During the summer months, many individuals, couples, and families hit the road to go on vacation and visit loved ones. Sadly, as road traffic increases, so does the potential for devastating car accidents. Although motorists driving in the summer months won’t have to contend with snow or icy roads, other summer-specific hazards can lead to accidents.
If you were injured in a car accident in Virginia Beach, contact Mike Deering to discuss your case and review your legal options. If you didn’t contribute to the cause of the accident, you might be eligible to recover compensation for damages you suffered.
Do Car Accidents Really Go Up in the Summer?
Data compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in a recent year revealed that August was the month with the most traffic-related fatalities. All of the summer months, from May through September, saw more motor vehicle crash deaths than the winter months. The Institute also noted that more traffic fatalities occurred on July 4th, Independence Day, than on almost any other day in each year during a four-year period. Nearly all of the other dates with the most traffic fatalities were in the summer months.
There are numerous reasons why car accidents go up in the summer, including:
- Teen drivers – When school lets out for the summer, you can expect that there will be more teen drivers on the road. Teens have less experience on the road than their adult counterparts, which can contribute to collisions.
- More vacationers – Many families decide to take vacations during the summertime. Long road trips mean more vehicles on the road. Because tourists aren’t always familiar with the streets and highways in Virginia Beach, they can quickly become a danger to other drivers.
- Drunk driving – Families and friend groups often get together to throw parties or reunions during the summer, and these gatherings frequently involve alcohol. Motorists who get behind the wheel after drinking may experience impaired judgment and a delayed reaction time, resulting in catastrophic car accidents.
- Mechanical failures – Virginia Beach can get quite hot during the summer, and the heat can have a negative impact on your vehicle. The summer heat may cause blowouts, engine overheating, and other mechanical problems while you are traveling. These mechanical issues can ultimately contribute to a motor vehicle crash.
- Road construction – Road construction projects tend to increase during the summer. Road work zones contain countless hazards that regularly contribute to car accidents, including construction equipment, debris, and makeshift lanes. Other motorists can cause accidents in these zones if they fail to obey traffic signage or adjust their speed.
If you are planning to travel by road during the summer months, it is critical to familiarize yourself with the potential dangers and take steps to protect yourself and your passengers.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you were injured in a car accident in Virginia Beach, there are several steps you should take after the accident to safeguard your safety and your rights:
- Call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive on the scene. Police officers will create an accident report that contains vital information about your injuries, the damage to each vehicle, and witness information.
- Collect as much evidence as you can while you are at the scene. If you can, take photos of your injuries, road hazards, the damage to each vehicle involved in the crash, nearby traffic signage, and the overall scene. Ask any witnesses to the accident for their contact information.
- Seek prompt medical care. Mike Deering recommends seeing a physician within 72 hours of the accident, even if you don’t think you are hurt. Insurance companies typically require claimants to undergo a medical evaluation within a few days of the wreck, or they might refuse to accept liability.
Lastly, you should contact an attorney to discuss the next steps. A skilled Virginia Beach car accident lawyer like Mike Deering will have the resources to investigate the accident, gather additional evidence to support your claim, and build a strong case for compensation on your behalf.
Contact Us for Help
If you were hurt in a traffic collision in Southeastern Virginia, contact Mike Deering right away. You shouldn’t have to pay for another person’s incompetence. Mike Deering is a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer who has extensive experience partnering with car accident victims just like you to seek full and fair financial relief. Reach out for a free case assessment.
