Summer is a great time to hit the road and visit friends and family you have not seen in a long time or to get out of town for the weekend. Unfortunately, you are not the only one with that idea. That is why summer travel can be more dangerous. There are more people on the road during the summer months.
To help you understand the hazards of summer, here are the most common reasons why car accidents rise in the warm weather months.
Summer Break
Many families take vacations when their children are off school in the summer. This is helpful because parents do not have to take their children out of school and worry about making up that time. The weather is usually more enjoyable in many parts of the country, opening up more vacation opportunities.
Summer break also means more vehicles on the road each summer. Knowing this, you can be a defensive driver and do your best to keep yourself and your passengers safe.
Bad Weather Happens Fast
Bad weather in certain parts of the country pops up quickly, which can be severe. You could see hail and downpours so heavy that you cannot see out of the windshield. In some states, you may even see tornadoes.
Even when traveling close to home, bad weather can derail your plans. Your best choice is to be safe and get off the road if the weather is dangerous. Always look at the forecast before you take a road trip.
Construction Is More Prevalent
Because the weather is nice, construction work usually increases during summer. Construction presents unique challenges when driving. You have to look for workers and road debris that another car may have kicked up.
Potholes and heavy bumps can be present in construction zones too. When you hit a pothole, it can cause your car to swerve, pop a tire, or even crack an axle. These incidents can cause vehicles to spin out of control, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
It Is Hotter
Hotter temperatures make your car work harder. Not only does the engine need to be operating in good condition, but it also needs to work hard to keep itself cool. If it gets too hot, you could quickly find yourself stranded during a vacation.
The hot weather also wreaks havoc on your tires. When tires get too hot, they could expand too much, especially if they have been filled with too much air. This could lead to tire blowout accidents.
Unfamiliar Areas
As noted above, more vehicles are on the road, but more people are also going to new places where they are unsure where to turn. When drivers get lost in unfamiliar areas, it is much easier to make rash decisions and cause an accident.
What Should You Do After a Summertime Car Accident?
Even if you do everything right, follow all the traffic laws, and drive defensively, you can still get into an accident. You cannot control what other drivers do, and they could cause an accident where you get injured. If you find yourself in that unfortunate situation, here is what you need to do:
- Call 911. Anytime you get into a car accident, call 911 so emergency medical personnel can evaluate you and anyone else involved. Your first and most important priority is to ensure you are okay. Calling 911 also sends the police to your accident scene, where they will speak with you, the other driver, and witnesses. They will compile this information into a police accident report. While this report may not assign fault, it will prove helpful for your legal claim.
- Take pictures and videos. Ensure you get images and videos of your injuries, each vehicle involved in the crash, and the entire accident scene. Document more than you think is necessary because you never know what will be helpful later.
- Speak with witnesses. The police will speak with witnesses, but not all witnesses will wait around for the police to arrive, especially in minor accidents. Ensure you at least get contact information from every witness. Witnesses often provide unique insights into the seconds leading up to your crash, information that may help prove another driver was to blame.
- See your primary doctor when you get home. Even if you are treated for injuries at the scene or hospital, make sure you see your primary doctor when you get home. They can document how your injuries have affected your life and help you chart a path for recovery.
- Keep a personal injury journal. Sometimes, the best evidence is your own words. Over time, you will forget every hurdle and setback. By writing down everything you had to deal with during your recovery, you can ensure that you paint a clear picture of how your car accident has changed your life.
- Call a lawyer. A trusted and experienced car accident lawyer can give you the legal support and guidance you need.
Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers Help Clients Who Have Been Injured in Summertime Collisions
Even if you follow the driving tips above, you could still be injured in a summertime car accident. To find out your legal options, speak with one of our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers. Our legal team at East Coast Trial Lawyers will protect your rights. Call us at 757-352-2237 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Virginia Beach, we serve clients in Chesapeake, Eastern Shore, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, Virginia, as well as North Carolina and nationwide.
