Is Spring a More Dangerous Season?
Personal Injury on the Rise
The weather is warming up and the flowers are starting to bloom. This can only mean one thing: spring is here! While this season may be beautiful, it can also be dangerous. That’s because personal injury cases increase in the springtime. There are all sorts of accidents that can happen, from car accidents to pedestrian accidents to bicycle accidents. And don’t forget about slip and falls! If you’re injured in an accident this spring, it’s important to know what to do to make sure you can enjoy your life after a personal injury.
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of injury in the spring. Spring break travel, rainy conditions and the desire for people to enjoy the weather all lead to the increase in car accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Spring Break traffic accidents are 9% higher among drivers under the age of 25. As we know, South Carolina is a hot spot for travel among Spring Break goers as well as summer vacationers. In addition, spring break brings additional risk for drinking and driving which leads to accidents that often include personal injuries.
Pedestrian accidents are also on the rise in the springtime. People are out and about, enjoying the weather. However, they may not be paying attention to their surroundings. They may be distracted by their phones or they may not be looking both ways before crossing the street. This can lead to serious accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian fatalities increased 27% between 2014 and 2015.
Bicycle accidents are another type of accident that increases in the springtime. From novice to professional riders, we see an increase of people exercising to get ready for bathing suit season! We also see people trying out a new hobby or taking a joy ride. However, people may not realize the dangers of riding a bicycle. They may not be wearing a helmet or they may not be following the rules of the road. This can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
Slip and falls are also common in the springtime. The weather is getting warmer and people are spending more time outside. In addition, rainy weather makes the floors and surfaces of streets as well as establishments more humid and slippery. In the U.S. falls are the number one cause of accidental injury, resulting in 20.8 percent of all emergency room visits in 1995, according to the National Floor Safety Institute. That equates to an estimated at $13-14 million per year in U.S.
How can you prevent a personal injury this spring?
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Give yourself extra time – many accidents happen because we’re in a hurry!
- Practice before you hit the road – bicycling near traffic should only be done if you’re a seasoned and confidant bicyclist. If not, stick to your neighborhood sidewalks, park pathways or empty parking lots.
- Use caution after the rain, even indoors. Wear non-slip shoes or hold onto your shopping cart while shopping.
- Don’t drink and drive. Ever. Period.
If you are injured in an accident, it’s important to know what to do. First, seek medical attention. Then, contact a personal injury attorney. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones and Wilkerson have years of experience handling all types of personal injury cases. We will fight for you to get the compensation that you deserve. At Wilkerson, Jones and Wilkerson, we can help you get back on your feet because we are a local legal firm that is “Big Enough to Fight, and Small Enough to Care”. Give us a call at 803-324-7200. Craig, Forrest and Justin are waiting for your call today.