Tourism Accidents Spike During the Summer Months in Tampa
With people taking advantage of the warm weather, Tampa is a tourist hot spot from May to August. Between outdoor festivals, cultural centers, and amusement parks, you are likely to find an activity that interests you.
However, with an increase in tourists comes a rise in tourism-related accidents. Below, we discuss the most common tourism accidents in The Big Guava.
Car Accidents
Road congestion is a major issue in Tampa, especially during the summer months, further increasing the chance of getting into an accident. Tourists are at increased risk of getting into a motor vehicle crash, given their unfamiliarity with the area. Rear-end collisions are among the most commonly reported accidents in Tampa, causing neck and back injuries.
Water Slide Accidents
In 2020, there were a reported 340 fatal child drownings. These drownings happened in a variety of settings, although the risk of a child drowning increases at water parks. Besides drowning, both children and adults are at risk of slips, trips, falls, traumatic brain injuries, and fractures.
Amusement Park Accidents
In 2021, a reported 130 serious ride injuries occurred at North American theme parks. This figure represents both fatalities and injuries requiring hospitalization. Although amusement park rides go through various levels of inspection, mechanical problems can and still do occur.
Additionally, you need to pay attention to the weight and height restrictions posted for a ride. The seat restraint will not adequately protect your child if he or she does not meet the minimum size requirement.
Cruise Ship Accidents
Cruise ships offer a variety of features, ranging from surfing, bowling, sports courts, and even live entertainment. What many people do not know is that cruises have elevated threshold entrances, increasing a patron’s risk of slipping and falling. Each year, approximately 45% of onboard injuries are caused by slip and fall accidents, making many reconsider booking their next cruise.
Food Poisoning
A large number of patrons in an already populated area places a high demand on restaurant kitchen staff. Although chefs are required to check that every meal is prepared in accordance with food safety standards, food poisoning incidents still take place. Annually, an estimated 48 million people get sick and 3,000 people die from foodborne illnesses in the United States.
Damages
If you have suffered an injury while visiting Tampa, you may be entitled to compensation, known in the law as damages. Based on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you may be eligible to recover economic and/or non-economic damages.
Economic damages are any monetary losses that directly take money out of your bank account. Economic damages in a tourism accident often include:
- Lost income
- Loss of future earnings
- Ambulatory services
- Emergency room visit
- Surgeries and treatments
In contrast, non-economic damages are non-monetary losses that impact your life. Although there is no price tag attached, these losses can affect your emotional and mental health. These may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED)
- Loss of love and affection
- Disfigurement and/or scarring
Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers Offering Tenacious Representation
A tourism accident can leave you unable to take care of yourself and your family. If you have suffered an injury while visiting Tampa or the surrounding area, you need to speak with our trusted legal team. To learn what we can do for you, contact us online or by phone. We offer free consultations scheduled at your convenience.