Were You Injured During Labor Day Weekend?
President Grover Cleveland recognized the nation’s workers by establishing Labor Day as a national holiday in 1894. Since then, the first Monday in September has punctuated a three-day holiday weekend — unofficially, the last weekend of summer.
Every year, Americans mark Labor Day with parties, picnics, parades, long weekend vacations, and trips to the mall to take advantage of holiday deals. The extended burst of activity adds up to more traffic on the roads and waterways as well as increased alcohol consumption, making it one of the most dangerous holidays of the year.
If you were injured over the Labor Day weekend due to no fault of your own, you may be able to seek compensation. Whether you were involved in a car crash, a boating accident, or a slip and fall at a store, a personal injury claim could help you recover your financial losses, such as medical bills and missed time at work.
Common Causes of Accidents Over the Labor Day Weekend
Texans engage in a wide variety of summertime activities over the Labor Day weekend. Some are more risky than others, especially if people partaking in these activities have consumed alcohol. Below are three of the most common causes of Labor Day weekend accidents that lead to injuries and death.
Labor Day Traffic Accidents
Before Labor Day in 2024, the National Safety Council estimated that 457 people might die in traffic crashes on the nation’s roads over the holiday weekend. In 2022, 450 perished in auto accidents nationwide, representing 11.6% of all vehicle-related deaths in September of that year.
In Texas, alcohol had a role in 334 crashes during the 2023 Labor Day weekend. These accidents caused 14 deaths and 35 serious injuries.
Boating Accidents in Texas
Texans love their boats, and there are nearly 1 million registered and unregistered recreational vessels in the state, as reported by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. But unexpected accidents happen on the water, leading to injuries and fatalities.
In 2023, there were a total of 175 boat accidents statewide. The leading factors in boating accidents in Texas include operator inattention, recklessness, boater inexperience, and weather conditions.
This year, Texas game wardens reported nine boating accidents, including one fatality, from August 31 to September 2. Some of these accidents involved personal watercraft like water scooters. Game wardens also made five arrests for operating a vessel while intoxicated and one more for boating under the influence.
12.9% of Texans Can’t Swim
Regardless of whether it’s the Gulf of Mexico, a lake, or a backyard pool, staying safe in the water requires swimming and water safety skills. Anyone who lacks those skills, who sets them aside for reckless horseplay, or who enters the water while under the influence is at a higher risk of drowning.
More than 4,500 people drown each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowning is the nation’s leading cause of death for children ages one to four.
A recent study found that 12.9% of Texans don’t know how to swim, despite the state’s 600 miles of Gulf of Mexico coastline and nearly 7,000 lakes. In 2023, 90 children drowned in Texas; thus far in 2024, water has claimed 82 young lives. Fortunately, Texas game wardens reported only one drowning over the Labor Day weekend.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers in Bedford for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Fort Worth and Bedford, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 510-9400
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
