With Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer, many individuals in our region will be taking advantage of a holiday weekend to spend time outdoors while maintaining social distancing measures. However, while we are practicing safety related to the COVID-19 pandemic, accidents can still occur. If you are involved in an accident this holiday weekend, you need legal representation you can trust.
Holiday Weekend
When it comes to spring and summer holidays, many families in the United States will celebrate outdoors. This may include picnics, outdoor recreational activities, and more. However, with this increase in activity, we also can expect accidents to occur.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most common accidents during the Memorial Day holiday weekend are:
- Car accidents
- Tractor-trailer accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Boating accidents
Car Accidents: Impaired Driving
Nationwide, we have seen a steady decline in drunk driving accidents as a result of stay at home orders. However, drivers are still warned to exercise caution and safety this holiday weekend.
Tractor-Trailer Accidents
As COVID-19 continues to plague our daily life, truck drivers are still on the roads making the necessary deliveries we need. However, be it a result of long hours resulting in fatigue, or an operational error, accidents involving these truck drivers continue to occur.
During the holiday weekend, we anticipate increases in traffic, even with social distancing still occurring throughout much of the Keystone State. However, with outdoor recreational activities still permitted, many families may take to the road to enjoy the fresh air.
But it’s important to be mindful of those we share the road with, to avoid catastrophe.
Motorcycle Accidents
In 2018, motorcycle crashes resulted in 164 deaths according to statistics by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Because motorcycles are more susceptible to becoming unstable and are more likely to lose control over certain surfaces, they can become increasingly fatal, especially with an increased number of drivers on the road.
In these personal injury cases, not only will the injured motorcyclist have to prove that the individual who caused their injuries was negligent, but that the motorcyclist was acting carefully and abiding by all proper laws.
This is why it’s critical to have a personal injury attorney on your side if you were injured while riding your motorcycle or you were injured by motorcyclists.
BOATING ACCIDENTS
For many, Memorial Day weekend marks the start of recreational boating activities as the weather warms up across Northeast Pennsylvania. While having fun in the sun is welcomed, especially when outdoor activities are still permitted during the current health crisis, there is still the risk of accidents and injury.
In data from the U.S. Coast Guard, of the boating fatalities in 2017, 76 % were drownings, and 84.5 % of those victims were not wearing life jackets. Boating accidents and injuries can occur for a variety of reasons including:
- Distraction or inattention
- An improper lookout
- Inexperience
- Excessive speed
- Alcohol use
In addition to the physical injuries sustained, property may also be damaged, adding to the mounting bills.
Avoid Accidents This Holiday Weekend: Fellerman & Ciarimboli
This weekend as you celebrate the sacrifices of Americans throughout time, be sure to exercise caution, even with stay at home orders in place. However, if you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to call us. Fellerman & Ciarimboli has fought for the injured for 20 years, and we will continue to fight for you. Contact us for a free consultation.
