What Are the Most Common Vacation Accidents and Injuries in Florida?
Florida drew a record 127 million out-of-state visitors in 2018, according to the state’s official tourism organization, Visit Florida. Tourists flock to the Sunshine State expecting much-deserved fun and relaxation. Unfortunately, however, some tourists will face an unforeseen accident or injury on their getaway.
Knowing some of the most common types and causes of travel injuries can help you and your family stay safe for the entirety of your vacation.
Most Common Types of Accidents for Vacationers in Florida
Accidents happen every day across the state of Florida. Some of the most common accidents tourists could be involved in include:
- Auto Accidents – Florida has the third highest number of motor vehicle fatalities in the country, according to data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There were 3,116 vehicle crash fatalities in Florida in a single recent year, and 841 of those deaths involved alcohol. Of the 37,133 total fatalities in the U.S. that year, 8.5 percent of them were the result of distracted driving.
- Pedestrian Accidents – The risk of walking in Florida is higher than in any other state, according to a report from Smart Growth America and National Complete Streets Coalition. Nine of the 20 deadliest U.S. cities for pedestrians are in Florida, according to the report. Over a 10-year span, Florida had an annual average of 2.73 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 1.55 per 100,000 people.
- Transit Accidents – If you’re not driving yourself, you may be using buses, trains, ferries, and other modes of public transportation. If an accident occurs while you’re on vacation, be aware that the owner of the vehicles or the operator may be liable for the accident, especially if the driver was negligent or the vehicle was not properly maintained.
- E-scooters, E-bikes, Bicycles, and Golf Carts – Part of the joy of exploring a new city is trying out new modes of travel, such as e-scooters, e-bikes, bicycles, and golf-carts. In an accident, victims often suffer head injuries, internal injuries, and fractured bones.
- Slip and Fall Accidents – Slip and fall accidents can occur at poorly maintained businesses or recreational areas, such as restaurants, hotels, and beaches. Wet floors, unmarked steps, curling carpets, or uneven surfaces can pose a hazard to anyone, especially tourists unfamiliar with the premises.
- Recreational Sports and Parks – Recreational-related injuries can unfortunately be all too common on vacations. Whether you’re paragliding, boating, water skiing, or visiting an amusement park, always make sure you’re renting from a reputable organization.
- Insufficient Security – If you have been hurt in an assault or another security-related incident, property owners, such as those of restaurants and hotels, may be liable if they knew about the security risk in advance, or if they failed to provide a reasonably safe environment.
Injuries that Florida Vacation-Goers Often Suffer
Victims of a vacation accident can suffer a wide range of injuries, from head trauma to fractured bones. Following are some of the most common injuries that may occur:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Cuts and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Back, spine, and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Tips to Stay Safe on Your Florida Vacation
One of the best things you can do to travel safely is do your research. Read reviews for any services or companies you plan to use to make sure they’re reputable, licensed, and their employees are well-trained.
If you’ve rented a car, be sure to take your time and remain alert when driving on unfamiliar roads. Do not get so distracted by navigation apps or devices that you fail to keep your eyes on traffic. Also, it is important to never operate any vehicle (rental car, golf cart, moped, or electric scooters, for example) while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Be sure to supervise your children at all times, especially at swimming pools, waterparks, or amusement parks, where safety hazards may be common and severe injury accidents could happen in an instant.
Contact Rosen & Ohr, P.A. in Hollywood, Florida after Being Injured on Vacation
If you or a loved one has been injured on vacation in Florida, and you believe someone else was at fault, contact the injury attorneys at Rosen & Ohr, P.A. for help. Contact us online or call us now for a free consultation.
