What Are The Top Injuries During The 4th Of July?

The Fourth of July is a time for celebration and outdoor fun with family and friends. While these gatherings bring joy, they also come with serious risks. The top injuries during this holiday include burns, as well as injuries resulting from traffic collisions, water accidents, and slip-and-falls.

Across the U.S., the risk of accidents spikes during the 4th of July due to heavier traffic, distractions, and alcohol use. If you suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to seek compensation through a personal injury claim.

Injury attorneys can help investigate the cause, gather evidence, and file a claim on your behalf. Our team here at AK Law can advocate for you. We provide free accident lawyer advice during the initial consultation. Contact us to schedule a meeting.

Most Common Fourth Of July Injuries

Fireworks, cookouts, boating, swimming, and alcohol are all part of July 4th celebrations, but they can lead to severe injuries. Below are the most common types of injuries associated with the holiday:

Fireworks-Related Injuries

Fireworks accidents are common during the 4th of July and can cause serious injuries if the devices are misused or defective. The most common are:

Injuries From Drunk Driving And Holiday Traffic Accidents

During the 4th of July, traffic increases as more people travel to parties and events. Distracted, aggressive, and impaired drivers raise the risk of serious crashes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• About 617 people died in traffic accidents during this holiday period in 2023.
• Of those deaths, 233 involved drunk driving.

Agencies like the California Highway Patrol ramp up enforcement during this time to help reduce DUI-related accidents. Still, crashes around federal holidays often lead to serious injuries, including:

• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Bone fractures
• Cuts and bruises
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries

Drunk driving accident lawyers can use police reports to prove liability in these incidents. Officers may collect key evidence, such as witness statements, blood alcohol test results, and crash scene photos, to show whether a driver was impaired.

Burn Injuries From Grills And Campfires

Many people celebrate Independence Day by grilling or gathering around campfires, but these activities often lead to burn injuries.

Here are some examples of what could happen:

• Leaving a grill unattended can trigger grease fires that spread quickly, causing burns or smoke inhalation.
• Overfilling a propane tank can cause gas leaks or explosions, which may result in severe burns, cuts, or even broken bones.
• Campfire sparks can land on clothing or dry grass, starting fires that cause burn injuries or property damage.
• Using lighter fluid or other flammable liquids near a flame can cause sudden flare-ups, leading to burns or eye injuries.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), based on yearly averages from 2019 to 2023:

• Roughly 15% of grill fires occurred in July.
• Grills caused about 9,287 home fires each year.
  • Around 4,682 were structure fires.
  • About 4,605 were outdoor fires.
• Gas grills were more likely to have problems with leaks or breaks.
• Leaks or breaks caused 6% of structure fires and 13% of outdoor gas grill fires.

Swimming Pool And Water-Related Injuries

Water activities are a popular part of 4th of July celebrations, but they also come with serious risks, such as drowning and near-drowning incidents. People often crowd certain areas, including:

• Beaches
• Lakes
• Pools

The excitement of the holiday can make people less cautious, even strong swimmers. It may lead to poor supervision or underestimating the dangers of the water, which can result in the following:

• Drowning or Near-Drowning — The lack of oxygen can cause serious harm, such as brain damage, lung injury, or even death.
• Head & Neck Injuries — Diving into shallow water can cause severe injuries like concussions or damage to the spine. Slippery pool decks can also cause falls that lead to these injuries.
• Cuts & Scrapes — Broken tiles, sharp edges, or rough surfaces around the pool can cut your skin and cause painful injuries.

Slip-And-Fall Injuries At Parties Or Public Events

During the 4th of July, more people are walking around to parties, parades, and fireworks shows. Many community events take place outside and use temporary setups like walkways, stages, and tents.

These busy environments often create hazards that lead to slip-and-fall injuries. Common causes include:

• Poor lighting and uneven ground.
• Obstacles like wires or trash.
• Wet or slippery surfaces from spilled food and drinks.
• Wrinkled or bunched-up mats and carpeting.

