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Accidents are bound to happen anywhere at any time. However, in the summertime, with the warmer weather and increased travel, some accidents are more likely to occur. These accidents can leave victims facing extensive, life-altering injuries.
If you’re injured in an accident, do not wait to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney. A lawyer can assess your case and create a plan of action to pursue favorable compensation on your behalf.
Summer is generally a busy season. More people go on vacation, the weather is nice enough to spend time outside, and certain destinations see a greater influx of visitors. Therefore, accidents happen with much more frequency in the summer.
The following types of accidents and incidents can happen any time of year but tend to occur more often in the summer months.
While boating can be fun and exciting, it’s also risky. Boaters and passengers face many dangers, and accidents are much more prevalent when summer rolls around.
Boat crashes are often caused by negligence, including operator inattention and speeding. However, boating accidents also commonly occur due to equipment failures and malfunctions.
When more cars are on the roads, more accidents are likely to happen. During the summer, it’s not uncommon to see heavier traffic, especially on weekends, as families go on road trips. Vehicle collisions are regularly caused by:
Additionally, traffic accidents are more common for younger drivers in the summertime. While teens are on summer break, collisions caused by intoxicated or drunk driving and distracted driving occur with greater frequency.
Summertime is the perfect time to take a dip in the pool. However, pools also pose many risks for kids and adults alike, including drowning.
Drowning is the number one cause of death for children one to four years old. For kids five to 14, drowning is the second leading cause of death behind car accidents. Still, anyone can drown, with an average of 11 fatal drownings happening every day in the U.S.
Whether you’re visiting a hotel or swimming in a friend’s or family member’s pool, it’s critical to be careful to avoid potential accidents.
True motorcycle lovers enjoy riding year-round, but especially during the summer. Riding a motorcycle is a wonderful way to enjoy the weather and views. Nonetheless, motorcycle accidents can leave victims facing serious, lifelong injuries.
Motorcycle collisions are often caused by negligence, including driver inattention and aggressive driving, but also equipment failures and malfunctions. Because motorcycles offer no protection to riders, collisions can result in substantial physical harm and even death.
Although mowing the lawn may seem like a fairly safe activity, it is frequently the cause of injuries. Unfortunately, these injuries don’t just affect adults, but also children.
Over 9,000 children are injured by lawnmowers in the U.S. every year. Additionally, these lawnmower injuries are the cause of 12% to 20% of children’s trauma amputations. Lawnmowers are also the leading cause of pediatric toe and foot amputations.
Lawnmower accidents don’t just happen due to misuse but commonly occur because of defects and malfunctions. A defective lawn mower can cause extensive injuries to users and others in the vicinity.
At any given moment, numerous commercial trucks are on roads across the U.S. Trucks play a significant role in the economy, and therefore, they’re useful and necessary.
However, when there are more vehicles on the roads, the chances of truck accidents increase. While families take their road trips, they’re often forced to share the road with large, intimidating semi-trucks, and sharing the road with these vehicles can have detrimental outcomes.
Car drivers and passengers are vulnerable, as large trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than the average vehicle and are much taller. Trucking collisions happen for many reasons, including driver inattention and improperly loaded cargo, and the effects of these collisions can be life-changing.
Bicycle riders can enjoy the summertime without having to worry about cold temperatures and snow. Still, bicyclists face many risks every time they hit the road, and accidents are a significant issue during the warmer months.
Bike collisions happen for a variety of reasons but commonly occur due to driver negligence. Drivers are expected to show bicyclists the same respect they do other drivers and pedestrians but often fail to do so. This leads to accidents and extensive injuries for bicyclists.
With the increase in popularity of scooters, there has also been a rise in accidents. This is especially the case during the summer months, as children and teens take to the streets on their scooters. Patients hospitalized with scooter injuries are, more commonly, those under the age of 18.
Like bicycle collisions, scooter crashes are regularly the result of driver negligence. However, these accidents are also caused by pedestrian negligence and road hazards.
Fireworks are a staple on the Fourth of July. Still, fireworks are the cause of many injuries.
In 2022, over 10,000 people were treated for fireworks injuries. Of these injuries, 38% were burns, with most burns occurring on hands and fingers.
If you enjoy fireworks, it’s much safer to watch them from afar than set them off yourself. If you prefer to light your own fireworks, follow proper guidelines and take special care.
Warmer temperatures mean more time at the playground for the little ones. Nonetheless, playgrounds can also be dangerous for kids of all ages.
Each year, more than 200,000 kids visit emergency rooms for injuries related to playground equipment. Of these injuries, 80% result from falls. Therefore, it’s crucial to look out for playground hazards and keep a watchful eye on children at all times.
Heat-related illnesses are some of the most dangerous yet underestimated summer risks, especially in places like El Paso, where temperatures frequently soar. Outdoor workers, athletes, children, and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable. When employers or event organizers fail to provide shade, hydration, or rest breaks, they could be held liable if someone suffers from:
These injuries are preventable with proper care. If negligence plays a role, victims may be able to pursue a personal injury claim for damages.
El Paso’s popular summer events and tourist areas see a surge in pedestrian accidents, especially around downtown, shopping centers, and parks. Distracted or impatient drivers often fail to yield, putting walkers and families at serious risk. Common causes include:
These types of accidents can lead to severe injuries like fractures, head trauma, or spinal damage. Drivers must stay alert. When they don’t and someone is injured, legal action may be warranted.
Fireworks add excitement to summer celebrations, but they also bring injury risks. While firework injuries are often seen as “accidents,” many result from carelessness or unsafe conditions created by others. In 2022, over 10,000 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries in the U.S. alone. The most common injuries include:
Whether at a private gathering or a public display, the person or group in charge may be responsible if safety rules weren’t followed. In some cases, the manufacturer may be liable for defective fireworks. Victims can seek compensation for medical care, scarring, or long-term impairment.
Summer also means more active construction sites, road crews, and outdoor labor, which increases the risk of workplace accidents. Many of these are preventable and result from inadequate training or unsafe equipment. Common worksite injuries in the summer include:
If an employer fails to provide a safe environment, including personal protective gear or rest breaks during extreme heat, they may be liable. In some cases, a third party (like an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor) may also share responsibility.
Many people don’t associate hiking, camping, or park activities with legal liability, but when property maintenance is neglected, injuries happen. Outdoor accidents that often go unreported, or uncompensated, include:
Public and private property owners are required to maintain reasonably safe conditions. If you’re hurt due to negligence, whether in a city park or on private land, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
If you or your loved ones suffer injuries this summer, seek legal guidance right away. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options and take on your compensation claim.
The Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PPLC, is ready to assist you. With over three decades of experience, we can use our skills and resources to help you get the most favorable outcome. Contact our firm today to schedule your consultation.
Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...
We are experienced El Paso personal injury lawyers. Give us a call and you’ll be taken care of! (915) 333-3333
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