The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. This means spring is quickly approaching and students will soon be setting out for spring break adventures with friends.
But before your child leaves town, be prepared - make sure their vacation won't be wrecked by serious injuries or complicated legal matters.
Here are five common spring break injuries that students may experience:
It’s common knowledge that spring breakers love to drink. However, many accidents happen to innocent victims who are sober, just trying to make the most of their vacation. Alcohol poisoning, drunk driving accidents, and bar fights could all potentially result in injuries or death. Look out for underage drinkers or bartenders who continue to serve clearly intoxicated people. Under dram shop laws, an establishment serving alcohol may be held accountable for any death, injury, or other damages caused by an intoxicated patron.
Violent crimes increase during spring break for several reasons. Criminals may see this time as an opportunity, and they prey on unsuspecting tourists or intoxicated bar patrons. Vacationers may find themselves the victims of violent crimes such as physical assaults, mugging, theft, drug crimes, sex offenses, or even murder. Stay safe during spring break by traveling with a buddy, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your wits about you during nights out on the town.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
Traveling to and from exciting spring break destinations can become deadly when faced with distracted driving, drunk driving, or sleep-deprived students dozing at the wheel. A greater number of travelers during spring break results in a higher number of car accidents. If you plan to go on a road trip or drive down to the beach, be cautious about your surroundings and drive defensively. Take turns at the wheel, and never assume that other drivers are paying attention to the road.
Bartenders have a duty to stop serving anyone that is noticeably intoxicated. However, it still happens. Alcohol fuels emotions and leads to rowdy bar fights, sometimes injuring innocent bystanders. Some people get alcohol poisoning and others are injured in drunk driving accidents as a result of being over-served. If you are injured due to over-serving, you may be able to sue the bar or nightclub under state dram shop laws. Common property-related injuries and incidents during spring break that could result in property owner liability also include elevator/escalator accidents, fire hazards and food poisoning.
Not everyone will be partying in bars or leave town during spring break. Unfortunately, house parties can lead to the same serious injuries. Homeowners may be liable for injuries that are sustained on their property or as a result of over-serving guests. If you have been injured at a house party in a slip and fall accident, in a swimming pool, in a fight, or due to over-serving, you may be able to sue under premises liability or dram shop laws.
Contact our Birmingham and Nashville Personal Injury Attorneys
Too many spring break vacations result in life-altering and preventable tragedies for students and their families. If you or a loved one sustains an injury over spring break, contact the personal injury lawyers at Cory Watson Attorneys immediately as you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Whether your child is a college student or younger, if they were injured due to the careless acts or negligence of another, you have the right to make a claim for damages. Let us be your families’ advocate. Our lawyers will review your case and fully explain your legal options. To schedule your 100% FREE initial consultation, contact our offices today at (877) 562-000.