Recreational Accidents

Each year as our state warms under our ever-present sun, vacationers, party seekers, and recreational fun seekers stake out weekends and holidays for cookouts and pool parties. For many people, recreation time is more than fun activities and good food. All too often, alcohol is involved, leading to accidents and resulting in injuries. When this happens, you want to speak with a San Antonio personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Statistically, approximately 60% of us have at least an occasional drink during such weekends. While many reports indicate that moderate drinking can actually be beneficial, it is important recognize the impact that alcohol may have upon the safety of our everyday activities.

Most adults understand the importance of not drinking and driving. However, even if you are not planning on operating a vehicle, it is important to stop and consider that performing just about any activity under the influence of alcohol can impair your ability to function safely.

You also want to note that alcohol and the hot summer sun can be a dangerous combination. Not only can it increase the chances of dehydration and heat stroke, the effects of alcohol and temperature combine to have a substantial effect upon our behavior, such as:

• Reduced reaction time,
• Aggression,
• Diminished coordination, balance, and physical ability,
• Impaired attention and judgment,
• Reduced inhibitions,
• Increased risk-taking behavior,
• Impaired vision,
• And reduced depth perception.

Any of these effects are dangerous in and of themselves, but the presence of alcohol in the bloodstream can make them even worse. A personal injury attorney serving San Antonio can help determine the extent to which alcohol contributed to a recreational accident.

Every year alcohol leads to unintended accidents that result in severe injuries. Some accidents involve falls, drowning, burns, firearm injuries, and heat exhaustion. The effects that alcohol can have on injuries are staggering, as it even impairs the body’s ability to respond to damage appropriately and heal itself.

In 2005, there were over 1.6 million hospitalizations and over 4 million emergency room visits for alcohol-related conditions. In fact, alcohol use was associated with the following recreation-related statistics:

• 20% of all water recreation-related deaths
• Nearly 50% of pedestrian-related deaths
• Nearly 50% of all water recreation injuries for both teen and adults
• 276 boating accidents in 2008, which led to 124 deaths and 246 serious injuries

When it comes to summer fun, people impaired by alcohol can misjudge swimming distances, the distances of oncoming traffic, how cold the water is, their own physical limits, and their abilities to operate a boat or golf cart. Combined with the side effects of increased risk-taking and a lower reaction time, heat and alcohol are a dangerous mix.

If you’ve suffered a personal injury involving someone whose actions are impaired by the presence of alcohol in their system, they could be liable for the accident and held responsible for any financial compensation you may receive. A personal injury attorney in San Antonio will work on your behalf to determine the extent alcohol may be involved and the subsequent liability of those who consumed it.

The lawyers of Carabin Shaw are well-versed in liability cases involving recreational personal injury. Over twenty-five years of experience helping clients just like you give our law firm the edge as the strongest possible advocate for your rights.

After an accident, you may be contacted by the other party’s insurance company as they attempt to perform an investigation regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident. Some insurance companies may even try to settle a case quickly to minimize the amount they pay out. You don’t want to do anything that jeopardizes your rights or possible settlement. Before you give any statements or allow another party access to your medical records, you need to speak with one of our lawyers.

We’ll schedule an initial meeting with you free of charge to evaluate the facts of your case, as well as discuss the options available to you. Our attorneys won’t rest until they win your case.

If you’ve been involved in a recreational accident and have been injured, know that you’re not alone. The San Antonio personal injury attorneys of Carabin Shaw are committed to protecting your rights and doing everything we can to help you recover money for your injuries.

To schedule a free consultation, call us today 210-222-2288, or toll-free at 800-862-1260.