Most Common Summertime Accidents

How Summer Accidents Happen

While Florida weather can bring scorching temperatures, it doesn’t stop Floridians from participating in outdoor recreational activities. From enjoying a boat ride to going for a stroll through town, an accident can happen at a moment’s notice — and victims could sustain serious injuries. Understanding how the following common summertime accidents occur can help you be proactive in your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

Boating Accidents

Water sports are popular in Florida, and boating can be one of the most fun ways to spend a day. However, Florida has one of the highest rates of boating accidents in the country. Most boating accidents occur because of another boat operator’s negligence. A boating accident doesn’t only happen when two boats collide — victims of boating accidents can be swimmers, jet skiers, or anyone enjoying any type of water sport. Here are some reasons why boating accidents happen:

• Operating a boat while distracted.
• Underage boat operators.
• Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Although boating accidents are unpredictable, there are some things you can do for a safe day on the water. Here are some tips:

• Keep boats well-maintained and functioning correctly.
• Adhere to boat weight limits.
• Ensure anyone operating the boat has a boating license.
• Avoid speeding.
• Go over safety rules and procedures with boat passengers.
• Keep life jackets, first aid kits, and other safety equipment on board.

Swimming Accidents

While relaxing at the pool or beach is a fun way to spend the day, unfortunately, swimming accidents are far too familiar — and in many cases drowning is the result. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), children between the ages of 1 and 5 have the highest drowning rates. The following are common factors that can increase the risk of drowning.

• Inability to swim
• Lack of barriers, such as pool fencing
• Lack of supervision
• Failure to wear life jackets or other swim safety equipment
• Alcohol use
• Keep areas around the pool obstacle free to prevent trips and falls

Swimmers can prevent a drowning accident by:

• Taking swimming lessons
• Keeping safety equipment easily accessible
• Avoiding drinking alcohol
• Using the buddy system and never swim alone

In addition to the above, knowing how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can save a life. When waiting for paramedics to arrive, giving someone CPR can be critical to their survival. Take a certified CPR course so you can help protect your family and friends.

Bicycle Accidents

With miles of beaches and trails, Florida is one of the most popular places for bicyclists. In many cases, bicyclists share the road with cars, trucks, and buses — and if a bike rider gets into a collision with a motor vehicle, a devastating injury could be the result. Bicycle accidents happen when:

• Motorists fail to yield to bicyclists
• Motorists drive recklessly or speed
• Motorists drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Motorists lose control of their vehicle
• Motorists or passengers open doors as a bicyclist pass by
• Motorists encroach on bike lanes
• Motorists engage in unsafe passing maneuvers
• Motorists are distracted while driving

Bicyclists can reduce the risk of serious injury by practicing these safety tips:

• Wear a helmet
• Wear reflective gear
• Ensure the bike has reflectors
• Ride in the same direction as traffic
• Obey street signs and signals
• Always assume a driver cannot see you
• Look ahead to detect hazards to avoid

Pedestrian Accidents

Florida is one of the top states in the U.S. for pedestrian accidents that have caused many victims to sustain severe injuries and, unfortunately, fatalities. While a pedestrian can be struck by a vehicle at any time while sharing the road with motorists, crosswalks are among the top spots where a pedestrian accident can happen. Crosswalk accidents could occur if the:

• Driver had limited visibility due to inclement weather conditions.
• Driver failed to use headlights while driving at night.
• Driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Driver was driving while distracted.

Pedestrians have the right-of-way, and approaching vehicles must stop to let a pedestrian pass safely. If a Florida driver hits you, they can be liable for your injury if you were legally crossing the street.

Pedestrians can avoid a severe injury by abiding by the following:

• Follow the rules of the road and obey signals and traffic signs.
• Walk on sidewalks if available (on streets without sidewalks, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible).
• Stay alert at all times and refrain from using smartphones or other devices that can distract you.
• Look for cars in all directions when walking a crosswalk.
• Always assume drivers can’t see you.
• Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. This is mainly due to the smaller size and lack of protection that regular motorists have, such as being protected by a metal casing, airbags, and seatbelts. Motorcycle accidents commonly occur when a negligent driver:

• Changes lanes unsafely.
• Opens a door of their parked vehicle in the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
• Doesn’t obey speed limits.
• Drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Abruptly stops.
• Is inexperienced.

Motorcycle riders can stay safe by practicing these habits when on the road:

• Ride defensively
• Don’t drink and ride
• Always wear a helmet
• Take a motorcycle safety course

Car Accidents

Florida has one of the highest traffic rates in the country. Whether a small “fender bender” or a fatal crash, the following are some of the top reasons why car crashes happen.

• Distracted drivers (texting, talking on the phone, playing with the radio, eating food)
• Fatigued drivers
• Reckless driving and speeding
• Drunk driving
• Poor weather conditions
• Road hazards (malfunctioning traffic accidents, obstructed road signs)
• Failure to follow traffic laws
• Defective car parts

Drivers can reduce their risk of a car accident with these tips:

• Refrain from texting or talking on the phone while driving
• Don’t drink and drive
• Don’t go over the speed limit
• Obey traffic signals and signs
• Take a defensive driving course

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer

Sustaining an injury after an accident can be painful, stressful, and scary. If you have been hurt due to another’s negligence, you have the right to file a claim. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight the toughest insurance companies to protect your rights so you can receive the maximum compensation that you deserve.

Contact Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A. today at (888) 499-6206 to schedule a free consultation.