Personal injuries can happen at any time, including during Easter. Spending holidays with friends and family always increases the likelihood you or someone you love could get hurt. A higher risk of injury comes with so many people out and about on the roadways and at Easter events celebrating the season.

Keep safety in mind when you’re planning your Easter celebration. An Albuquerque personal injury attorney can help if you’re the victim of an accident that causes injury.

In this article, we discuss the 5 most common personal injuries that can ruin your Easter and how to avoid them.

1 – Car Accidents and Personal Injuries

Roughly 25% of Americans plan to travel this Easter weekend, which means an increase in the number of vehicles on the roadways. Since most people don’t get extended time off for the Easter holiday, the most traffic is expected between Friday and Monday. Toss in spring break traffic, and congestion also can happen the week after the holiday.

Car accidents are unfortunately common during the Easter season. If you’re planning to travel locally or even out of state in your vehicle, there are steps you can take to avoid most accidents.

• Avoid distractions while driving. Put your cell phone away and don’t eat or drink while driving to keep your focus on the roadways. Looking away for even 2 seconds can increase your risk of crashing.
• Don’t drive under the influence. Many Easter celebrations include alcoholic beverages. Never drink and drive to reduce your chances of causing an accident that can injure yourself or others.
• Follow traffic rules. Speeding, failing to stop completely at stop signs, and running through traffic signals can all end in disaster. Make sure you’re following the rules of the road to arrive safely.
• Plan ahead. People tend to rush when they don’t have a plan in place. Determine what time you must leave to safely arrive at your destination. Allow extra time for handling unexpected detours along your route.

2 – Easter Egg Hunts and Personal Injuries

Easter egg hunts are a tradition during the holiday. Children and adults look forward to hunting for eggs filled with goodies. However, Easter egg hunts are the perfect environment for accidents and injuries that might require the expertise of an Albuquerque personal injury attorney.

Children easily get caught up in the excitement and can end up colliding with other children or objects that can cause serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, and cuts and bruises.

Choking is another egg hunt hazard. The eggs used in these hunts may contain small toys or trinkets that can become lodged in your child’s throat. It’s particularly dangerous for young children who don’t yet understand the risks of putting things in their mouths. Organizers should avoid using these kinds of toys in Easter egg hunts when possible.

3 – Slip and Fall Personal Injuries at Easter

Slips and falls can happen any time of the year. In the spring months when Easter occurs, you’re more likely to encounter wet grass, slick sidewalks, and uneven terrain. Children hyped up on sugar from their Easter baskets are most at risk of slipping and falling during Easter celebrations. Following these tips can help avoid injuries.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Remind children who are running and playing in unfamiliar areas to keep an eye out for potential hazards like uneven or wet surfaces.
• Remove clutter and other obstacles. If you’re having guests over, create a clear path for them in the areas where you’ll be hosting them. Removing clutter and other obstacles can prevent tripping and falling accidents that cause serious injuries.
• Wear appropriate footwear. It’s tempting to toss on some flip flops or heels for Easter, but if the weather outside is wet, choosing that type of footwear can increase your chances of slipping and falling.

4 – Food Poisoning Personal Injuries at Easter

No Easter celebration is complete without a feast that includes all your favorite dishes and desserts. However, the risk for food poisoning is a concern. If you’re hosting and preparing Easter dinner for your family and friends, make sure you follow proper preparation and storage recommendations to keep your guests from becoming sick.

Here are some helpful tips for avoiding Easter feast food poisoning:

• Avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards for preparing raw meats and dairy products (like eggs). Never use the same utensils and serving dishes for raw meats and cooked foods without a thorough washing first to avoid food-borne illnesses.
• Cook and store food at the right temperature. Make sure any dishes containing raw meat or dairy are cooked to the recommended temperatures to prevent illness from bacteria or other contaminants. Once prepared, keep food at a safe temperature. Never leave prepared foods sitting out for long periods. Refrigerate anything that can spoil.
• Wash your hands. If you’re preparing food for others, make sure you wash your hands first. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands before eating, especially for buffet-style meals. Encourage your guests to do the same.

5 – Unsafe Products and Easter Personal Injuries

Easter baskets are a tradition for many families. However, that Easter basket joy can quickly turn into a trip to the emergency room if it includes defective or unsafe products.

Decorations and some toys may contain toxic ingredients that can cause accidental poisoning, especially for little children who put everything in their mouths. Other toys and treats pose choking hazards.

Follow these steps to minimize the chances of personal injuries from Easter baskets.

• Follow instructions if you’re using decorations or dye kits to avoid the risk of accident or injury.
• Never buy counterfeit or off-brand products that may not meet safety requirements for children.
• Read all labels to ensure you’re giving age-appropriate toys and treats to children.
• Supervise young children when they are playing with their Easter toys or eating their treats.

Enjoy Easter Without Personal Injuries

Even when you take all precautions, accidents can still happen. If you or someone you love is injured during Easter, an Albuquerque personal injury attorney can evaluate your case to determine if you qualify for compensation.

We hope you never need us for an Easter accident, but if you do, we’re here to help!