The summer months provide many of us with the opportunity to participate in a number of out of door activities, like going on vacation, attending picnics or outdoor gatherings, and spending time with family and friends. This is also the time when a great number of accidents occur. This is because of the physical activities we engage in and the longer days which keep us outside for more extended periods of time. There are a number of different types of common summertime injuries that occur on a regular basis and there are things you can do to reduce your risk of being injured in such an activity that creates these risks.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

It stands to reason that if we spend more time outside riding bicycles and walking on our roadways, the risk of being injured in some type of accident will greatly increase. This is especially true when dealing with bicycles and pedestrians who are out on busy roadways. This risk increases when younger people, with less experience, are riding bicycles on the roads. It is important to wear a helmet and reflective clothing while riding a bicycle. If you are a pedestrian, it is important that you also wear reflective clothing and be very careful of other cars or hazards while you're walking. Many times, these accidents are caused by the negligence, or fault, of another and there could be a number of different ways to access insurance coverage to compensate the injured party for their damages.

Swimming Accidents

Due to the extreme heat that is experienced in many parts of our country, people take to swimming in an effort to cool off. This popular activity could include a public or residential swimming pool, a lake, a river, or the ocean. Sometimes there are diving boards, rope swings, or other potential hazards that are located in and around the place where people swim. Sometimes, alcohol plays a part in contributing to accidents involving swimming. You should familiarize yourself with the area in which you are swimming, including locating any potential hazards. People who are not strong swimmers should not attempt to swim in open waters or in the ocean. This is due to the obvious risks that are present. You should also consider wearing a life jacket if you need any type of assistance.

Trampoline Accidents

Children who use a trampoline and are unsupervised can sometimes suffer extreme injuries that could include broken bones or paralysis. A trampoline becomes a very inviting activity but can prove to be something that is very dangerous. The majority of trampoline injuries occur to children younger than 13 and can result in catastrophic injuries. Children should always be supervised and safety protocols should be followed, including limiting the number of people on the trampoline at any given time.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, and other motorized vehicles, are prevalent on the roads, especially in the warmer months. People who are on vacation may be unfamiliar with the roadways, which can cause them to become distracted or lost which could increase the risk of being involved in an accident. Additionally, people attending parties, going to beaches, eating out at restaurants, and consuming alcohol, should not operate a motor vehicle. This greatly increases the risk of becoming involved in an accident. Speeding, reckless driving, not stopping for red lights, and otherwise violating various motor vehicle laws, will also greatly add to the risk of being involved in an accident. Common sense and responsible behavior should be the minimum guidelines to use when operating a motor vehicle.

Slip and Fall and Trip and Fall Accidents

Many people attend events, parties, and gatherings at places that are unfamiliar to them. The risk of being injured in someplace unfamiliar when coupled with hazards, such as drinking, excessive amounts of water on the ground, being out at night where there is insufficient lighting, and walking in areas that are in a state of disrepair, will increase the risk of tripping and falling or slipping and falling and are especially present during the warm summer months. It is important to have on the proper footwear, limit your alcohol consumption, watch where you are going and be on the lookout for any hazard that can cause you to become injured.

As attorneys, we have all heard of stories where people who are injured say that their accident occurred in the blink of an eye. Many of these dangerous situations appear suddenly but are conditions that might otherwise be avoided by limiting alcohol consumption, protecting yourself in what you wear, what activities you engage in, where you go, and how diligent you are in watching out for potential hazards.

This is the time of the year that you should be enjoying yourself with family and friends. The last thing you want or need is to have you or a loved one become injured as a result of the negligence or fault of another. Be very careful and have fun. If you are injured as a result of the fault of another please contact our Connecticut personal injury attorneys who will be happy to provide you with a free consultation and advise you as to what you should be doing regarding your injury case.