It’s the most wonderful time of year filled with timeless holiday music and TV specials, amazing friends, and of course great food. In the midst of all this cheer, accidents can sour the festivities. Don’t let anything spoil such a joyous occasion by avoiding these five common insurance claims during the holiday season, brought to you by the personal injury attorneys in Orlando, FL, with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. 

Theft

Thieves are everywhere during the holiday season waiting for the perfect time to be naughty and steal expensive presents, packages and mailed gift cards. Burglars scour neighborhoods searching for homes where the lights are off, expensive gift boxes are left on the curb, and full/empty mailboxes. It’s time to go full Kevin McCallister from “Home Alone” and stop thieves right in their tracks to prevent a theft insurance claim. Set lights on a timer, halt your mail delivery, and avoid tossing large boxes together.

Fire

During the holidays, the chance of a house fire increases by 15 percent due to all the candles, string lights, and commotion from having so many people in the house. As temperatures drop, it’s natural to warm up by using a fireplace or space heater, but these are common causes of fires, too. To avoid filing a fire insurance claim in Orlando, FL, be proactive. Never leave a fire unattended — always be in the room or nearby, whether it’s a candle burning or the fireplace ablaze. Always have water or a fire extinguisher on hand. Extinguish candles before you leave a room, especially if there are young children or pets in the house.

Car Accidents

Christmastime is the busiest travel season of them all, translating to more drivers on the road. And although the air is filled with holiday cheer, many people feel stressed when they travel, trying to visit family on time and picking up last-minute gifts. Because the days are shorter during the winter, the chances of a car accident increase tenfold with the increase in darkness. Drive smart and stay off the roads during harsh winter conditions or when the road is slippery, and if you find yourself in need of filing a car accident claim, contact our law firm.

Water Damage

Nothing could be worse than a pipe bursting while you and your family are away from home. Cold temperatures can cause the pipes to freeze, possibly resulting in home water damage. A simple trick to keep this from happening and having to file a water damage claim is to set the thermostat in your home to 55 degrees if you’re going to be traveling for an extended period of time. 

Orlando, FL Personal Injury Lawyers

The winter season means slip and fall accidents occur due to wetter conditions, especially in Florida. Make sure your home and driveway are free of hazards that could potentially cause injury for holiday guests. If someone injures themselves on your property, you could be held accountable. The personal injury lawyers in Orlando, FL, at the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. are here to help should an injury happen in your home. To schedule a consultation, contact us today!