Common Personal Injuries: Summer Edition

Every rose has its thorn, and every season has its threats. Prevent these three common personal injuries this summer, and learn how to handle them should they occur.

 

Car Accidents

The number of car accidents spikes every summer for a few reasons:

  • There are more motorcyclists on the road when riding weather is ideal.
  • Since school is no longer in session, there are a lot of inexperienced and newly licensed student drivers out and about.
  • More pedestrians on sidewalks and crosswalks as people enjoy the weather.
  • Summer time is roadtrip season, which means more tourist drivers who are unfamiliar with the area, and more traffic than usual on the roads.

 

Use the following safety precautions to decrease your chances of getting into an accident.

  • Always slow down when approaching crosswalks.
  • Increase your following distance from other vehicles.
  • Give motorcycles extra room.
  • Avoid driving  or at least slow down when visibility is low, such as at night or in the rain.
  • Keep the windshield, windows, and mirrors clean.
  • Don’t speed.
  • Obey traffic laws.
  • Report reckless drivers.

 

If you do get involved in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, seek medical attention and call your attorney as soon as possible. Don’t speak to an insurance adjuster until after you’ve talked to your lawyer to prevent your words from being twisted and used against you.

 

You can help your case by taking photos and videos of the scene of the accident and your resulting personal injuries.

 

Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process to help ensure that you win the compensation you deserve.

 

Workplace Injuries

There are three workplace injuries in particular that are common during the summer months.

Luckily, these injuries can usually be prevented with certain safety practices.

  • Wear shoes with good traction and support.
  • Report safety hazards in the work environment.
  • Bring a refillable water bottle to work.
  • Avoid wearing dark colors and layers of clothing.
  • Take frequent breaks when working in the heat.
  • Keep an ice pack in your lunch box.
  • Follow workplace protocols and procedures.

 

If you get hurt at work, do not wait to report the accident to your employer. This can destroy your claim, and affect your ability to get compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages from missed days of work while in recovery.

 

Once you’ve reported the accident and injury, contact your personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will then help you file a workers’ compensation claim, and any other necessary documents. Your lawyer can also handle communications with insurers, preserve evidence, and if necessary, file a lawsuit against a third party on your behalf.

 

Dog Bites 

When the sun is shining, dog owners bring their pets outside more. Unfortunately, not all pet owners are responsible. When a dog is left unattended, especially in an enclosure that isn’t secure, accidents can happen.

Dog bites can cause serious injuries and ailments such as the following.

  • Infections.
  • Lacerations.
  • Contusions.
  • Fractures.
  • Joint dislocation.
  • Sprains and strains.

 

Missouri law no longer allows a dog “one free bite” before its owner can be held responsible for injuries. If a dog attacks and is not provoked, the owner or handler is liable.

 

If you are attacked by a dog, hire a personal injury lawyer to help you collect reparations for your injury related expenses, and your pain and suffering.

 

Personal injuries are incredibly expensive. Treatment, doctors appointments, prescriptions, and missed days of work add up quickly. That’s why you need an experienced personal injury attorney in your corner. Your lawyer will protect your rights, fight to recover your injury related expenses, and guide you through the legal process of pursuing compensation so you can focus on getting better.

 

If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by another party, contact us to schedule your initial consultation. There, you’ll receive free legal advice and talk strategy with a compassionate St. Louis lawyer near you.