Spring and the change of seasons means people are venturing outside to take advantage of the warmer weather and enjoying more outdoor activities. It also means that new situations for personal injuries develop. It’s important for individuals and families to be familiar with some of the most common injuries that can occur outdoors and learn some tips on how to prevent them. 

Motor vehicle accidents – People begin travelling more in the spring for everything from family activities and events to spring vacations. In New Jersey, traffic going to and from the Jersey Shore starts up in the early spring, especially on warm weekends. Motorcycles also become more plentiful on New Jersey roadways as the temperatures rise. As a result, motor vehicle accidents tend to rise with all the influx of spring traffic. Although it may be impossible to prevent an accident, be extra diligent while driving and be aware of your surroundings while driving on congested roadways. These extra steps can help you be safer on the road. 

Dog Bites – Spring weather means more people are walking their dogs in neighborhoods, parks, and dog parks. Unfortunately, it also means that there is more risk of being bitten by a dog. As a general rule, you can minimize the risk of a dog bite in several ways. Do not try to pet or touch a dog without the owner’s permission, even if the dog is a familiar animal. Don’t approach stray dogs. If you’re a dog owner, be careful to properly train and socialize your dog. 

Here in New Jersey, dog bite laws are stringent. New Jersey’s Dog Bite Statute, N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, establishes strict liability for dog claims in the state that favor the victim, even if the owner was not aware of the dog’s viciousness or if the dog had never exhibited this type of behavior in the past. 

Playground injuries – Spring means more children are out playing on public or school playgrounds. Playground injuries are very common. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USPSC) reports that emergency rooms typically treat more than 200,000 children for playground-related injuries each year. Most playground injuries result from falling off equipment. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it’s important to make sure that the surface underneath the playground equipment can absorb and minimize impact in case of falling. However, they also state that adult guidance and supervision is the best way to prevent injuries. 

Personal injury can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, especially when your loved ones are affected. If you or your loved one have been injured in any of the above or other scenarios, consider consulting an experienced personal injury attorney to find out how to protect your interests and possibly receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income or other damages.