In Florida, common spring break injuries often include slips/falls, drink-driven crashes, water accidents, sunburn/heat issues, and assault- or venue-related harm, often linked to alcohol, crowds, and unfamiliar settings.
While Florida presents ample opportunities for fun in the sun, many of the activities that people flock to Florida to participate in can present risks. Let’s take a look at some of the most common spring break injuries in Florida so you can better understand the dangers if you’re visiting.
If you or someone you love does get hurt during spring break, it’s also important to have a local attorney representing you. Diaco Law is here and ready to help, so give us a call or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation and find out how our injury lawyers in Tampa can fight for you.
Most Common Spring Break Injuries in Florida
AAA travel data shows that Florida is one of the leading destinations for spring breakers, with multiple Florida cities earning a place among the 10 most popular domestic destinations.
Here are the most common causes of injury during spring break travel in the Sunshine State.
Car Accidents
Auto accidents can happen any time, but AOL reported recently on a study showing that the crash risk increases significantly during the prime spring break months of March and April.
A five-year study of federal crash data revealed that Florida ranks number eight in the U.S. in terms of spring break driving risk, with a shocking 2,839 crashes occurring during those two months alone.
The crash rate hit 12.56 per 100,000 residents in March and April, which is 52% higher than the national average.
Water-related Accidents
With so many people visiting Florida to enjoy the beautiful beaches, it’s not surprising that water-related incidents are another big issue during spring break. A significant number of injuries and fatalities occur due to:
- Drowning incidents
- Diving accidents
- Jet Ski accidents
- Boating accidents, including boat propeller accidents
Orthopedic Injuries
Many people also visit Florida to play golf, tennis, beach football, or beach volleyball.
Unfortunately, sports injuries can happen when partaking in these activities, especially if you aren’t always active at home.
Alcohol-related Incidents
Alcohol poisoning, fights fueled by intoxication, and slips and falls while drinking are also major risks for Florida’s spring break revelers. Alcohol use also significantly increases auto accident risks.
Theme-park Accidents
Florida is an incredibly popular destination for families as well as for party-goers, so theme park accidents are another big issue. Whether it’s from poor maintenance or problems with unsafe rides, people get hurt every year while trying to have a pleasant day out with their loved ones.
Who is Responsible for Spring Break Injuries in Florida?
Many of these common spring break injuries could be prevented with reasonable care. When companies and individuals fall short of fulfilling their obligations to ensure a reasonably safe space for everyone, they can be held liable for losses.
Some common examples of companies or individuals who could be responsible for paying for your damages after an accident include:
- Careless drivers or boaters who cause accidents
- Hotels, amusement parks, and restaurants that fail to maintain safe premises or that are negligent about providing security
- Bars and restaurants that serve patrons who are clearly intoxicated or underage
- Recreational companies that rent out unsafe equipment to tourists
And these are just some of the many examples. Diaco Law can help you to determine if there are defendants you could hold liable for your losses so you can recover compensation if you get hurt.
Contact a Florida Injury Lawyer Today
Diaco Law regularly represents visitors to the state who are hurt while on vacation. To find out more about how we can help you, give our Florida spring break injury lawyers a call today to schedule your free consultation.