Summer is a great time to get out on road trips, but it can also put you at risk of a car accident. Authorities note that the highest numbers of car accident fatalities take place on Memorial Day and other high numbers of car crash fatal injuries take place on summer weekends. In fact, the summer months are among the deadliest for drivers — especially teen drivers.

Why Summer?

There are a few reasons why you are more likely to be injured by car accident during the summer months. Big celebrations like July 4^th can mean more people on the roads, which means more accidents. More people are also on vacation and more teens are home for the summer, meaning more cars on the road and a corresponding increase in car traffic.

Hectic summer schedules can mean more distracted driving and big holidays can also lead to an increased risk of drinking and driving. Even the heat and the sun can affect visibility and driver concentration, which can translate into more accidents. Many municipalities close off streets or have road work completed in the summer, which can create their own risks.

Summer Safety Tips for Drivers

There are a few things you can do to stay safer this summer on the roads:

• Improve your visibility. Wear sunglasses and make sure your windshields and windshield wipers are in good shape. Being able to account for glare and the number of bugs around in the summer can make it easier for you to see the road.
• Take care of your car. Overheating, tire trouble and other problems can make it easier for you to lose control of your vehicle. Give your car a tune-up — especially before road trips.
• Plan trips ahead of time. Stay alert to the news, road conditions and the weather. Knowing when a storm will hit or when deer are common in a specific area can help you stay alert. Knowing where heavy traffic exists can help you take safer alternate routes.
• Have a strong plan to prevent drinking and driving and make sure your loved ones do, too. This is a great time to talk to your teens about Delaware’s zero tolerance law for teen drivers. If your children are under 21, it is illegal for them to have any alcohol in their system when they drive. Make sure you have different ways to get home safely after celebrations and make sure your loved ones can rely on you or have apps on their phones so they can get a safe ride home when they need one.

What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident in Delaware

If, despite your best efforts, you are in a car accident, the crash will be investigated by police. If both drivers have car insurance, each motorist will contact their own carriers and the insurance companies will investigate the accident by sending out an agent.

If you have been in a car accident in the state, you will want to first get medical attention for yourself or anyone who was seriously injured. Delaware law also requires you to stay at the scene. You must further report the accident if it caused $500 or more in property damage on a public highway, if someone was injured or killed, or if someone may have been under the influence.

If you have been injured, you need to take steps to ensure you get compensation to cover all your costs. Car accidents count as personal injury, meaning it can be beneficial to speak to a car accident lawyer in Delaware so you are represented. Even if you have a good insurance policy, a Delaware personal injury attorney can be useful in evaluating the total likely costs of your injuries and negotiating to ensure you get as close to this amount as possible so you pay less out of pocket.

If you need representation for a car accident Delaware, contact Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya for a consultation. Our attorneys have helped thousands of car accident survivors and other personal injury survivors secure settlements and court wins for their injuries.