Injuries From Boating And Water Recreation Accidents

Boating accidents are more likely to happen during the Fourth of July, when many boats crowd lakes and rivers. If a boat crashes into another, people can be thrown or hit by hard surfaces, leading to injuries such as:

• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Back and neck injuries

In addition, sharp edges on the boat or floating debris can cause cuts and scrapes. If a boat suddenly capsizes, there is also a risk of drowning. Burns can occur in situations involving gas leaks, fuel spills, or electrical problems on board.

Some people may drink alcohol before operating a boat, which can make accidents more likely. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol contributed to 17% of all boating deaths in 2023.

Injuries Caused By Unsafe Property Conditions During Gatherings

During 4th of July celebrations, places like driveways, porches, and pool areas can become crowded or slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Here are some common dangers to watch out for:

• Wet Floors — Water from pools, coolers, or spilled drinks can make surfaces slippery and lead to falls.
• Blocked Walkways — Walkways filled with chairs, wires, or decorations could cause someone to trip and get hurt.
• Unstable Steps or Railings — Loose handrails or broken stairs on decks and porches can lead to falls.
• Uncovered Pools — Pools without covers or fences are unsafe, especially for children or guests who can’t swim.
• Open Flames & Fire Pits — Fire pits or torches can be dangerous if not watched closely. They can burn people or spark a fire.

Why The 4th Of July Is A High-Risk Holiday

In the United States, the 4th of July is one of the most dangerous holidays. Why is this holiday risky? It is a mix of things like drunk drivers, big celebrations, and fireworks. Here is some information we could find:

• Fires — Fireworks and open flames significantly increase the risk of fires. For example, on July 2, 2025, an explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Northern California started a large fire. The flames spread to nearby farm fields and forced people to evacuate. Apart from property damage, these incidents may also result in burn injuries.
• Traffic Crashes — The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that alcohol-impaired drivers cause 38% of deaths during the Independence Day weekend.

According to the Pew Research Center, more than 45,000 people go to the emergency room on July 4 and 5. That is more than on any other day of the year.

Understanding Your Legal Options After Holiday Accidents

If you sustained an injury during the 4th of July, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. You may have a valid case if the following is involved:

Negligence

Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with the expected level of care, resulting in harm to another person. To prove this, you must establish the following elements:

• Duty of Care — The person had a legal responsibility to act safely and avoid reckless actions that may cause harm.
• Breach of Duty — They failed to act safely. This breach can result from something they did (like speeding) or were unable to do (like not cleaning up a spill).
• Causation — Their actions or lack of action directly led to the accident.
• Damages — You were hurt and suffered losses, such as injuries, medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

For example, if someone was distracted while driving to a party and caused a crash, they can be held responsible. Car accident lawyers can look at their phone records to find out if using a phone caused the accident.

Faulty Product

Sometimes, people sustain injuries even when they use a product safely. If the product itself is defective, the company that made or sold it could be responsible under product liability laws. Here are some examples:

• Fireworks — If a firework explodes the wrong way or does not come with proper safety warnings, and you get hurt, the manufacturer may be at fault.
• Grills — If a grill has a gas leak or another defect and it explodes, even though you used it correctly, the company that made or sold it could face liability.

Product liability lawyers can investigate the product, review safety records, and gather evidence to prove whether a defect caused your injury.

Property Owner Responsibility

Under premises liability laws, the owner must keep their space safe. If someone gets hurt on a property during a celebration, the property owners could be responsible. They may be liable if they:

• Fail to fix or warn about broken stairs or loose railings.
• Do not clean up or mark spills and slippery spots.
• Leave walkways cluttered with obstacles that cause trips and falls.
• Leave pools or hot tubs unsecured around children.
• Do not set or enforce safety rules for fireworks, grills, or open fires.

Premises liability attorneys can gather evidence to prove that the property owner failed to maintain the safety of their space.

