Warm summer weather brings many Americans outdoors for cookouts, pool parties, and more. Despite how beautiful summer weather can be, the summer season is not without risks. At Wettermark Keith, we tend to see certain types of injuries happen during the regular summer months. Here are a few that top our list of common summer injuries.

#1: Car Accidents

Despite the fact that auto accidents may happen any time of year, June marks the beginning of a sustained period of increased activity for our firm. As sad as it is, Memorial Day kicks off what experts have dubbed the "100 deadliest days" for young drivers.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2012, adolescents accounted for roughly half of all vehicle accident deaths. In reality, young people are at a higher risk of being involved in an automobile crash due to the following:

• They probably have a vehicle full of pals with them.
• They are probably sending messages while behind the wheel.
• They are more likely to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
• They're probably on a road trip, or at least on the way to somewhere new.

If you're a parent, this summer and beyond, remind your adolescent of the significance of driving carefully to help them avoid accidents.

#2: Lawn Mowing Injuries

It rains a lot in the summer, so you can count on mowing your lawn frequently. Defective lawn mowers may quickly escalate a routine task into a potentially life-threatening one. In fact, about 80,000 people in the United States have injuries related to lawnmower accidents annually.

In some instances, these accidents are caused by faulty or defective equipment. In other instances, lawn mowing accidents can be caused by striking unseen rocks or debris in the yard.

#3: Insect Bites and Stings

Alabamians are quite familiar with the nuisance and hum of mosquitoes––especially in the hot, humid summer. Besides how annoying they are, mosquitoes bring along a host of dangerous diseases, including West Nile Virus and the Zika Virus.

Make sure, when you’re outside after dusk, you wear light colored clothing, and apply plenty of insect repellent. 

#4: Grilling Injuries

Most people don’t associate grills with injuries, but grilling injuries are actually a bigger issue than you’d think. A study back in 2009 proved this case, as 18,000 people were sent to the emergency room for injuries sustained while grilling outside with their families. In most cases, the victims had severe, and sometimes life-threatening, burns. 

Another seemingly harmless culprit for grilling injuries? Grill brush bristles. Grill brushes are designed to fit between the crevices of your grill’s grates to clean up gunk and leftover residue, but they can also slough off and become lodged in your throat or stomach––posing a major health risk. 

In some cases, grill brush bristles can make their way into your lower intestine and cause perforation, or a hole in the wall of your gastrointestinal tract.

#5 Water-related injuries

Swimming, boating, and other water sports may be thrilling, but they also present the risk of serious injury if done improperly. When precautions aren't followed, people may drown, come close to drowning, or get injuries connected to water from things like slipping and falling. When engaging in water-based activities, it is crucial to constantly adhere to safety requirements and have lifejackets and other safety equipment on available.

#6 Heat stroke and heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are conditions brought on by spending too much time outdoors in the summer's scorching heat without taking enough precautions against dehydration. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke have very similar symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, and fainting. Keep yourself hydrated, dress in light, loose clothes, and find somewhere cool and shady to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

#7 Sunburn

When you spend too much time exposed to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, you run the risk of getting a sunburn. As if the agony and disfigurement of a sunburn weren't bad enough, being burned might also increase your chances of developing skin cancer. Using a high-SPF sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and sunglasses, and finding shade during the middle of the day are all good ways to prevent sunburn.

#8 Sports injuries

Injuries sustained when playing sports or engaging in other forms of physical activity should not deter anybody from taking part in these endeavors, which provide several health benefits. Sprains, strains, fractures, and bruising are all quite common in the sporting world. In order to avoid being hurt when playing sports, it is essential to properly prepare your body for movement, to use safety equipment, and to adhere to all rules and regulations. If an injury does occur, it's crucial to be checked out by a doctor and start a rehabilitation program right once.

Little known facts about summer injuries:

Summertime injuries are common, but few people realize that they are often brought on by faulty machinery or consumer goods. Defective products have been linked to many different types of incidents, including motor vehicle collisions, injuries sustained when mowing the lawn, and even burns sustained while grilling. You may file a product liability lawsuit to seek compensation if you or a loved one were hurt by a faulty product. If you want to know your rights and alternatives, it's best to see a lawyer.

Personal injuries can cost you thousands in medical bills, and even more in loss of quality of life. If you were injured in an accident of any kind, you deserve a personal injury lawyer who can help you get back on your feet again. Call Wettermark Keith today and our personal injury lawyers will do the rest.