Top 3 Spring Injuries to Avoid

Spring injuries can take all the fun out of getting outside and enjoying the milder weather. In your hurry to soak up some sun and spend time with family and friends, you can increase your risk for the kinds of accidents that lead to serious injury to yourself and others. Spring tends to be a prime season for personal injury lawsuits for this reason.

To help you enjoy the season, check out this list of the most common spring injuries, plus tips on how to avoid them.

More travelers = spring automobile accidents

Winter weather poses the kinds of risks to drivers that can increase the likelihood of having an accident. That doesn’t mean it’s the only time of the year to take extra precautions when on the roadways. Spring automobile accidents can be extremely common in Albuquerque because of the increased traffic on the roadways.

With more travelers taking to the roadways in the spring, your chances of having an accident go up. Another factor is the upswing in new drivers that seems to emerge every spring. Some first-time drivers may find navigating the bustling roadways in and around Albuquerque challenging, making them more prone to errors.

Defensive driving can go a long way in helping you avoid automobile accidents and the spring injuries they cause. There are three basic principles of this driving style that can offer added protection on the roadways.

• Follow the 2-second rule. Tailgating another vehicle can lead to your inability to stop quickly if necessary.  Always follow the 2-second rule, especially when traffic is heavy. Pick an object the vehicle in front of yours just passed, then count “one, one-thousand, two, one-thousand” to ensure you’re following this guideline. If you reach the object before you finish counting, you’re too close.
• Keep alert in traffic. Albuquerque has some of the busiest – and most dangerous – roads in the nation. They are tricky to navigate, especially during times of congestion. You should stay alert for some of the most common hazards that can lead to an accident. They include cars changing lanes without signaling, cars merging into traffic without yielding, disabled cars, potholes (or other road debris), and sudden stops. Construction zones are another popular accident site for spring injuries.
• Pass other vehicles safely. Fewer things can be more frustrating than getting stuck behind a vehicle driving below the speed limit. Regardless of how irritated you become, it’s never OK to pass in a no-passing zone. Wait for passing zones before making the attempt. Other things you can do for added safety include speeding up before passing and moving back into the right lane as soon as possible. If you’re the one being passed, slow down and give the other vehicle the extra room it needs to pass safely.

Dog bite dangers increase in the spring

People aren’t the only ones out enjoying the spring weather. Pets like to get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air while frolicking in the sun. Dog bites are common spring injuries for this reason.

New Mexico has a robust dog bite law in place to protect victims. Dog owners are liable for damages directly caused by their dogs. If you’re bitten by a dog, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover fair compensation for your injuries.

There is a caveat for dog bite victims. If you knew the dog that bit you had a history of aggressive behavior and approached it anyway, you may not be able to file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner.

Sometimes it’s not possible to avoid a dangerous dog. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers the following tips for protecting yourself from dog bites.

• Never approach a strange dog. Dogs are cute and humans sometimes have trouble resisting the urge to pet them. Any dog can bite, including ones that may be wagging their tails as you approach. Avoid interacting with dogs you don’t know. At the very least, ask the dog’s owner first before you attempt to approach or interact with the animal.
• Pay attention to a dog’s body language. Dogs that are scared or otherwise feeling threatened may provide clues to their state of mind through their body language. For instance, if you notice a dog shrinking back or making themselves more prominent, both are signs of aggression and anxiety. Never approach a dog that exhibits this kind of behavior.
• Stand still and don’t react. If an off-leash dog approaches you, the best thing you can do is standstill. Never try to run from the dog, as they may see this is a characteristic of prey and give chase. Most dogs eventually lose interest and move on if they don’t get the interaction they’re seeking.

Spring injuries from vacation

If you’re among the 70 percent of Americans who go on vacation each year, the last thing you want is to get injured while away. Any getaway that involves strenuous activities like biking, hiking, or frolicking at the beach can make you more susceptible to spring injuries.

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself so you can relax and enjoy your time away.

• Bring or buy safety gear. If you plan to engage in any outdoor activities that may compromise your safety (think mountain climbing or kayaking), make sure you either bring or buy safety gear once you arrive at your destination. Never skip out on things designed to keep you protected from injuries.
• Consider buying traveler’s health insurance. Even if you have the best health insurance plan, the benefits may not travel with you to other states or countries. Having a plan B to fall back on – especially if you plan to engage in any thrill-seeking activities – can give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your vacation.
• Hire experienced guides only. If you plan to do things like scuba diving or any other risky activity, be sure to hire experienced guides only. Scrimping by going without a guide (or a less experienced one) can end up costing you more in the long run if you’re injured.

Recovering damages from spring injuries

Even when you’re careful, accidents sometimes happen. If you suffer spring injuries because of someone else’s careless behavior, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Scott Atkinson has more than 30 years of experience in helping personal injury victims recover fair compensation. Reach out today to schedule a free case evaluation.