Memorial Day weekend was fun for many Florida residents. Cookouts with family and friends, traveling to the beach, or heading out on the lake are just a few ways people spend the holiday. However, when you end up injured on Memorial Day in Tampa Bay, things can go from fun to fearful.
There are a variety of scenarios that lead to accidents and injuries on Memorial Day. Primarily:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Semi-Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Hundreds of people across the United States are affected by accidents like these each year.
Why are injuries in Tampa Bay on Memorial Day more likely?
Because more people flood into the Tampa Bay area around Memorial Day weekend, the chances of an accident (and injury) increase dramatically. How were you injured while spending the holiday in Central Florida? Was it…
A Car Accident?
The National Safety Council estimates that car accident injuries and fatalities are 8.1% more likely over Memorial Day weekend. This tops 4th of July statistics as well as New Year’s Eve. Why?
Drinking and driving, distractions, and heavy traffic are just a few of the root causes seen throughout Florida over the last few days. The Thursday before Memorial Day was one of the heaviest, with many choosing to leave work early, take off on Friday, and hit their vacation.
A Motorcycle Accident?
Much like car accidents, motorcycle accidents cause injuries in Tampa Bay on Memorial Day because of alcohol use, distracted driving, and the increase in traffic on our local roads. In addition to these reasons, motorcycle accidents are often the result of reckless driving. Racing, showing off with friends/other motorists, and even high-speed driving for personal thrill kills or injures bikers regularly.
A Boating Accident?
Boating accidents are a major cause of injuries over Memorial Day weekend!
Boating accidents are a huge issue in Central Florida! They are among the most likely causes of injuries in Tampa Bay on Memorial Day weekend. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer, Chris Boley, stated when asked last week about the upcoming Memorial Day:
“We are expecting to see a high influx of vessels on the water. So there are going to be a lot of people in the water as well as vessels and vessel traffic.”
This proved true, as we saw many people on the lakes, along the coast, and in The Bay. While experts haven’t solidified the number of accidents or injuries from this past weekend, the Coast Guard estimates (in their most recent data) that approximately 4040 people were injured in boating accidents over 2022.
These sobering facts about boating accidents are a good reminder to use safety when you’re on the water this summer:
- 75% of boating accidents involve drowning.
- In 85% of the fatalities, victims were not wearing life jackets.
- Inexperience and lack of education are a major cause of boating accidents and deaths.
These accidents are preventable! Educate yourself before heading out on a boat, and make sure everyone aboard is wearing an age and weight-appropriate life jacket. There are penalties in Florida if you don’t!
A Semi-Truck or Commercial Vehicle Accident?
An unexpected source of injuries in Tampa Bay on Memorial Day are semi-trucks and commercial vehicles. Because these vehicles were responsible for stocking shelves, delivering gasoline, etc. to the state of Florida, they naturally came in fleets when vacationers were headed our way. These oversized trucks and vans can be dangerous for motorists and bikers as they have limited visibility, longer braking distances, and more weight to manage. While they’re always on our highways, they were out in full force over the holiday weekend.
Did you suffer an injury in Tampa Bay on Memorial Day?
Were you injured while in Tampa Bay over Memorial Day weekend? Whether on the road, on the water, or on your bike, the team at Brooks Law Group is here for you. We believe ALL victims deserve fair and quality representation, no matter where you’re from, your economic status, or your personal situation.
Our contingency fee ensures legal representation with no money due up-front, so you can count on us to fight for your best interest. We achieve the results and get the compensation you deserve, and we fight for justice on your behalf.
For local representation that understands and knows Florida law, Look to Brooks!
