Tips to Stay Safe This Summer as the World Reopens
This summer, it could be declared to be safe to go outside again and see family members, hang out with friends, return to work, and take your kids to all their favorite activities. Now, with so many people getting vaccinated, and doctors figuring out how to treat COVID-19, the world could somewhat return to normal in just a few months. However, while we may be excited to get back to how things were, we still need to keep in mind tips to stay safe this summer as the world reopens. But, sometimes, accidents happen. If you do happen to get into an accident, then you can always contact the Riverside’s premiere personal injury lawyers at Heiting & Irwin.
Heiting & Irwin have over four decades of experience assisting clients with injury and wrongful death claims. We have retrieved more than $500 million for our clients, and we’ll work hard to get you the settlement that’s rightfully yours.
The following are some of the risks of reentering the world, as well as how to ensure you are protected this summer.
Car Accidents
Even with the lockdowns in place over the past year, the number of people who were killed on highways in the United States rose 4.6% in the first nine months of 2020! Now that people are getting back out on the road, they may be out of practice and brushing up on their driving skills, or inattentive, or otherwise neglectful of what they are doing. Since there weren’t as many drivers behind the wheel, then many decided to speed since the roads have been clearer. This could lead to more accidents, injuries, and deaths.
When you start driving more this summer, remember to follow basic driving safety tips like making sure your car doesn’t need any repairs, following the speed limit, checking your mirrors, and paying attention instead of focusing on your cell phone or other distractions. Glare can be an issue when you’re driving on sunny days, which is why you need to keep your windshield clean, wear polarized sunglasses, and leave a larger amount of a distance between your car and other cars. If you drive defensively at all times, you will certainly reduce your chances of getting into a car accident, but accidents do happen. Sometimes we can’t avoid them.
Road Hazard Accidents
This summer, when you’re driving, you not only have to watch out for other cars. It’s also important to pay attention to any potential road hazards that could be in your way. This could include objects that fell from construction sites or other vehicles, bumpy roads, potholes, poorly maintained roads, obstructions, animals, pedestrians, and other hazards. Additionally, you need to keep your eye out for people opening car doors, motorcyclists, cyclists,and children playing in the street. It’s critical to always keep your eyes on the road and adhere to traffic signs and speed limits in order to avoid a road hazard accident.
Pedestrian Accidents
When it’s warm, hopefully we spend a lot more time outside, even when it’s nighttime. Crossing the street, we need to be extra careful, especially after dark. Some tips for staying safe as a pedestrian include paying close attention to what’s going on around you, using crosswalks instead of jaywalking, wearing reflective clothing at night, walking facing traffic and as far away from the cars as you can if there is no sidewalk, and making eye contact with drivers to ensure that they can see you.
Premise Liability Accidents
As stores reopen, we may go out and about more to places like the mall and favorite supermarkets. When you’re inside a store or on store property, there’s a possibility that you could get injured in a slip and fall or another type of accident. Another possibility is that you might be on some public property and get hurt. It’s important to stay vigilant and eliminate distractions when you’re outside, wherever you go. Pay attention to wet floor and construction signs, as well as other signage that may convey that a certain area is unsafe. Even if there are no signs, areas may be unsafe.
What to Do if You Get Injured in an Accident This Summer
If you get injured in any sort of accident this summer, the first thing to do is get to a safe area (whether you’re in a car or on foot). If you’re in a car, then call the police, and if you’re on a property like a store, report to staff and to the manager or someone else in a position of authority that you have been injured.
Collect evidence that this accident occurred. Take photos of the scene, your injuries (if they are visible), and any damages to personal property, the area, and belongings. You might shoot some video. Note where traffic and/or security cameras are located so one can possibly gather that footage. If you are able, you could collect witness statements from people who saw what transpired.
Go to the hospital or a doctor to evaluate and take care of your injuries. Even if you experienced what you think is a minor injury like whiplash, or you believe you aren’t seriously injured, you still need to go to make sure. Get X-rays taken and follow your doctor’s orders, which may include going to follow-up appointments and taking prescription medication.
If the person or company or entity who was responsible for your injuries or their insurance company tries to offer you a settlement, refer them to your attorneys. It will be too low and, if you accept it, you won’t be able to get a higher settlement later on. Make sure you have engaged a personal injury lawyer like those at Heiting & Irwin for help. They will collect evidence and help strengthen your case, and they will work to get you the highest possible settlement. They will go after economic and non-economic damages alike such as money for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Your lawyer will work hard on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve. You can rest assured that your case will be handled properly, and you can focus on relaxing and getting better.
Contact Heiting & Irwin Today
As you go back out into the world, you may need legal assistance if you get injured in an accident. Heiting & Irwin are here for you. We have dealt with many, many, personal injury and wrongful death cases and will fight to get you the settlement that’s rightfully yours. Contact us online or call us at 951-682-6400 to work with us on your case.
