Some Common Summertime Injuries Require Medical and Legal Attention
Summer is the season of outdoor adventures, beach trips, barbecues, and fun in the sun. Along with these activities come higher risks of some severe injuries. Accidents can and will happen whether you’re spending time by the pool, hiking in the mountains, or enjoying a bike ride.
You should enjoy summer but be wary of putting yourself in a situation where another’s negligence may cause an injury. If you’re seriously hurt, and someone else is to blame, contact the Hicks Law Firm to discuss the situation and whether you might be compensated for the harm done. Call us at 949-541-9944.
Pools and Water Parks
We often head to pools and water parks to get away and beat the heat as temperatures rise. Slips and falls are some of the most common injuries in these environments. Wet pool decks, cement, and tiles can be slippery, causing falls that can result in sprains, fractures, or even back and head injuries.
Amusement Parks
Parents whose kids are out of school often head to amusement parks. While most of the time, the worst things that happen are sunburn and stomach aches from junk food, a trip to one of these parks can be life threatening. Ride malfunctions can cause severe injuries. A trip and fall on a poorly maintained walkway may break bones.
Bicycle and Scooter Accidents
Summertime means more people on bikes and scooters, enjoying the warm weather and exploring their surroundings. Unfortunately, with increased bicycle and scooter usage comes an elevated risk of accidents. Collisions with vehicles, poorly maintained roads, or defective equipment can all lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, concussions, and spinal cord injuries. Those on bicycles and scooters can also cause injuries to pedestrians if they don’t ride responsibly.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riding increases when the weather improves. When more riders are on the roads, accidents become more common. Vehicle drivers who don’t look for or see motorcyclists turn in front of them or cut them off and cause collisions.
Boating and Water Sports
Whether it’s sailing, jet skiing, or cruising on a motorboat, water-related activities are a part of summer recreation. However, negligence, recklessness, or equipment failures can turn a day on the water into a disaster. Boating accidents caused by distracted, incompetent, or intoxicated operators can lead to severe injuries like drowning, broken bones, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries.
Heat-Related Illnesses
While not a specific injury, heat-related illnesses are a significant concern during the summer months. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. These conditions can have severe health consequences and even be life-threatening, especially if you’re in poor health.
What Should I Do After I’m Injured?
No matter what causes your injury, you should promptly get medical care. If something is wrong, you want a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. This will speed up your recovery. If you ignore your injury, you can worsen it and increase the chance an insurance company will deny your claim. They’ll say that because of your delay, you might not be injured, or your injury was caused by something else.`
Depending on how and where you are injured, if it’s possible, document it with photos or videos of the scene and what you think caused your accident. If you’re at an amusement park or municipal pool, report the accident to whoever’s in charge and ask for a copy of their accident report.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Costa Mesa
Prevention is always better than cure. Stay safe this summer. Follow safety guidelines, wear appropriate protective gear, and be mindful of your surroundings. Enjoy your summer adventures to the fullest.
If an accident occurs, get medical attention and call an experienced personal injury attorney at Hicks Law Firm so we can help you protect your rights and well-being. If you or a loved one suffer a serious injury this summer due to negligence, call us at (949) 541-9944 today.
Aaron Hicks is a civil trial attorney and founder of Hicks Law Firm, based in Orange County with offices in San Diego and Tennessee. His practice includes representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dog bites and wrongful death. Mr. Hicks is and AV Rated attorney, Super Lawyer and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association where he serves as 1st Vice President.
