As Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we know that summertime is a great time to enjoy the company of family and friends with swimming pool parties and backyard barbecues. In Pennsylvania, it is also a wonderful time of the year to enjoy the outdoors by riding your bike, taking long walks, and road trips. Unfortunately, however, it is also the time of year when accidents are at their highest. As a result, there is also the potential for other injuries that can range from inconvenient to devastating. Here are five of the most common summertime accidents that can cause personal injury.
Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the peak time nationwide for auto accidents. There are many reasons for this increase. Research shows that teen drivers generally spend about 44 percent more time during the week driving than during the school year.
In addition, having more inexperienced drivers on the road increases the risk of collisions. Excessive heat during the summer can also increase the risk of equipment failure. Tires are particularly vulnerable to blowouts during the summer because hotter weather can cause the air inside the tires to expand. Also, in many states, including Pennsylvania, construction crews are out fixing roadways during the summer. When roadwork leads to detours and lane closures, the risk of collisions increases. In addition, during the summertime, particularly during holiday weekends, there are more drunk drivers on our roadways and more road trips and long drives to visit friends and family.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents also happen all the time during the summer season. Why? Because we spend more time outdoors. These types of accidents can also result in severe or even fatal injuries. Property owners must take the time to repair dangerous conditions such as broken stairs, torn carpeting, and cracked walkways so that their premises are safe for tenants, visitors, and guests. After a long winter, property owners must pay attention to these types of issues and fix them before someone gets badly injured.
Bicycle and Motorcycle Accidents
Children and adults are out riding their bikes when the sun is out. Motorcyclists are also out on the roads during the warmer months. While riding bicycles and motorcycles can be fun, there is also an increased risk for bike accidents. Bicyclists should wear clothing that makes them visible. Motorcyclists should wear the necessary safety gear to protect themselves, even if it's hot out, while bicyclists and motorcyclists should wear helmets to prevent head injuries. Motorists should remember at all times that they share the roadway with other vehicles. They should look out consciously for these smaller vehicles, particularly at street intersections and in residential areas. to avoid serious summertime personal injuries.
Summertime Burn Injuries
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, in 2013, more than 126,035 children across the country were injured due to a fire or burn, and fireworks injured only a tiny percentage. However, there is an increased risk of burn injuries from barbecue grills and fireworks during the weeks of the fourth of July and Labor Day.
As we know, burn injuries can be extremely painful and costly to treat. The best way to prevent these injuries is to ensure that children are under adult supervision at all times. Older children typically suffer burn injuries from direct heat sources such as campfires and grills. The key to preventing burn injury is adult supervision and caution around grills, bonfires, and fireworks for all parties involved.
Pedestrian Accidents
When the sun is out and the days are longer, you see more people walking on the road. Unfortunately, this is also when there is an increase in pedestrian accidents. If you are walking, take safety precautions, such as walking only on sidewalks, crosswalks, and areas designated for pedestrians. Motorists should also be wary of areas where there is heavy foot traffic. Drivers should watch their speed and be sure to yield the right of way to pedestrians.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at KaplunMarx can help protect your rights. Call us at 215-393-4895 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, and case evaluation.
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