The holidays are a time for joy and togetherness—but they may also bring hidden risks. Here are essential safety reminders.
REDONDO BEACH CITY LIFESTYLE: WHAT TYPES OF ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES TEND TO RISE DURING THE HOLIDAYS, AND WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?
MARK SWEET: The holidays bring joy and celebration, but they also tend to bring more accidents. We often see an increase in car crashes especially from distracted or impaired driving as people rush between gatherings or drive longer distances. Slip-and-fall injuries also rise, whether from crowded shopping centers, wet store floors, or simply the chaos of holiday decorations. People are juggling a lot, and that added stress and distraction can make accidents more likely.
RBCL: WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE TIPS FOR FAMILIES TO STAY SAFE WHILE TRAVELING OR GATHERING DURING THE HOLIDAYS?
MARK: 1. Slow down and plan ahead. Rushing is when mistakes happen. Build in extra travel time so you don’t feel pressured. 2. Stay present. Whether it’s behind the wheel or at home, minimize distractions, no texting, no multitasking while driving or cooking. 3. Watch out for fatigue. Long drives, late nights, and holiday stress add up. Rest before you travel so you’re alert and aware.
RBCL: DRIVING IS SUCH A BIG PART OF THE SEASON. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST DANGERS PEOPLE OFTEN OVERLOOK WHEN THEY HIT THE ROAD FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL?
MARK: People often underestimate just how tired or distracted they are. You might think, “It’s only a two-hour drive,” but drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Another overlooked risk is weather. Even in California, holiday travel can take you into areas with rain or icy conditions. And finally, it’s the small distractions, GPS adjustments, reaching for food, or holiday stress that can cause the biggest accidents.
RBCL: WHAT KINDS OF EVIDENCE SHOULD ACCIDENT VICTIMS PRIORITIZE COLLECTING EARLY ON—LIKE PHOTOS, EYEWITNESS CONTACTS, OR EMAILS?
MARK: The most important thing you can do after making sure you’re safe is to document everything. Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries are invaluable. Eyewitness contacts can make or break a case, since their perspective adds credibility. And don’t overlook paperwork, medical records, insurance communications, even text or email exchanges about the incident can all be powerful evidence later.
RBCL: WHEN DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO CONTACT AN ATTORNEY AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
MARK: The sooner, the better. Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll pursue a case, speaking with an attorney early protects your rights. Insurance companies move quickly, and their goal isn’t to pay you fairly, it's to minimize costs. An attorney levels the playing field and makes sure you don’t unintentionally say or sign something that could hurt your claim.
RBCL: ARE THERE COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE AFTER AN ACCIDENT THAT MIGHT UNINTENTIONALLY HURT THEIR CASE?
MARK: Yes, and I see them all the time. People often delay medical treatment because they “don’t feel that bad” right away, but those records are critical. Others give too much
information to insurance adjusters, not realizing their words can be used against them.
And sometimes, people post about the accident on social media which can absolutely
be twisted later.
RBCL: SWEET LAWYERS EMPHASIZES CONCIERGE-LEVEL SUPPORT AND 24/7 AVAILABILITY. HOW DOES THAT TRULY BENEFIT CLIENTS—ESPECIALLY DURING THE BUSY AND STRESSFUL HOLIDAY SEASON?
MARK: Accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. Our clients might need us at midnight after a crash or on a holiday when they’re overwhelmed and don’t know what to do next. Being available 24/7 means they’re never alone in those moments. We also take a concierge approach handling paperwork, coordinating medical care, and keeping clients informed so they can focus on healing while we handle the stress.
RBCL: WHAT’S ONE SAFETY HABIT YOU PRACTICE YOURSELF DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON?
MARK: For me, it’s putting my phone completely away when I drive. It sounds simple, but in a season when calls, texts, and emails are nonstop, it’s a discipline that makes all the difference. I remind myself: if I’m telling clients to avoid distractions, I need to model that behavior myself.
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"Slow down and plan ahead. Rushing is when mistakes happen. Build in extra travel time so you don’t feel pressured.”
Founded in 2015 by Managing Partner and Attorney at Law Mark Sweet, Sweet Lawyers is a multi-state personal injury firm dedicated to client care. Known for blending strong legal advocacy with compassionate support, the firm has earned numerous distinctions throughout the years including “Best Attorneys of America.” Mark and his team understand that every case is personal—and approach each one with unwavering commitment to securing justice and fair compensation. With a 98% success rate in cases settled or won at trial, Sweet Lawyers is trusted across California, Texas, Arizona, Washington, Missouri, and Washington, D.C. Learn more at sweetlaw.com.