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Jun 30, 2026 - Personal Injury by Cross & Smith

Summer fun is here! From boating and swimming at Gulf Shores to hiking at DeSoto State Park, it’s time to get outside and get active. But it’s important to be aware that many personal injuries occur during summertime. Here are some things to be aware of as you plan your summer activities: Boating accidents – The U.S. Coast Guard reported that, in 2024, there were approximately 4,000 boating incidents that resulted in approximately 600 deaths. Alcohol involvement is the leading cause of death and injuries, and failure to wear flotation devices is also a common cause of boating accidents and injuries. Swimming – Alabama presents many opportunities for recreational swimming, from community pools to chilly mountain lakes to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. However, according to the organization World Life Expectancy, 1.5 people per 100,000 die in Alabama from swimming pool injuries, open water accidents, and unintentional drowning each year.    Heat-related Illnesses – Too much sun can cause heat strokes and other heat-related illnesses whose symptoms can include burns, muscle aches, dizziness, and confusion.  Sports and Recreational Injuries – Sports fields and playgrounds present many opportunities for injuries, from sprains to broken bones.  Some of these accidents and injuries are caused by the injured party. As you engage in summer activities, it’s important to think about the possible consequences of oversights such as failing to hydrate properly or wear a flotation device in the water. But in many cases, negligence on the part of a third party […]