The flow of spring into summer results in a seasonal uptick in many kinds of personal injury rates. There are many reasons why this is the case, ranging from increased outdoor activities to more construction and greater travel volumes. Understanding these realities can help individuals take preventive measures accordingly, and to better understand when they might have cause to take legal action if they are injured.
It’s important to keep in mind that not every summertime injury is legally actionable. However, if an injury is caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness or intentional choices, then the harm in question may give rise to grounds for a personal injury claim.
Injuries that happen on the road
Summer is the peak season for construction and road work due to favorable weather conditions. Increased construction sites around cities and on highways can lead to accidents involving construction workers and passersby. Poorly marked construction zones, unsecured site materials and negligent operation of construction equipment can cause injuries to both construction personnel and the general public.
Summer months also result in a surge in road traffic as families embark on vacations and road trips. More vehicles on the road increase the likelihood of vehicular accidents. Additionally, summer festivals and events can lead to congested roads, where the chances of traffic collisions are higher. Motorcyclists and bicyclists are out in larger numbers, which, without proper safety measures, can lead to higher incidences of accidents involving these more vulnerable road users.
Finally, many summer social gatherings often involve alcohol, and increased alcohol consumption can correlate with a rise in injuries. Alcohol impairs judgment and response times, leading to an increased risk of accidents, from DUI-related crashes to boating accidents and violent encounters.
Injuries that happen everywhere else
The warm weather and longer daylight hours encourage more people to engage in outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, boating and biking. While these activities are enjoyable, they also carry risks. Inexperienced individuals engaging in sports without proper training or equipment can lead to accidents. Swimming pools and water parks, though refreshing, are common sites for drowning or slip-and-fall injuries, especially when safety protocols are not rigorously followed. Even enjoying Fourth of July fireworks can result in harm if these explosives are not handled properly or are defective to begin with.
At the end of the day, while summer can be a wonderful time of year, it can also be a uniquely hazardous one. Being aware of this reality – and taking precautions whenever appropriate – can help you to stay safer as the warmest months of the year approach.