The 10 Most Common Summer Personal Injuries

Summer is a time for sunshine, vacations, and outdoor fun—but it’s also one of the most dangerous seasons when it comes to personal injuries. 

With the spike in outdoor activities, travel, and heat-related risks, the summer months often see a rise in accidents that can leave victims facing medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and long-term suffering.

At Morgan & Morgan, we understand how quickly a joyful summer can turn into a painful experience. Whether you're enjoying a backyard BBQ, heading to the pool, or taking a road trip, it’s important to stay vigilant and know your rights if something goes wrong.

Below, we’ll break down the most common summer personal injuries, explain the legal implications, and offer guidance on what to do if you or a loved one is hurt due to someone else’s mistake.

1. Slip and Fall Accidents at Pools and Water Parks

When the summer heat hits, people flock to pools, water parks, and splash pads. While these spots offer relief and entertainment, they also present slip and fall hazards.

Common causes:

• Slippery concrete or tile surfaces
• Poorly maintained walkways
• Lack of warning signs near wet areas
• Broken pool ladders or steps
  
   

Injuries can include:

• Fractures and sprains
• Head trauma or concussions
• Back and spinal cord injuries
   

Property owners, including municipalities and private water parks, have a duty to maintain safe conditions. If negligence (such as failure to post warning signs or clean up puddles) contributed to your injury, you may be entitled to compensation.

2. Boating and Jet Ski Accidents

From fishing trips to lake parties, recreational boating and jet ski use skyrockets in summer. But so do the number of boating-related accidents.

Common causes:

• Inexperienced or intoxicated operators
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Lack of safety equipment like life vests
• Collisions with other boats or submerged objects
  
   

Injuries can include:

• Drowning or near-drowning
• Lacerations or crush injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Burns from engine fires
   

If a boat operator is negligent or under the influence, they can be held liable for injuries their passengers (or others in the water) endure. Rental companies may also be responsible if they failed to provide proper training or safety gear.

3. Heat-Related Illnesses

While not always considered a “personal injury” in the traditional sense, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be serious, especially for workers in outdoor industries or attendees of crowded summer events.

At-risk groups:

• Construction workers
• Festival-goers
• Children and elderly individuals
• Athletes in summer sports
  
   

Warning signs:

• Dizziness or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fainting
   

Employers are legally required to provide safe working conditions, which includes access to water, shade, and breaks during extreme heat. If they fail to protect employees, workers’ compensation or even personal injury claims may be appropriate.

4. Car Accidents and Road Trip Collisions

Summer means more people on the road: vacationers, teen drivers on break, and families headed to national parks. The increased traffic volume leads to more motor vehicle accidents.

Common factors:

• Distracted or drowsy driving
• Driving under the influence
• Speeding on unfamiliar roads
• Tire blowouts due to high pavement temperatures
  
   

Resulting injuries:

• Whiplash and soft tissue damage
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Catastrophic injuries like paralysis or loss of limb
   

If you're hurt in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Morgan & Morgan handles thousands of car accident claims each year, and we know how to fight the insurance companies for what you deserve.

5. Burn Injuries From Fireworks and Grills

July 4th celebrations and summer BBQs are all fun and games—until someone ends up in the ER with burn injuries.

Common causes:

• Mishandling fireworks
• Defective grills or propane tanks
• Unsupervised children near open flames
• Lack of safety precautions at public displays
   

Injuries can include:

• First, second, or third-degree burns
• Facial injuries or vision damage
• Hand and finger injuries
• Respiratory damage from inhaling smoke
   

Fireworks injuries often involve product liability or premises liability. If a defective product or someone else’s negligence was to blame, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. For instance, if a neighbor sets off fireworks that injure someone, they could be held responsible.

6. Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

More daylight and warm weather encourage people to walk, run, and bike outdoors. Unfortunately, drivers don’t always respect crosswalks or bike lanes.

