Each summer, Alabama residents and visitors suffer injuries in accidents that could—and should—have been avoided. While some types of accidents are concerns year-round, certain types of accidents are of particular concern during the summer months. Learn about seven summer injury risks and your legal rights from Birmingham slip and fall lawyer Tracy W. Cary.

Slip-and-Fall Injury Risks During the Summer Months

In this article, we are focusing specifically on risks for slip-and-fall accidents. Bicycle accidents, scooter accidents, golf cart accidents, boating accidents, auto accidents involving out-of-town drivers and various other types of accidents tend to be more common during the summer months as well. 

With this in mind, some examples of slip-and-fall injury risks during the summer months include:

1. Swimming Pool Accidents

From backyard swimming pools to swimming pools at hotels and resorts, pools can present serious injury risks if they aren’t adequately maintained. These include injury risks related to slips and falls. Whether a swimmer falls onto the pool deck or falls into the pool, emergency care may be necessary to mitigate the risk of long-term or permanent complications. Lack of supervision is an issue in many cases as well.

2. Water Park Accidents

Inadequate maintenance and lack of supervision are common factors in slip and fall accidents at water parks as well. Alabama is known for its waterparks, and while most visitors are able to enjoy their time and go home, several visitors suffer serious injuries every year.

3. Amusement Park Accidents

Slips and falls at amusement parks are a summer injury concern as well. From slippery paths and sidewalks to slippery floors in restaurants and bathrooms, numerous hazards can lead to sudden falls and serious injuries. Just like water parks, when amusement parks fail to do what is necessary to protect their customers, they can—and should—be held fully accountable.

4. Boardwalk and Beach Town Accidents

Slippery boardwalks, beach shower areas, hotel lobbies, restaurant floors, and other slip-and-fall hazards are concerns in beach towns all along Alabama’s Gulf coast. If you or a loved one slipped and fell during a trip to the beach and you have any reason to believe that someone else or a local business may be to blame, we strongly recommend speaking with a Birmingham slip and fall lawyer right away.

5. Parking Lot and Parking Garage Accidents

With many areas in Alabama experiencing an influx of visitors during the summer months, parking lot and parking garage accidents are a particular concern as well. Spilled drinks, rainwater, slippery stairs, and various other potential slip hazards can all cause sudden falls that result in serious injuries. Here, too, hiring a Birmingham slip and fall lawyer promptly is the first step toward seeking accountability.

6. Dock and Marina Accidents

Docks and marinas are often slippery, and this means that they are often the site of slip-and-fall accidents. Whether you or a loved one slipped and fell on the way to a charter, while boarding or disembarking from a boat, or simply while walking the dock, you could have a claim for just compensation.

7. Accidents Involving Drunk, Distracted and Reckless Drivers

Not only do drunk, distracted and reckless drivers present risks for other motorists, but they can also present risks for pedestrians. If you fell when you were forced to try to jump out of the way of a dangerous driver, an experienced Birmingham slip and fall lawyer may be able to help you seek just compensation in this situation as well.

Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Alabama

Regardless of how you got injured, if you have a claim for a slip-and-fall accident in Alabama, there are some important steps you need to try to take to protect your legal rights. For example, to help give yourself the best chance of recovering just compensation, you should:

  • Keep as Much Documentation as Possible – If you have photos or videos from the location where you or your loved one slipped and fell, you should keep these to share with your lawyer. You should also write down everything you can remember about the accident.
  • Prioritize Your (or Your Loved One’s) Medical Needs – Even if you were visiting Alabama on summer vacation, it is important that you prioritize your (or your loved one’s) medical needs. Seek emergency treatment if necessary, and be sure to tell your (or your loved one’s) healthcare provider that you are seeking treatment in relation to a slip-and-fall accident.
  • Talk to a Lawyer as Soon as Possible – Even if you have photos or videos on your phone, you may still need various other forms of evidence to prove your legal rights. This is one of several reasons why it is important that you speak with a Birmingham slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible.
  • Be Prepared to Work with Your Lawyer to Document Your Losses – While your lawyer will investigate the accident for you, you will need to be prepared to work with your lawyer to document your accident-related losses. This includes not only your medical bills and other out-of-pocket costs, but your (or your loved one’s) pain and suffering and other non-financial losses as well.
  • Be Careful to Avoid Mistakes that Could Jeopardize Your Claim – When you have a slip-and-fall claim in Alabama, even simple mistakes can prove very costly. With this in mind, you should make sure you know what not to do in order to protect your legal rights. Your lawyer will be able to assist you here as well.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Birmingham Slip and Fall Lawyer Today

If you need to know more about filing a claim for injuries suffered in a slip-and-fall accident (or any other type of accident) during summer vacation in Alabama, we encourage you to contact us promptly. To speak with an experienced Birmingham slip and fall lawyer about your legal rights as soon as possible, call us at 205-855-2745 or request a free consultation online now.