Spring break is such an exciting time! After a long winter of freezing cold weather and being cooped up inside your home, both the young and old alike are ready to get out and enjoy some sunshine. Spring break injuries are not part of the plan, but if they do happen, are you informed about how to respond?
Let’s look at some of the most common spring break injuries that happen so that you can avoid them if possible. We’ll also talk about some important steps to take after an injury to protect yourself in the future.
Top Spring Break Injuries
1. Alcohol-related injuries
We all like to let loose during vacation, and for many, this means drinking more alcohol than usual. Excessive alcohol drinking is one of the top causes of accidents during spring break (and other vacations and holidays). Drinking too much and getting alcohol poisoning, tripping, falling, getting in a fight, being involved in a car crash, and more are ways alcohol can cause some unfortunate injuries.
2. Car Accidents
Many spring-breakers drive to their vacation destination. With extra cars on the road and more drivers operating vehicles under the influence, the possibility of car crashes increases quickly. Add the excitement of friends being together and distracting the driver or driving while sleep-deprived, and unfortunate accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
3. Water-related injuries and drownings
Being in the water is a great way to spend your spring break, but dangers can also be associated.
Did you know that drowning is the 5th leading cause of accidental death in the United States? While this can be the case for many reasons, being mindful of your surroundings, including those around you and what they’re doing, can save your life. Whether you are in a pool or ocean, what are the imposing threats around you? Keeping alcohol out of the mix is also a smart decision as it is estimated that up to 70% of deaths associated with different types of water recreation like boating, canoeing, waver running, and swimming involve alcohol.
4. Slip and Falls
No matter how careful you are, a slip and fall happens quickly! You could be walking next to a pool and find a slippery spot, getting into a boat and going down, or even walking into your hotel lobby to get breakfast and slipping on some pancake syrup. While your accident may just be a case of clumsiness, it could also be the fault of another person or business.
5. Bar or Club Injuries
Hanging out in the local bar or checking out a popular club on vacation are always hot spots for spring breakers. While this can be fun, there are some dangers to be aware of. With so many extra people in these tight spaces, it can become very easy for bartenders to overserve. Alcohol poisoning as well as opportunities for drink spiking (including date rape drugs), are plentiful during these times. Don’t forget the fights that can break out and more. This might not be the ideal place to hang out after all!
6. Theft
If you’re on spring break with a group of friends, it’s easy for others to notice you’re not a local. This makes you an easy target for theft. Vacationers often carry large amounts of cash and credit cards and are a prime focus for con artists. Be extra cautious in these situations!
Consider these possibilities before spring break to prevent accidents.
Spring Break Safety Tips
Whether you’re a spring breaker yourself or a parent of a spring breaker, important safety tips can be discussed and followed to help ensure a fun time while still staying safe. Some of the best safety tips to avoid spring break injuries include:
- Drinking alcohol responsibly. If you will be out in the water or driving somewhere, choose a different drink to stay safe.
- If you do consume alcohol, be sure to eat something to help offset its effects.
- Don’t ever get in the car, boat, or wave runner with a driver that’s been drinking.
- Take extra care when driving in increased traffic.
- Don’t talk or text while you’re driving.
- Limit other distractions while driving.
- Be safe while in the water. Only go in marked areas. Keep a buddy with you always, especially when swimming in the ocean.
- Keep a fanny pack or crossbody bag with your belongings when you go out on the town.
- Take turns watching your stuff with friends at the pool to avoid theft.
- Leave your passport, jewelry, and other important items in a safe back at your hotel.
- Always stay in safe areas when you travel. You don’t want to accidentally end up in a dangerous place and risk getting hurt.
- Never leave your drink unattended.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you are hurt in a spring break accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. The attorneys at Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. handle personal injury cases every day and take pride in the compensation we are able to help our clients obtain for the accidents they have been involved in.
If you are injured on spring break, it’s important to consider if the accident was at least in part because of the negligence of another. Were there warnings in place that the floor was slippery? Were appropriate measures taken to help protect against injury? If you feel like someone else is to blame for your accident, gather evidence, take pictures, and get whatever proof you can to show that someone else was at fault. This kind of proof will support your personal injury case exponentially.
Your spring break injuries have affected your life, and you should absolutely seek restitution for the pain and suffering you have endured. Our team is ready to get started on your case. Call Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. at (504) 522-2304 for more information.
