Summer vacation should be a time for exploring new frontiers, spending time with family, and relaxing in your favorite getaway spots. It shouldn’t be spent in an emergency room. Yet every summer, thousands of people must go to hospitals and spend the rest of the sunny days recuperating from serious personal injuries. Keep yourself and your family accident-free the rest of this summer and summers to come with the following safety tips.
In 2016, 269 people died in West Virginia car accidents. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death across the country, taking thousands of lives each year. Driving in a foreign state or country could increase your risks of an accident since you aren’t familiar with the roads or traffic rules. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 25,000 car accident deaths annually are amongst tourists. Pay special attention when you’re driving someplace you’ve never been. Familiarize yourself with the route, rules, and weather in the place where you’ll be taking your vacation ahead of time. If you do get into an accident, consider meeting with a car collision lawyer to learn about your rights in West Virginia.
The roads in your hometown may look different during the summer months as well. More drivers – especially inexperienced teen drivers on summer break – are on the streets and highways. Take extra care when driving in congested traffic and busy intersections. Look out for pedestrians, as more people tend to walk and bike in the summer months. As a pedestrian or bicyclist, obey all the rules of the road, wear brightly colored clothing, and signal your intent to drivers to decrease your risk of collision.
Premises liability accidents such as slip and falls, lacerations on exposed nails or jagged metal, animal attacks, collapsing structures, and unsafe swimming pools can happen while on vacation. Whether you’re staying on a cruise ship, an Airbnb, a hotel, or a campsite on your summer vacation, take time to assess your surroundings for potential hazards. Being aware of your surroundings can help you avoid premises liability accidents, including criminal assaults.
If you see any property defects that need repairs, notify the property owner right away and request a different place to stay. It is a property owner’s legal responsibility to make sure that premises are safe prior to welcoming visitors. If a dangerous property defect caused your summer vacation accident and injuries, the owner is likely liable for your damages. Report your accident to the property owner. Then, consult a lawyer about a potential claim.
Swimming pool accidents and unintentional drownings are a significant source of summertime hospital stays and fatalities. There’s nothing wrong with cooling off in the water this summer, but make sure you’re doing so safely. The CDC reports that an average of 3,536 unintentional drowning deaths occur each year in the United States, or about 10 deaths per day. An additional 332 people die annually in boat accidents. The following swimming safety tips can help you prevent an accident:
The more you know about swimming pool safety, the lower your odds of a serious accident. If unintentional drowning does occur, perform CPR on the victim right away and continue until paramedics arrive. Keeping the heart pumping and blood flowing can help prevent permanent brain damage in unintentional drowning accidents. If you or a loved one suffers a swimming or boating accident while on vacation, explore your legal opportunities with a West Virginia personal injury lawyer.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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