Common Florida Summer Accidents and How to Keep Your Family Safe

Florida is known for its warm beach weather, theme parks, and 360 miles of beautiful coastland. Florida calls many tourist attractions home, including its theme parks, natural springs, zip lines, 189 beaches, and luxury resorts. These amenities bring a high influx of domestic and international travelers every year. Summer months can get particularly crowded, increasing the chance of being involved in an automobile or similar accident.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the summer months of Florida travel see an uptick in Motor-vehicle deaths from June to October.

Accidents are often preventable; however, appropriate safety measures are not always implemented or obeyed by the appropriate parties. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, our firm is here to provide answers and protect your rights. Allen & Abaray, P.A. has represented countless personal injury cases, and we are committed to protecting your legal rights through aggressive litigation strategies. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and to learn your options.

Types of Accidents

Florida summers can bring a variety of unfortunate, preventable accidents. They often happen without warning and can bring both physical and financial damages. The most common accidents are slips and falls and motor vehicle accidents. Florida is home to many amusement parks, which also see their fair share of accidents. Regardless of the nature of the injury, it is vital to treat and report injuries immediately and keep a record of all accident details. Here are a few tips on staying safe over the summer and what to do if you are in an accident:

Slip & Fall:  Summer break is often synonymous with drinking and partying. Any parent can attest that this risky behavior can lead to an accident. Slips and falls are not just limited to vacationers. Even your local supermarket can pose a slip and fall risk if the floor is slippery.

Prevention: To help avoid slips and falls, be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards. Check for signs that may indicate hazardous conditions, such as a broken railing, slippery floor, or restricted area.

After an Accident: Don’t apologize or admit any fault. Seek medical attention for injuries sustained as soon as possible.

• Record details of your injury
• Photograph the premises
• Obtain contact information of witnesses
• Contact our personal injury attorney

Theme Park Accidents: Accidents aren’t the first thought that comes to mind when you think of amusement parks, but according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 2021 saw almost 35,000 injuries. Over 15,000 of those were children between 5 and 14 years old.

Prevention:

1. Always confirm that all riders in your party meet the required height and weight restrictions for rides.
2. Ask staff about when the rides were previously serviced and double-check that all seatbelts, bars, and other safety features are engaged and functioning properly.
3. Never embark on a ride that appears to be unsafe.

After an Accident: Treat this like any other accident: DO NOT admit fault or apologize.

• Record details of your injury and where it occurred
• Seek medical attention ASAP
• Collect information from witnesses
• Contact our personal injury attorney

Our attorneys are experienced and are prepared to immediately protect your rights against these large corporations who may seek to reduce your available recovery. Amusement park injuries are caused by a variety of things, from tripping on a wet surface to a ride malfunction. Parks will often try to avoid lawsuits by posting signs that they are not responsible if the roller coaster rider is injured; therefore, it is imperative that you hire a roller coaster injury lawyer to evaluate your case and advise you on how to proceed.

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle collisions can occur with other vehicles, objects, or pedestrians and may result in severe injury, death, and/or loss of property.

Prevention:

1. If you plan to travel, maintain a valid driver’s license and keep your registration and insurance current.
2. Keep a list of emergency contacts in your vehicle and obey all traffic signs and signals while driving.
3. Above all, don’t drive distracted and pay attention to weather and road conditions. You are 400% more likely to be in an accident if you are on your phone.
4. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

After an accident: 

• Check everyone for injuries and move to the side of the road if possible
• Call 911
• Exchange information (License & Insurance)
• Document the accident (location, witnesses, etc.), take photos, and get a copy of the police report
• Call your insurance provider
• Call Allen & Abaray at 863-669-9999 or 877-669-6899
• For additional information, see our BLOG: Do’s and Don’ts after a motor vehicle accident in Florida

Schedule a FREE Consultation Today With a Trusted Attorney

We understand the burdens and hardships an accident brings. Our firm is prepared to protect your rights and lift these burdens so you can focus on your recovery. Time is crucial when up against large corporations who may seek to reduce your recovery. If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury or wrongful death, contact the Florida accident attorneys at Allen & Abaray, P.A. to schedule a free, initial legal consultation at (877) 669-6899 or (863) 669-9999. Our office is located in Lakeland, Florida, and we serve clients throughout Central Florida. Call us now for assistance.