Summer Accidents On the Rise
Summer in Orange County, CA is a time for fun, relaxation, and adventure. Yet it is also the season that sees an increase in personal injury accidents, like drunk driving car crashes, firework injuries, and bicycle collisions. These accidents can cause serious physical and emotional harm, as well as financial losses. Fortunately, the most common summertime injuries are preventable by following some simple safety tips and precautions. Learn how to prevent common summer accidents and how a personal injury lawyer can help you if you or a loved one are injured due to someone else’s negligence.
8 Common Personal Injury Accidents in the Summer
1. Drunk Driving Car Accidents
Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2021, a 14% increase from 2020. Drunk driving is especially prevalent during the summer months, when people tend to celebrate holidays, vacations, and parties with alcohol. Drunk driving is extremely dangerous among teen drivers because they are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol, including impaired judgment, reaction time, coordination, and vision.
2. Burn Injuries
Summer burn injuries are another type of personal injury accident that happen from exposure to heat sources such as fire pits, grills, fireworks, or sunburns. Burn injuries can be caused by negligence, recklessness, defective products, or lack of safety precautions. These injuries can cause pain, blistering, infection, scarring, or disfigurement. If you are in Santa Ana, remember that only California State Fire Marshal approved Safe and Sane fireworks are legal. Possession or use of illegal fireworks is a crime and is punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. To prevent heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, wear protective clothing and stay hydrated.
3. Motorcycle Accidents
As more motorcycle riders hit the road in the summer months, motorcycle accidents increase. August is the most dangerous month for motorcyclists, accounting for 14% of all fatalities. Motorcycle accidents occur due to driver negligence, lack of visibility, road hazards, and mechanical defects. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injuries than car drivers, as they have less protection and stability. Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries such as road rash, broken bones, dislocations, nerve damage, or amputation.
4. Pedestrian Accidents
Walking, jogging, running, skateboarding, and roller skating are all popular pastimes enjoyed during the warmer months. In areas like Downtown Santa Ana, pedestrians are especially common. However, with more people out enjoying warmer weather and sites, there is an increased risk of a pedestrian-motor vehicle collision. California has the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in the country, and the statistics show no sign of coming down. To protect yourself as a pedestrian, always cross the street at a crosswalk and make eye contact with the driver. Do not attempt to jaywalk in a busy intersection or road.
6. Bicycle Accidents
Bicycling is a popular outdoor activity during the summer season. It’s a great form of exercise and fun for the whole family. Before getting on a bike, it’s important to follow a few key safety precautions, especially when it comes to children. In California, it is required by law that anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. Helmets and other safety gear significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries and death. Additionally, bicyclists must remain extremely vigilant while riding with traffic. Bicycle accidents with a motor vehicle can cause life-threatening injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries.
7. Swimming Accidents
While many people enjoy taking a refreshing dip in the pool in summertime, California swimming pool accidents spike in the summer. According to the CDC, drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the U.S., and is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14, after motor vehicle accidents. Drowning fatalities and injuries are incredibly tragic yet completely preventable, as long as safety measures are taken. A lack of proper pool fencing, supervision, and not being able to swim all contribute to these devastating accidents. If the accident was caused by a pool defect, you may be able to sue the manufacturer or company that installed it.
8. Trampoline Accidents
Popular among children and teens, a trampoline can be a fun summer activity to pass the time, but it comes with its own high risk of injury. Every year, more than 100,000 people end up in the emergency room because of injuries from trampolines. The most common trampoline injuries are sprains, strains, bone fractures, and lacerations. To avoid an injury, make sure the trampoline has a net, only allow one child in at a time, and have adult supervision.
When Is It a Good Time to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you or a loved one are injured in a summer accident that was not your fault, you should seek medical attention first and then contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. California limits the time accident victims can file a claim against the at-fault party, and it is typically two years from the date of the accident. If your accident involved a government entity, victims are limited to filing a claim within 6 months.
Before you contact a personal injury lawyer to review your case, you should have a written and detailed account of the accident, including when and where the accident occurred, if more than one party was involved, and the injuries sustained. Once you have gathered the details, an experienced lawyer can help you investigate further, speak with witnesses, and negotiate with the other party’s insurance company. A lawyer will ensure your case gets the proper attention and a fair settlement is reached.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Therefore, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you.
We Can Help File a Personal Injury Claim
At Riverview Accident Lawyers, our personal injury lawyer in Santa Ana can help you fight for your rights and recover the compensation you deserve after an accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of someone else. Our personal injury law firm has an open-door policy and welcomes anyone who may be wondering whether or not they have a valid case. Contact us at (657) 655-6045 for a free consultation and case evaluation. We are here to help you.