Who Are Often Liable For Injuries During The 4th Of July?

Many types of accidents can happen during the 4th of July, and liability often depends on how the injury occurred. Some of the potentially liable parties include:

• Person Using Fireworks — If someone uses fireworks unsafely and causes injuries, they may be legally responsible.
• Fireworks Manufacturer — If a firework is defective and causes harm even when used properly, the company that made it could be at fault.
• Drunk or Distracted Driver — Drivers under the influence or not paying attention can cause serious crashes and injuries.
• Boat Operator — Operating a boat while distracted, reckless, or intoxicated significantly increases accident risks, and the operator may be held accountable for injuries.
• Property Owner — Homeowners may be responsible if guests sustained injuries due to unsafe conditions like slippery floors, poor lighting, or unfenced pools.
• Events Organizer — Organizers of public events may also be liable if accidents happen due to unsafe conditions, such as a lack of safety measures, poor supervision, or inadequate warnings.
• Government Agency — If the injury happens at a public event or because of bad roads or broken signals, a city or state agency might be to blame.

Sometimes, people or businesses can be responsible for an accident even if they didn’t cause it directly. Under “Dram Shop” or “Social Host” laws, victims may seek compensation from those who provided alcohol to a minor who later caused a motor vehicle accident. Responsible parties could include:

• The minor’s parents or guardians.
• Any adult who provided alcohol to the underage driver.

Personal injury lawyers can investigate your situation and determine who should be liable. They can review existing laws and regulations to strengthen your claim.

When Should You File An Injury Claim?

In California, you usually have two years from the date you get hurt to file a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations sets these legal deadlines. However, if your claim is against a public agency, such as the city running a fireworks show, you only have six months to file. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to file a claim.

Special Rules For Minors

If the victim is under 18, the time limit to file a case does not begin until their 18th birthday. From that date, the victim has two years to file. Until then, the victim’s parents or legal guardians may file the case on their behalf.

Several exceptions may extend or shorten this deadline. Discuss your case with a personal injury attorney after the incident to figure out your options and possible timelines.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Accidents on July 4th may cause injuries and a lot of stress. If you file a claim, you might get compensation for the following if it applies to your situation:

• Economic Damages — These are financial losses you incurred due to the accident. They may cover:
  • Medical Bills — These are costs for hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medication. They may also include physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, or counselling.
  • Lost Income — You may receive reimbursement for your lost wages due to missed workdays while healing. If your injury makes it harder to earn money in the future, you may also qualify for loss of earning capacity.
  • Property Damage — This may pay for fixing or replacing your car or other personal property that got damaged.
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses — These include costs like rides to doctor appointments or paying for help while you recover.
• Non-Economic Damages — These are damages for things you can’t easily put a price on. They may include:
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Mental anguish

In rare cases, courts may award punitive damages when there is clear evidence of intentional harm or gross negligence. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar actions in the future. Personal injury attorneys can explain your options and determine the damages that apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Top Injuries During The 4th Of July

If you or someone you know got injured during the 4th of July celebrations, you likely have questions about what happened and what to do next. We’ve answered some of the most common questions below to help guide you. If you have any other questions, call us at (888) 488-1391.

How Many People Get Hurt On July 4th?

Thousands of people get hurt by fireworks every year. According to the CPSC’s report, injuries and deaths from fireworks increased by 52% from 2023 to 2024. The CPSC revealed that in 2024:

• Fireworks injured more than 14,700 people.
• There were also 11 reported deaths due to fireworks that year, which often involve misuse and device misfires/malfunctions.
• Nearly 20% of those people had to go to the hospital.
• Sparklers caused about 1,700 injuries from burns.

Meanwhile, the NHTSA reported that between 2019 and 2023, there were 2,653 traffic deaths during the 4th of July holiday. Although there is limited information on the exact number of people injured, these figures demonstrate that accidents and injuries are common during this time.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fireworks Damage?

