The holidays in Burbank are a time for family gatherings, shopping, and festive events. Streets fill with visitors heading to holiday parties, parades, and shopping centers like the Burbank Town Center. Unfortunately, this joyful time of year also brings a darker reality: a sharp increase in traffic accidents.
As more drivers hit the road for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, the risk of collisions rises dramatically. Many drivers are distracted, fatigued, or impaired, and even a momentary lapse in judgment can cause a serious crash. What starts as a celebration can end in tragedy for innocent motorists and passengers.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), hundreds of crashes occur across the state during holiday weekends each year. During the 2023 Christmas enforcement period alone, CHP officers made nearly 1,000 DUI arrests, and more than 25 people lost their lives in traffic collisions statewide. Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the number of alcohol-related fatalities increases by nearly 40% during holiday periods compared to the rest of the year.
The good news is that California law provides strong protections for car accident victims. Whether the crash was caused by a distracted driver, someone under the influence, or a reckless motorist speeding to their next event, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Your safety comes first. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if you feel “fine,” get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible — some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not appear right away.
Medical records are also vital evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim later.
Always report the collision to the Burbank Police Department or California Highway Patrol (CHP). The responding officer will prepare an official report documenting the circumstances, involved parties, and potential fault. This report often serves as key evidence when filing a claim.
If the accident occurs on a freeway, CHP officers typically handle the investigation.
If it’s safe, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the scene:
These details help your attorney reconstruct the accident and prove liability.
Exchange information with all drivers involved, including:
If there are witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact information — their statements could make a big difference later.
Emotions run high after a collision, but it’s crucial not to admit fault or apologize at the scene.
Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you later by insurance companies. Provide factual statements only and avoid speculation about what caused the crash.
Before speaking with an insurance adjuster or signing any paperwork, contact an experienced Burbank car accident lawyer. An attorney can:
At Tim D. Wright Law, we help accident victims recover full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering — all with no upfront costs and personalized attention every step of the way.
California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you were partly at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages.
For example, if you were 20% responsible and the other driver was 80% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your total damages.
This system ensures that accident victims aren’t denied compensation just because they share some responsibility — a vital protection during chaotic holiday traffic, when sudden stops or unpredictable driving can cause confusion.
Under California law (Vehicle Code §16056), all drivers are required to carry minimum levels of liability insurance:
Unfortunately, not every driver follows the law. During the holidays, it’s not uncommon to encounter uninsured or underinsured motorists — people who lack enough coverage to pay for the injuries or damage they cause.
If this happens, your own insurance policy may include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can help cover medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering when the at-fault driver doesn’t have adequate insurance.
A skilled car accident attorney can review your policy, identify all available coverage sources, and ensure you don’t leave money on the table.
Timing is everything in a personal injury case. In California, you generally have:
If you miss these deadlines, you could lose your right to pursue compensation entirely — which is why it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
Victims of negligent drivers are entitled to recover compensation for the full range of losses they suffer — both financial and emotional. Depending on your situation, you may be able to claim damages for:
Insurance companies often try to minimize these claims, but with the right legal representation, you can pursue the full and fair value of your damages.
After a car accident — especially during a busy holiday weekend — you’ll likely be contacted quickly by insurance companies. While they may sound sympathetic, it’s important to remember that their goal is to minimize payouts, not to protect your best interests.
Insurance adjusters are trained to look for statements or evidence they can use to reduce or deny claims. They might:
Avoid signing anything or giving recorded statements before speaking with a lawyer. Once you accept a settlement, you may lose your right to pursue further compensation — even if your medical bills continue to rise.
An experienced personal injury attorney can handle all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf. They’ll gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements to ensure your claim is supported by solid evidence. With professional representation, you can focus on healing while your attorney protects your financial and legal interests.
Holiday weekends in Burbank should be filled with laughter, family, and celebration — not pain and uncertainty. If you or a loved one has been injured by a reckless or negligent driver, remember: you have legal rights. You don’t have to face insurance companies or the aftermath of an accident alone.
California law gives you the tools to recover physically and financially — and Tim D. Wright Law is here to help you use them.
Don’t wait to get help. Acting quickly after a crash can preserve evidence, protect your claim, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team will handle every detail — from gathering records to negotiating with insurers — so you can focus on what matters most: healing and moving forward.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we’ve earned the trust of Burbank and Van Nuys residents through personalized representation, honesty, and results.
Contact Tim D. Wright, Personal Injury Attorney
📍 Burbank Office: 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302, Burbank, CA 91506
📍 Van Nuys Office: 16555 Sherman Way, Suite B2, Van Nuys, CA 91406
📞 Phone: (323) 379-9995 (Personal Injury) | (818) 428-1080 (Workers’ Comp)
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
📱 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
