9 Common Causes of Summertime Injuries

Ontario summers usher in beautiful weather, but the warm season also increases the risk of all sorts of injuries. Read our guide to learn the common causes of summertime injuries, and stay safe this summer.

Summers are a blast in Hamilton, with backyard barbecues, beach days on Lake Ontario, and an overflowing list of waterfall trails and parks to visit. But, summer activities also amp up the opportunities for accidents to happen.

What season do most injuries occur?

At Morris Law Group, we’ve seen the dark side of summer and helped countless people recover physically, legally, and financially from the devastating effects of a summer injury.

To help you enjoy the summer safely, we’ve compiled this guide on the most common summertime injuries and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

#1: Motor Vehicle Accidents

What is the top cause of injury during the summer?

Summer is stuffed with long weekends, holidays, and plenty of people driving to cottage country for a getaway. With surges in road traffic and higher consumption of alcohol, the risk of car accident injuries increases significantly. Impaired driving, distracted driving, fatigue from long trips, increased road construction, and speeding all contribute to the danger, with consequences ranging from minor fender-bender injuries to ongoing back pain, traumatic brain injuries, and fatalities.

Prevention is key. If you plan to consume alcohol, have a sober driver or ride lined up ahead of time. Avoid distractions while driving, obey speed limits, take ample breaks on long trips, and look out for road construction. If you can avoid traveling highways and busy roads during those busier times, take another route or plan your trip outside the rush hours.

#2: Bicycle Accidents

We’re so lucky in Hamilton to have countless scenic bike paths and the Hamilton Bike Share program with over 130 hubs across the city. But with increased traffic in the warmer months, there’s a heightened risk of accidents between bikers and distracted drivers. We see collisions with oncoming vehicles, uneven pavement, potholes, and crashes with other cyclists, commonly resulting in head injuries like concussions, arm, wrist, or collarbone fractures, road rash, and soft tissue damage.

Stay safe as you ride this summer. Wear a properly fitted helmet whether you’re riding for 2 minutes or 2 hours, wear bright clothing, install front and rear lights for day and night riding, obey traffic rules carefully, and watch for distracted drivers. Regularly tune up your bike, make repairs, and ride defensively—make eye contact with drivers, leave plenty of space, and use your bell to alert people of your presence.

#3 Boating Accidents

Southern Ontario is a place of natural beauty, and Hamilton is nestled on Lake Ontario with Lake Erie, Huron, and other fresh-water lakes close by. A day spent boating those waters is a summer tradition for many, but it comes with significant consequences in case of a collision or boating accident. The risks of boating accidents in Lake Ontario include head or spinal injuries, propeller injuries, drowning, and even carbon monoxide poisoning if a boat engine is faulty.

Navigate the waters safely. Every person on board a boat must wear a properly fitted lifejacket, secure a sober driver, check the weather before you head out and throughout your journey, take a boating safety course, and carry a fully stocked emergency and first-aid kit onboard.

#4: Slip & Falls

What is the most common outdoor injury?

Slip and falls can happen year-round, but outdoor activities at the sports field, waterpark, festival pitch, or hiking trail can put people on uneven ground and increase the risk of accidents. These summertime pursuits can lead to painful injuries anywhere water, spilled drinks, and rough terrain make it hard to stay upright, leading to broken bones, head injuries, back or spinal injuries, and more.

Watch your step and stay aware of your surroundings. Look where you’re walking, step carefully around hazards, wear footwear with good traction and grip, and take your time – running around the pool deck is a recipe for disaster.

#5: Sports Injuries

Summer is long-awaited by fans of warm-weather sports, who flock to the closest tennis court or softball diamond to get some play time in. Summer sports can sometimes lead to unexpected sports injury at every experience level, including soft tissue damage, fractures, concussions, sports and spinal injuries, knee injuries, and overuse injuries.

Play smart and stay safe. Always warm up and cool down, use proper protective gear, honor and listen to your body, stay hydrated, use proper technique, and stop when your body tells you it’s done. Beware of hazards on the field and mind the other players around you.

#6: Heatstroke & Dehydration

Sun worshippers love the summer months, but there’s a real danger of dehydration and heatstroke if the temperature rises too high or you exert yourself in the summer heat. Heatstroke and dehydration are dangerous conditions that can move from minor to life-threatening very quickly, especially in older adults and children. Some of the physical signs of dehydration include dry mouth, thirst, dark urine, dizziness, fatigue, and headache, while the signs of heatstroke include high body temperatures, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting, hot skin, and rapid breathing.

Stay hydrated and cool. Drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day, seek shade whenever possible, dress in cool, light-colored clothing, apply SPF regularly, and reduce strenuous activities when the temperature gets too high.

#7: Swimming Injuries

The hot Ontarian summers bring many of us to the beach or poolside to cool down for some relief. Drowning, near-drowning, and diving accident injuries are some of the most severe injuries, including brain damage, neck or spinal cord injuries, waterborne illnesses, and fatalities.

Navigate the waters safely. Never swim alone, supervise children and weak swimmers, take swimming lessons, obey posted signs at beaches and pools, never dive headfirst into shallow or unknown waters, and learn CPR to keep those around you safe.

#8: Playground Injuries

Playgrounds are popular family spots in Hamilton, but even with proper supervision, accidents can happen. We often see falls from equipment, collisions with other children playing, equipment failure, and hot surface contact cause scrapes, cuts, bruises, broken bones, and head injuries.

Play safe all summer long. Only attend well-maintained and age-appropriate playgrounds, supervise children closely, teach them how to play safely, avoid asphalt-paved playgrounds with no shock-absorbing materials, and remove loose clothing that could get caught on equipment.

#9: Grill Accidents

Summer barbecues are delicious, but grill-related accidents are unfortunately common, turning parties into health emergencies. Common injuries include burns from hot surfaces, fires, and food poisoning caused by undercooked or improperly stored food.

Safely grill all your summer favourites. Place your grill on a stable surface away from your home and other flammable materials, inspect your grill before every use, and always attend to the grill when in use. You must also clean the grill after use to control grease, use long-handled, heat-safe tools, cook food thoroughly, and store food at proper temperatures before and after cooking.

Protecting Your Rights After a Summertime Injury

If you face the unfortunate reality of an injury this summer, your next steps could make the difference between securing your legal rights and covering your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Seasoned accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and advocate for rightful compensation.

The Morris Law Group—Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me

At the Morris Law Group, our personal injury lawyer attorney team is ready to help you through your accident recovery and get you back to enjoying your summer. We’re health and legal advocates to help you navigate complex insurance and legal systems for the best outcomes possible. Request a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys, or call us at 905-526-8080 to learn more.