Spring Time Changes Increase Naples Personal Injury Risks

Each year in March, we set our clocks ahead one hour in observance of Daylight Saving Time. This was originally designed to conserve energy and to make the most of naturally longer days throughout the summer months. While losing one hour of sleep as a result may not seem like a problem, it can significantly increase the risk of serious personal injuries. Our Naples personal injury lawyer explains how time changes can make you more accident-prone and your rights in seeking compensation in an injury claim. 

How Time Changes Increase Personal Injuries In Naples

Switching our clocks forward one hour each year in March in observance of Daylight Saving Time became widespread throughout the United States during World War I. Taking advantage of naturally longer daylight hours during the summer season helps to conserve energy. Today, Florida lawmakers are among those pushing to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, eliminating the need to ‘fall back’ an hour each November.

The reason for the push is that time changes disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms. According to the National Sleep Foundation, this increases inflammation and can trigger heart attacks, strokes, and other medical emergencies.

Hospital emergency rooms in our area typically see a spike in patients in the weeks after Daylight Saving Time. In addition to potentially life-threatening medical problems, personal injuries in Naples become more common as well. Missing just an hour of sleep can have the following impacts, which make you more accident-prone:

• Blurred vision;
• Slower reflexes;
• Reduced hand/eye coordination;
• Impaired judgment.

Protecting Your Rights When Personal Injuries in Naples Happen

If you are feeling somewhat sluggish or have difficulty sleeping after the recent time change, you are not alone. For most of us, it takes several weeks for our bodies to adjust. During this time, accidents are more likely to happen. This includes:

• Car accidents;
• Motorcycle accidents;
• Truck accidents;
• Boat accidents;
• Slips and falls.

If you are injured, be aware that while lack of sleep may have contributed to your accident, you are likely not the only one at fault. Tiredness and reckless behavior on the part of other drivers may be the underlying cause.

Under the Florida Statutes, you are still entitled to compensation in a claim. To protect your rights, report the incident immediately to the police or other authorities, get the names of all those involved, seek medical care, and contact our Naples personal injury lawyers before making any statements to insurers.

Request a Consultation With Our Naples Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Being tired due to spring time changes can make personal injuries in Naples more likely to happen. While lack of sleep may have played a contributing role, the reckless behavior of others is likely to be the underlying cause.

At Cardinal Law Firm, we provide the trusted legal guidance you need to get compensation in a claim. To get the maximum amount you need to recover, call or contact our office online. Request a consultation with our Naples personal injury lawyer today.

Sources:

floridatoday.com/story/news/2024/02/20/florida-daylight-savings-time-change-spring-forward-fall-back-sunshine-protection-act/72656774007/

sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm/daylight-saving-time

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html