone call away, and those who are always free for a cup of coffee if you need to get out of the house while your kids are with your ex. You may have a friend who has also been through divorce and is there to give useful advice. Have a plan ahead of time so you can take action when you’re in distress.

Give the Best Gifts Ever—to Yourself

You’ve spent a number of Christmases pouring your heart and soul into gifts for your ex. Even if you still have to buy them gifts “from the kids,” you don’t have to give them anything from you. Instead, take this time to give yourself a well-deserved gift. What’s something you always wanted during your marriage but never were able to buy? Treat yourself and engage in self-care this holiday season.

Think About the Memories You Will Want to Look Back On

Right now, it may be hard to see ahead to a time when your life isn’t in upheaval. But this too shall pass, and when it does, you will look back at this first Christmas you had as a single person.

What do you hope your children remember from that time? How do you want them to see you? Knowing that much happier times are ahead, try to create the holiday season that you and your children need.

Choose Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne for Your Divorce Case

With the right legal team by your side, divorce can be less stressful and painful. Find out how we can help and what we offer. Set up a consultation with us now by reaching out online or calling our Fairhope office at 251-928-1915.