While it is a great time to be outside, an increase in temperature is associated with a higher likelihood of accidents and, consequently, personal injury claims.
In this article, top-rated personal injury attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman discuss some common summertime injuries in Virginia and safety tips to help ensure a safe and festive summer for you and your loved ones.
Common Summertime Personal Injuries in VA
Summer season is in full swing in Virginia, and so are summertime injuries. Each year, Virginia tourist hotspots witness a spike in personal injury cases during summers. While these accidents can occur at any time of the year, summertime activities provide a higher risk due to the weather conditions. Some of the most prevalent summer accidents and their causes are listed below:
- Auto Accidents - The chance of an auto accident is always present, but it tends to be higher in the summer as more people take to the roads for road trips, excursions, and vacations. While visitors walking and driving in unfamiliar streets are among the leading causes of car accidents during the summer months in Virginia, unexpected thunderstorms and wet weather increase the odds too. Auto accidents involving pedestrians, motorcyclists, or bikers happen rather often. Therefore, the need to follow safe driving practices raises throughout the summer.
- Slip and Fall Accidents - Summertime in Virginia Beach brings a significant increase in visitors frequenting the city's hotels, restaurants, shops, and hotspots. This increasing foot traffic means more people may get hurt if a property is not maintained adequately. According to the CDC, there is an exceptionally high risk of serious and perhaps fatal injuries from fall incidents among young children and the elderly. Property owners may need to fix sidewalks, driveways, and pavement to prevent slip and fall accidents. You have the right to file a premises liability claim and seek damages if you were injured due to a property owner's negligent failure to prevent such hazards.
- Swimming Pool Accidents - There is nothing better than taking a dip in a swimming pool on a hot summer day. by visiting a club, park, or neighbor's backyard. However, swimming pools can be just as risky as they are fun. Swimming pools in clubs, theme parks, and neighbors' backyards are sites for frequent common summertime injuries. While risks of drowning and slip & fall injuries are higher, jumping off diving boards or sliding down slides can also result in life-threatening injuries, especially if the equipment is defective or not maintained properly. The failure to provide adequate supervision, such as a lifeguard, or to take reasonable precautions to keep young visitors away from the pool area may result in a private or public property owner being held accountable for these accidents.
- Boating Accidents - Summertime is boating time in Virginia. People flock to lakes, rivers, and the bay with kayaks and speed boats. If one is not careful, this fun time can quickly become tragic. Injuries from falls on boats and drowning are typical examples of boating accidents. Summer thunderstorms also pose a risk of being struck by lightning on boats. Proving negligence and claiming compensation in boating accidents is often challenging. If injured in a boating accident, victims should immediately get help from experienced personal injury lawyers.
- Amusement Park Accidents - Many well-known theme parks like Ocean Breeze Waterpark, Atlantic Fun Park, and Splash Valley are located in the Virginia Beach vicinity. These amusement parks require routine maintenance and testing of the rides to ensure they operate correctly. An accident may result from poor equipment maintenance or an unskilled operator.
- Playground Accidents - Accidents on playgrounds can happen for various reasons, and carelessness is frequently to blame. Falling from heights is one of the main reasons for fractures and concussions in play areas. The entity that owns or is in charge of maintaining the playground may be held liable if your child sustains injuries due to faulty, unsafe, or poorly maintained playground equipment.
Few Tips To Stay Safe In Virginia Summertime
Taking the time to remember safety precautions can make the difference between having a pleasant summer or a trip to the emergency room. Here are some safety tips to ensure your summertime activities are free of accidents and injuries:
- Do not drive distracted.
- Have fun but always drive sober.
- Do not forget to obey posted speed limits.
- Wear a helmet and protective clothing when biking or using scooters.
- Before you go on a road trip, get your car checked or serviced.
- Never leave children unsupervised in a swimming pool area.
- Be extra cautious in theme parks, and do not depend only on lifeguards to keep your kids safe.
- Carry life jackets if you intend to go swimming on a beach.
- Be mindful of wet and slippery surfaces.
- Before you leave for boating, check the weather forecast.
- Seek immediate medical attention if injured.
- Immediately discuss your case with a personal injury attorney if injured due to someone else's negligence.
Virginia Summertime Injury Attorneys Are Here For Help
Summertime injury attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman have provided exceptional legal representation to injured victims for over three decades. Our expert legal team understands how a tragic accident can affect your life. Let us handle all legal formalities of filing a personal injury claim on your behalf while your prime focus stays on your health recovery.
Even after taking all the safety precautions, if you or someone you loved sustained summertime injuries in Virginia, call us for a free consultation at 855-880-8163