Car Accident Attorney in Canton, Texas

Canton may be a relatively small East Texas community, but once a month its traffic looks very different.

First Monday Trade Days and traffic in Canton

First Monday Trade Days has been part of Canton for more than 150 years, growing from a local trading day into one of the largest flea markets in the country. The event runs Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of each month and draws visitors to Canton from throughout Texas and beyond.

For drivers, First Monday weekend can mean considerably more vehicles traveling through Canton and entering and leaving the areas surrounding the market. Much of that traffic arrives by way of Interstate 20 and then moves onto local highways and streets leading to the First Monday grounds. Parking for the event is accessed from several locations, including FM 859 and State Highway 64.

The combination of increased traffic, unfamiliar drivers, vehicles slowing or stopping to look for parking, and motorists entering and exiting busy roadways can create driving conditions very different from a typical weekend in Canton. Drivers should be especially alert for sudden stops, last-minute lane changes, turning vehicles, pedestrians, and congestion near the entrances to the First Monday grounds.

Car wrecks during First Monday weekends

A car accident in Canton during First Monday does not necessarily involve someone who lives in Van Zandt County. Drivers may be traveling from Dallas, Fort Worth, Tyler, or elsewhere in Texas, and some visitors may be from out of state. A collision may also involve rental vehicles, commercial vehicles, or multiple insurance companies, which can make sorting out coverage and liability more complicated than it first appears.

Regardless of where the drivers live, the basic rules of safe driving still apply. Motorists have a responsibility to maintain a proper lookout, control their speed, keep a safe following distance, and make lane changes and turns safely. Heavy traffic, or confusion about where to turn or park, does not excuse negligent driving.

What to do if you are in a wreck during First Monday

If you are involved in a wreck during First Monday weekend, move to a safe location if possible, call law enforcement when appropriate, photograph the vehicles and the accident scene, exchange insurance information, and get contact information from any witnesses.

Because traffic conditions can change quickly, photographs showing congestion, traffic controls, lane markings, entrances, and the position of the vehicles may later be important in determining how the collision occurred.

Oberg Law Office represents people injured in car wrecks in Canton, Van Zandt County, and throughout East Texas. If you were injured in a Canton car accident, including a collision that happened while traveling to or from First Monday Trade Days, contact us to discuss your case.