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Summer is a time for quality time, trips abroad, and outdoor fun – but it’s also one of the most dangerous seasons when it comes to personal injury claims.
With the spike in outdoor activities and travel, the summer months often see a rise in accidents that can leave victims facing painful injuries, lost wages from missed work, and the stress of trying to get back to normality.
From public parks to holiday hotspots, these are the accidents that lead to personal injury claims every summer.
Think summer is the safest time of year? These accident statistics tell a different story
Many people feel that UK holidays are safer because we’re closer to home and can access the NHS if something goes wrong. But is that really the truth?
It’s not always the case. The summer months can be a hectic time for A&E departments, with NHS Scotland recording 264,899 total admissions in 2025 – a 3% increase from the previous year.
Illnesses related to the warmer weather are of course contributing to some of these numbers.
But we see also see a rise in injuries caused by negligence – and the types of accidents that happen are as varied as our summer destinations. For example:
Summer means more people on the road – holidaymakers and tourists, younger drivers on breaks from school or uni, and families headed to national parks to name a few examples.
This increase in traffic naturally leads to more accidents. Other reasons for the increase in collisions can be stress and fatigue from travel, speeding, or driving in unfamiliar areas.
Motorbike and cycling accidents
Longer days and warmer weather encourage people to get out on two wheels. Unfortunately, bikers and cyclists are much more vulnerable than other road users meaning a rise in these types of accidents at this time of year.
The festival period tends to fall in the summer months which is a common place for slips and trips with the combination of crowds, uneven ground and alcohol consumption.
Lots of us may also spend more time at the swimming baths where floors are wet and injury is likely to occur.
Nature is calling – but the outdoors can be unpredictable. Playgrounds, parks, farms and activity centres all increase in visitors during the warmer months.
Summer activities can also result in getting into trouble in the water, or equipment-related injuries. Poorly maintained tour routes, holiday parks, and camping sites can cause injuries too.
Dog bite accidents and animal attacks
Better weather means more people bring their pets out during summer, increasing the chances of dog bites or attacks, especially in public parks or scenic areas.
Many summer accidents happen during everyday activities, but knowing your rights could make all the difference
Sometimes we take more risks on holiday – what the Safer Tourism Foundation calls “holiday head”. However, if you were injured because someone else failed in their duty of care, you may be entitled to make a claim.
Gildeas Director Emma Thomson says, “Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, local councils and private property owners have a duty to keep visitors to their premises as reasonably safe as possible.”
They can be held liable for injuries due to negligence – meaning you might be able to make a claim for injuries you’ve sustained as a result of using faulty equipment or inadequate supervision.
If an accident spoils your summer plans, knowing the right steps to take could help protect a future claim
At Gildeas Solicitors, we understand how quickly a fun summer can turn into a painful experience.
Whether you’re enjoying a backyard BBQ, heading abroad or just enjoying some of our beautiful scenery at home – it’s important to stay vigilant and know your rights if something goes wrong.
We fight for fair compensation in every personal injury case we take on. With offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh 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.
Claim smarter.
Access our free how-to guide on making a personal injury claim.
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Gildeas Solicitors is a recognised law firm specialising in personal injury claims, supporting you throughout Scotland from our offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh. We’re passionate about what we do, whilst putting our clients’ interests first. That’s why we make personal injury personal.
Considering our services? Call our dedicated team today on 0141 331 6070.