Contributing factors:

• Distracted or aggressive drivers
• Lack of dedicated bike infrastructure
• Poorly lit roadways at dusk
• Speeding in residential areas
  
   

Typical injuries:

• Road rash and lacerations
• Broken limbs
• Skull fractures or TBIs
• Spinal cord injuries
   

Pedestrians and cyclists have rights, and drivers are legally obligated to yield and exercise caution. If you’re hit by a vehicle while walking or biking, a personal injury claim can help recover damages and hold the negligent party accountable.

7. Playground and Amusement Park Accidents

Summer often means trips to theme parks, fairs, and local playgrounds. Unfortunately, not all these attractions are as safe as they should be.

Risky conditions include:

• Rusty or broken playground equipment
• Inadequate ride restraints
• Operator error at amusement parks
• Crowded areas that lead to trampling or falls
  
   

Common injuries:

• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Cuts or puncture wounds
• Emotional trauma (especially in children)
   

If an injury occurs due to poorly maintained equipment or a ride malfunction, property owners or park operators may be liable. Morgan & Morgan has experience holding large corporations accountable when guests are injured due to negligence.

8. Dog Bites at Parks and Beaches

More people bring their pets out during summer, increasing the chances of dog bites or attacks, especially in public parks or at pet-friendly beaches.

Contributing factors:

• Unleashed dogs in public areas
• Poor training or aggressive behavior
• Lack of owner supervision
• Children unknowingly provoking animals
  
   

Possible consequences:

• Puncture wounds
• Infections like rabies or tetanus
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Psychological trauma
   

Dog owners are typically liable for injuries their pets cause, even if it’s the first incident. Depending on the laws in your state, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical care, scarring, lost income, and emotional distress.

9. Camping and Hiking Injuries

Nature is calling—but the outdoors can be unpredictable. Summer camping trips often result in falls, animal attacks, or equipment-related injuries.

Hazards include:

• Loose terrain or steep trails
• Campfire burns
• Inadequate supervision of children
• Faulty gear (like tents or climbing equipment)
  
   

Common injuries:

• Sprained ankles
• Fractures from falls
• Burn injuries
• Bites from insects or wildlife
   

In some cases, injuries may result from defective products or poorly maintained campgrounds. If another party’s negligence played a role, legal action may be possible.

10. Sports and Recreational Injuries

From pickup basketball to beach volleyball, recreational sports are a huge part of summer—but they come with risks.

Common issues:

• Inadequate supervision at youth camps
• Lack of protective gear
• Unsafe field or court conditions
• Overexertion in the heat
  
   

Resulting injuries:

• Torn ligaments (ACL, MCL)
• Concussions
• Broken noses or fingers
• Overheating and dehydration
   

If negligence or unsafe environments contributed to the injury, such as a summer camp failing to staff certified trainers or lifeguards, you may have a case.

What to Do If You're Injured This Summer

No matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen. If you or someone you love suffers a personal injury this summer:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even minor symptoms can signal serious internal injuries. A full medical evaluation creates an official record, which is essential if you pursue a claim.

2. Document Everything

Take photos of the scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and keep records of all expenses related to the injury.

3. Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Alone

Insurance adjusters may try to get you to settle quickly and for less than you deserve. Talk to a personal injury lawyer first.

4. Contact Morgan & Morgan

We’ve recovered billions for clients across the U.S. and have a track record of winning summer injury cases, whether it’s against a major corporation or a local property owner.

Why Choose Morgan & Morgan?

At Morgan & Morgan, we’re For the People, not the powerful. We fight for fair compensation in every personal injury case we take on. With over 1,000 attorneys nationwide and a robust support team, we’re equipped to take on even the toughest summer injury claims, and we don’t get paid unless you win.

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation that can cover medical bills, lost wages and reduced earning potential, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and even long-term rehabilitation costs.

Summer should be a time to make memories, not manage medical bills. While accidents can happen, many summer injuries are preventable, and often the result of someone else’s negligence. Whether you were hurt at a pool, hit by a driver, or burned at a BBQ, Morgan & Morgan is here to help you fight back.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.