Statistics show that car accidents are more likely during the summer than at other times of the year. In 2015, August was the month that had the most fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. In fact, the summer is commonly known as the “100 ‘deadliest days'” for teens and those on the road with them.
First of all, if you are involved in a car accident resulting from someone else’s negligence, the first thing you should do is call an ambulance and seek immediate follow-up care at a hospital or urgent care facility.
If you continue to experience pain or other symptoms following discharge from the hospital or urgent care facility, you should follow up with your primary care physician or other treating doctor. Finally, you should contact a St. Louis personal injury attorney who can assist you with maximizing the value of your case.
Why Are Car Accidents More Likely in the Summer?
1. More Roadway Construction
One reason why car accidents are more prevalent during the summer than at other times of the year is because in many states, including Missouri, construction crews take advantage of the warm weather to try and accomplish as much work as possible before the cooler weather sets in. Construction work can result in the following:
- Fewer open traffic lanes
- Detours
- Temporary signs or traffic signals
- All of these may increase the risk of traffic collisions – especially when drivers are impaired, distracted, or fatigued while behind the wheel of a car or truck.
2. Malfunctioning Vehicle Equipment
St. Louis summers can be hot, and high temperatures may increase the wear and tear on car engines and other equipment, including tires. When blowouts and other malfunctions occur on Missouri roadways, the risk of a traffic accident increases tremendously. In some cases, these kinds of malfunctions are unavoidable and are simply the result of the hot weather. In other cases, they are caused by defective equipment manufacture or design, in which case victims will likely be able to recover compensation for their losses.
3. Excess Heat Affecting Driver Fatigue
Although many people try to drink enough water and stay hydrated when the temperatures rise, the risk of dehydration is higher when the weather heats up. Likewise, drivers may be more fatigued because their water consumption may not meet their needs, and this fatigue might contribute to an increase in accidents.
4. Increased Alcohol Consumption
As an inverse to a lack of the required amount of water consumption needed to be properly hydrated for the weather, there is often an increase in alcohol consumption which can lead to an increase in drunk drivers on the road.
5. Increased Vehicle Usage Among Bikers and Motorcyclists
Drivers are not usually accustomed to sharing roads with bikers and motorcyclists, but the summer often brings with it an increase of traffic from bikes and motorcycles. If drivers are distracted or fail to follow the rules of the road, they might find themselves involved in more altercations with those biking or driving motorcycles. These riders also need to be aware of other drivers and so could experience an increase in the possibility of injuries they caused.
6. Young Drivers are Out of School and on the Road During the Summer
During the traditional summer vacation, younger high school or college-aged drivers are on the roads. They might be traveling for fun or between jobs and other responsibilities they aren’t normally involved in during the school year, such as internships or other types of duties. When a higher number of inexperienced drivers are on the roads for longer periods of time, your risk of involvement in an accident increases significantly.
How to Prove Negligence After a Car Accident
In order to prove negligence on the part of another driver, a plaintiff must prove that the other driver failed to drive in a reasonable and prudent manner under the circumstances – and that this failure resulted in the plaintiff’s personal injuries and damages. Personal injuries sustained as a result of someone else’s negligence in a motor vehicle accident can be very serious and can affect every aspect of a person’s life. It may even result in long-term medical problems or disabilities.
Generally speaking, insurance companies are not interested in offering fair compensation for the injuries and damages that plaintiffs sustain in motor vehicle accidents. This is why they require experienced legal representation throughout their personal injury cases.
Contact a St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney Today to Discuss Your Case
At the Law Offices of Patrick O’Brien, we are committed to helping people injured in accidents caused by the negligence of others recover for their losses. To schedule a free consultation with a lawyer, contact us or call our office at 866-333-3504.