Who is Liable for Common Summer Accidents and Injuries?
by King Law
As the weather gets warmer, many residents of Upstate New York begin to think about recreational activities designed for warm weather or taking vacations to nearby lakes and other areas. Yet the summer months can pose serious personal injury risks, and it is important to understand how these accidents and injuries occur and who may be liable. The following are some common types of accidents and personal injuries that occur in warm weather, along with information from a Rochester personal injury lawyer about determining liability for each type of incident.
Heat Accidents and Injuries
Whether you are working outdoors during the summer or spending time with friends and family, heat-related injuries and illnesses can occur when the temperatures are particularly high. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat stroke is “the most serious heat-related illness,” and it “occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature.” Employers may be responsible for certain heat-related injuries, or property owners could be responsible if a heat stroke or other heat-related condition occurs at an event on someone else’s property.
Slips and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls tend to happen in summer months because more people are out walking. If you slip, trip, or fall on someone else’s property, it may be possible to file a premises liability lawsuit against that party. If the trip and fall occurs on public property, you should seek advice from a lawyer about filing a claim against the government in order to obtain compensation.
Drowning Accidents
Drowning accidents happen more often in summer months when the weather is warm and people are swimming. When a drowning accident occurs on someone else’s property, that property owner may be liable for damages.
Car Accidents Involving Teens in the Summer
Many people in Rochester know that wintry weather can pose serious car accident risks, but it is also important to know that motor vehicle collisions can increase in the summer among some types of drivers. According to AAA, the “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when “new teen drivers ages 16-17 are three times as likely as adults to be involved in a deadly crash.” These teen drivers are not necessarily at fault for the accidents, and other drivers may be liable for negligence.
Beyond teen drivers, more motorists on the roads for summer vacations can also increase the risk of a collision, even if the driving conditions are relatively good. If you believe that another driver was responsible for a car accident in which you or one of your loved ones suffered a serious injury, you should speak with a car accident attorney who can provide you with more information about filing a no-fault insurance claim and meeting New York’s serious injury threshold in order to be eligible to file a car accident lawsuit.
Contact a Rochester Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, or if your child sustained injuries, you should know that one of our Rochester personal injury attorneys can evaluate your case for you today and determine who may be liable for damages. We can negotiate a settlement with an insurer or can represent you in a personal injury lawsuit seeking financial compensation for your losses. Contact King Law today to learn more about how we can help.
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