Being aware of summer accidents is the best form of prevention
Summer is here and Canada is slowly transitioning back to a state or normality in light of the pandemic. COVID-19 restrictions are beginning to loosen across the country, offering hope to many citizens coast-to-coast. As such, many Canadians are eager to enjoy as much of summer as possible before fall’s cooler weather arrives.
Right now, more people are back on the roads while recreational activities like motorcycling, boating and backyard pool swimming surge in popularity again. It might seem like a time for celebration, but remember, many of these outdoor activities could result in potentially serious summer accidents. Now more than ever, there is an increased risk of personal injuries in what some experts refer to as summer “trauma season”.
What are the most common summer accidents?
During June, July and August, Canada typically experiences an increase in these types of accidents.
- Bicycle accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Boating accidents
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
What to do if you experience a summer accident
Every type of summer accident is unique. In order to guide our clients, we’ve shortlisted the steps you need to follow should you ever experience one of the following accidents.
Bicycle accidents
Should you experience an Ottawa bicycle accident, first attempt to clear yourself from harm’s way and then call the police. Unfortunately, bicycle collisions are all too common in Canada. According to CAA.ca, an average of 74 Canadians die in cycling collisions each year. Furthermore, 73% of these incidents involve a collision with a motor vehicle.
Collect as much information as possible from the other person involved in the collision. This includes their insurance and driver’s licence details. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact details and start to collect information relating to what happened. Write things down in bullet form or make a small map of the intersection on a piece of paper. Seek medical attention if you are injured and hold onto any relevant information or evidence from the scene of the accident.
After this, it’s time to contact a personal injury law firm like MG Law. Here, you can discuss the best course of action, regardless of whether you are the victim of the crash or not.
Swimming pool accidents
If you or a loved one experiences a swimming pool accident, emergency or drowning, seek medical attention immediately by calling 9-1-1. The incident will need to be reported and documented to local police. Unintentional swimming pool deaths are more common than you think, especially during summertime.
If you are a homeowner and a guest experiences a swimming pool accident, document the accident as soon as you can. As the owner of your home, if a serious injury or death occurs, it is best not to admit fault or discuss the accident without proper legal counsel. Seek out a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can to discuss next steps.
Boating accidents
An 18-year study by the Canadian Red Cross stated that 57% of boating accidents occur during the summer months.
First, seek medical attention after a serious boating accident by calling 9-1-1. Document as much information about the accident as possible as soon as it happens. Take short notes and photograph the aftermath of the accident. Collect the contact and insurance information of all parties involved. After that, contact your insurance and personal injury representatives.
Car accidents
According to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Ontario traffic collisions fell 26 percent from 2019 to 2020. This was due to many people being unable to work or adopting a work-from-home policy due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, the fatality rate was up 22 percent for the same period. With life now returning to normal, we could see a sudden rise in the figures again.
Should you experience an Ottawa car accident, seek immediate medical attention. Collect as much information about the accident as possible. This includes obtaining the insurance and driver licence details from all parties involved. Consider photographing the scene of the crash and take short notes about what happened. Personal injury professionals can advise you on your best course of action and assist with the claims process. Do not admit guilt and do not discuss the accident without the guidance of an Ottawa personal injury lawyer like MG Law.
Motorcycle accidents
Despite the pandemic, 2020 was a bad year for motorcycle accidents. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported that 42 people were killed last year, one of the highest number of motorcycle fatalities in a decade.
In the event you experience an Ottawa motorcycle accident, seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Document the scene of the accident and collect key information from the other parties involved, including their insurance information.
Before you contact your insurance company, contact a personal injury lawyer. They will coordinate your entire legal journey for you. Remember to never discuss the accident or admit guilt to the other parties involved. Instead, allow your legal counsel to advise you on the best course of action.
MG Law helps summer accident victims get the compensation they deserve
MG Law is experienced in handling all types of personal injury claims including those related to summer accidents. Things like spinal cord injury or head trauma can have life-changing consequences. So why suffer in silence? To successfully recover the personal injury compensation you deserve, lean on the experience of MG Law during challenging times. You are not alone. Call us at (613) 730-8460 to book your free consultation.