Homeowners insurance may cover fireworks-related damage, but it depends on the circumstances. If you use fireworks legally and follow all local laws, your policy may help pay for property damage, medical bills, or even legal fees if someone gets hurt on your property. This could include coverage for fires, broken windows, or injuries caused by a misfire.

However, if the fireworks were used illegally or recklessly, your claim could be denied. Insurance companies may also exclude certain high-risk fireworks or refuse coverage if you didn’t follow safety guidelines.

If a neighbor or guest caused the damage, you may be able to file a third-party property damage or liability claim against their homeowners or renters insurance. A personal injury attorney can help you review your options and determine the best way to recover your losses.

Will My Health Insurance Cover Me If A Firework Injures Me?

In most cases, your health insurance will cover medical treatment for injuries caused by fireworks. This coverage typically includes emergency room care, hospitalization, surgery, and follow-up treatment, depending on your plan’s deductibles and copayments.

If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, such as improper or illegal use of fireworks, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim.

What Are Some Safety Tips To Consider To Prevent Injuries During The Holidays?

Whether you’re watching fireworks, traveling during the holidays, or attending a crowded event, here are some simple tips to keep you and others safe.

1. For Fireworks — Handling firecrackers and other flammable devices properly is crucial.
   1. Only attend public fireworks shows that local officials approved.
   2. Never let children handle fireworks, even sparklers.
   3. Keep a safe distance from the area where people set off fireworks.
   4. Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
2. For Navigating Holiday Traffic — These safety driving tips for the 4th of July can help make your journey better.
   1. Avoid driving during evening rush hour, when roads are busiest.
   2. Always have a sober driver if you plan to drink.
   3. Watch out for pedestrians, especially in busy areas.
   4. Stay alert and focused while driving.
3. For Attending Events and Crowded Places — Avoid distractions when going out during the holiday.
   1. Pay attention to what’s going on around you.
   2. Wear proper shoes to avoid slipping or tripping.
   3. Report any hazards like wet floors or loose wires to event staff.
   4. Make sure you know where the closest first aid kit or help station is.

What Do I Do In Case Of A Fireworks-Related Injury?

Fireworks can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening injuries. While it’s crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible, taking immediate action at the scene can help reduce the severity of the injury. It can also prevent further harm until emergency services arrive.

If it is a minor burn:

• Move the person away from the fire or explosion.
• If clothes catch fire, help them stop, drop, and roll or use a blanket to put out the flames.
• Run cool water (not ice cold) over the burn for about five minutes to ease the pain.
• If needed, cover the burn with a clean bandage and take pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

If it is a severe burn:

• Call 911 right away for emergency help.
• Do not remove clothing stuck to the burn.
• Avoid putting large or deep burns in cold water.
• Check if the person is breathing and moving. If not, give CPR if you have training.
• If possible, raise the burned area above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.
• Cover the person with a clean, dry blanket to keep them warm and prevent shock.

If a blast caused the injuries:

• These injuries are very serious. Call 911 immediately.
• Do not move the person unless it is dangerous to leave them where they are.
• Watch for heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, or unconsciousness.
• Stay calm and wait with the person until help arrives.

Injured On The 4th Of July? Call Arash Law For Guidance

Celebrating Independence Day is important to many people, but staying safe matters just as much. Accidents happen often during this holiday, and if you get hurt, you may think, “I need a personal injury lawyer to help me.”

If you or a loved one suffered injuries, we can help. Our personal injury attorneys here at Arash Law will guide you through the legal process and explain your rights. We support everyone, including undocumented immigrants, who might get hurt during the holiday. If English isn’t your first language, our team of multilingual staff is here to assist you.

Our injury law firm works on a contingency fee basis. We don’t charge attorney’s fees upfront, and only get paid if we win your case. To know more about our fee structure and what your legal options are, call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. If you can’t come to us, we can come to you anywhere in California.