The holiday season is filled with good cheer, shopping bags, and social gatherings—but beneath the sparkle, it’s also one of the most dangerous times of year on Alabama roads and in parking lots.
At HGD Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how a joyful evening or a routine shopping trip can take a devastating turn. Whether it’s a drunk driving crash after a night out, a serious injury in a chaotic parking lot, or a business that failed to take reasonable safety precautions, these incidents are more common than many realize—and they often involve complex legal questions.
In this article, we’re diving into three critical safety and legal concerns to watch this season:
- Holiday DUIs
- Dram Shop Liability (When Bars or Stores May Be Responsible)
- Parking Lot Accidents During Holiday Shopping
If you’re injured—or if you’re unsure who may be legally at fault—these are the situations where HGD’s commitment to client-first, white-glove service makes all the difference.
1. The Rise in DUIs During the Holidays
There’s no easy way to say it: Holiday drinking and driving is a serious—and deadly—problem.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 40% of all traffic-related deaths during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays involve a drunk driver. In Alabama, where we often drive longer distances for gatherings or events, the risks are even greater.
Common DUI scenarios we see around the holidays:
- Leaving a work party after “just a couple” of drinks
- Bar-hopping on New Year’s Eve without a designated driver
- Drivers underestimating how long alcohol stays in their system the next morning
- Pedestrians or shoppers injured by impaired drivers in parking lots
Even one poor decision behind the wheel can change someone’s life forever.
At HGD Law Firm, we’ve represented victims of drunk driving accidents who are left with catastrophic injuries—and emotional trauma that lingers for years. Our team of 16 attorneys and 30 support professionals works diligently to hold drunk drivers accountable, and when appropriate, we also pursue action against the businesses that over-served them.
That’s where Dram Shop Law comes in.
2. Dram Shop Laws: Can Bars or Stores Be Held Liable?
Under Alabama law, certain businesses—including bars, restaurants, and even retail stores—can be held legally responsible if they serve alcohol to someone who is clearly intoxicated and that person goes on to cause harm.
This is known as Dram Shop liability, and it’s more common than many people think.
Examples of Dram Shop cases:
- A bartender continues to serve a visibly drunk patron who then causes a DUI crash
- A restaurant serves alcohol to an underage customer who injures someone
- A store hosts a holiday wine tasting or event, over-serves guests, and someone is later hurt
In these cases, the business may share in the legal responsibility for the injuries caused. Dram Shop laws exist to promote responsible alcohol service and to protect the public from avoidable tragedies.
At HGD, we pursue these claims not just to recover damages for our clients—but to create accountability. Our values of integrity, leadership, and commitment mean we take these cases seriously, and we’re relentless in uncovering the facts and holding negligent businesses to task.
3. The Hidden Dangers of Holiday Parking Lots
You might not think much about it, but parking lots are one of the most dangerous places you’ll visit during the holiday season.
Between the holiday rush, distracted drivers, overloaded shopping carts, and poorly maintained premises, parking lots can quickly become chaotic—and hazardous.
Common types of parking lot injuries:
- Pedestrian injuries from drivers backing out or speeding through aisles
- Slip and falls due to ice, rain, or poorly maintained surfaces
- Assaults or robberies in dimly lit or unsecured areas
- Auto collisions from congested traffic or reckless driving
Here’s the key: Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions on their premises—including parking lots. If a store fails to provide adequate lighting, security, signage, or surface maintenance, and someone is hurt as a result, they can be held liable.
Whether it's a shopping center, mall, or standalone retailer, these businesses have a duty of care to the public. At HGD Law Firm, we’ve helped injured clients navigate complex premises liability cases to get the compensation they deserve.
How It All Connects: Real-Life Scenarios
To bring it all together, consider this example:
A woman attends a holiday party hosted by a local restaurant. The bar continues to serve her drinks despite clear signs of intoxication. She decides to drive home, hitting a pedestrian in a crowded shopping plaza parking lot.
In this situation, multiple parties could be liable:
- The driver, for choosing to drive under the influence
- The restaurant, under Dram Shop law
- Possibly the store or plaza, if poor lighting or signage contributed to the pedestrian being unseen
These are not simple claims—but they’re the kinds of cases we handle every day at HGD. And we approach them with the same client-centered, respectful mindset that defines our firm.
What You Should Do If You’re Injured This Holiday Season
If you or someone you love is hurt during the holidays—whether in a car crash, in a parking lot, or due to someone else’s negligence—don’t try to navigate it alone.
Here's what we recommend:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Document everything—photos, witnesses, receipts, police reports
- Avoid making statements to insurance companies without legal advice
- Call HGD Law Firm for a free consultation
We’ll take the time to listen to your story, understand the situation, and explain your legal options clearly. With a full support team behind you, you’ll never be left wondering what’s next.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Smart, Stay Safe
The holidays should be a time of connection, laughter, and memories—not tragedy. While we hope you never need us, HGD Law Firm is here when you do.
From preventing drunk driving, to ensuring businesses act responsibly, to protecting your rights after a serious injury—our focus remains the same: You.
Stay safe out there. And if something goes wrong, know that you're not alone.
