Dangers Surrounding the Fourth of July and How to Prevent Injuries

Posted on behalf of RizkLaw on Jul 04, 2021 in Personal Injury

The Fourth of July holiday weekend is upon us. From barbecues with family to swimming with friends, people across Oregon are sure to be celebrating. However, the holiday is not without its risks. Fireworks and pool accidents pose severe injury risks to everyone. Additionally, many people may spend the day on the waters boating through Portland’s lakes and rivers. Similarly, there may be an increase in people on the road trying to get to parties. With more vehicles on the road and boats in the water, accidents may be more likely. 

If you were in an accident over the Fourth of July weekend caused by another party’s negligence, contact the Rizk Law personal injury attorneys. We can launch a thorough investigation into the accident to determine if negligence played a role. If it did, we might be able to secure compensation for your damages. 

Firework Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries 

Since mid-June, Portland has been experiencing high temperatures. The high temperatures and humidity combined with little to no rainfall increases the likelihood of a wildfire forming. Fireworks already have a high rate of causing fires. According to the National Safety Council, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and over 17,000 fires of other kinds. 

To combat this issue, Portland Fire & Rescue issued an immediate ban on all fireworks. Portland is the latest city in the Pacific Northwest to issue this ban due to dry conditions. Furthermore, Clark County outlawed the use and sale of all fireworks until midnight on July 4. 

With the ban in mind, anyone who shoots off fireworks may be liable for any accidents they cause. Accidents resulting from fireworks may include bodily injury to the hands, head, neck, arms, or eyes. Fireworks can also cause drivers to become distracted and cause a car accident. A firework may also set fire to another person’s house, causing those inside to suffer severe burns. 

If you notice someone in your area setting off fireworks, you may want to report them to local law enforcement. While you may think you’re ruining the fun, the Portland fire chief put a firework ban in place for a reason. Reporting them may save a life. If you drive and notice fireworks, you must maintain your focus on the road and other vehicles. 

Pool-Related Accidents Are Common During the Fourth of July 

According to the CDC, there are more than 12,000 drowning cases in the United States each year. Of those drownings, nearly 4,000 are fatal. The CDC also reports that for every child who dies of drowning, another eight receive emergency care for non-fatal drownings. Drowning injuries may cause brain damage and other severe conditions that require long-term care. 

Remember, another party’s negligence may have contributed to you or your child’s injuries. For example, all swimming pools in Portland must be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least four feet high. The maximum clearance between the bottom of the fence and the ground is two inches, and openings in the barrier cannot exceed four inches. Additionally, the pool must have a self-closing and latching gate that opens away from the pool. 

If a pool owner does not follow these safety standards, they may be liable for any injuries that you or a child sustain on their property. Additionally, pool owners must maintain proper chemical balances in their pools. If their pump is not working correctly or they know chemicals are off and still allow guests to swim, they might be responsible for injuries. 

When at a pool party, ensure that the owner has a proper barrier surrounding the pool. You should also ask if the chemicals are correctly balanced. They should be able to answer right away. However, if they cannot, it may be best to stay out of the water. 

Other Fourth of July Accidents 

In addition to firework and pool accidents, the Fourth of July sees similar accidents as Memorial Day Weekend does. Such accidents include car and boat crashes. Many people spend the day at cookouts or pool parties and drink alcohol. While drinking is not an issue in itself, it becomes illegal and hazardous when people get behind the wheel of a car or boat. 

When driving or boating in Portland this Fourth of July Weekend, be aware of signs of intoxicated drivers. For vehicle drivers, signs of intoxication may include sudden braking, speeding, or drifting between lanes. For boat drivers, signs may include inconsistent speeds, slow reactions, or drifting too close to your boat. In either case, keep your distance from the car or boat. When it is safe, report them to local law enforcement. 

Speak to the Injury Attorneys at Rizk Law Today 

If you were in an accident over the Fourth of July weekend, contact Rizk Law. Our injury attorneys have the skill and experience needed to handle a variety of personal injury cases, including car and boating accidents and other types of accidents you may have been in over Independence Day. 

With our proven record of success, you can be confident that we will do everything possible to secure a favorable outcome. To schedule a free consultation, call (503) 245-5677 or complete our contact form.