
Between March 14 and April 28 this year, the TSA expects to screen around 107 million passengers. This is a three percent increase over 2018. While some of those travelers are business commuters and vacationing families, a large number are college students heading out on Spring Break. Whether staying inside the U.S. or traveling out of the country for this week-long holiday, the pace at which most people celebrate Spring Break can lead to reckless behavior that results in personal injury. As a result, it’s important to know what to do, when you’re on the go, if you find yourself injured and in need of legal counsel.
Where are spring breakers heading?
Certain cities within the U.S. and a few outside the country have earned reputations for being ideal Spring Break destinations. Typically, it’s because of their warm weather and variety of places to drink and socialize. Popular Spring Break destinations in the U.S. include:
- Key West, Florida: The southernmost point in the U.S. provides an endless string of bars. Police also take a more relaxed approach to open container laws.
- Panama City, Florida: The “unofficial spring break capital of the world.” This destination is affordable for college students with plenty of beach parties and nightclubs.
- Fort Myers Beach, Florida: Hosting a 24-hour party at one of the most wild resorts along with games and contests along the beach make this Spring Break destination all about fun.
- South Padre Island, Texas: Drinking on the beach here is legal, which attracts quite a crowd. The annual Ultimate Music Experience, a three-day music festival with some of the greatest DJs performing also attracts a crowd.
- Las Vegas, Nevada: You might not need Spring Break as an excuse to come here and spend some time at a hotel pool party, but during the spring, everything is amped up.
- Lake Havasu City, Arizona: Each Spring Break this area is practically taken over by college students. It's popular to rent house boats and spend the week on the lake.
For those students able to leave the country for their Spring Break, a few international destinations have also earned reputations that make them a popular stop this time of year, including:
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Cancun, Mexico
- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Negril, Jamaica
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Nassau, Bahamas
Common types of injuries on Spring Break
With so many party-filled locations to spend Spring Break, the likelihood of a few, specific types of injuries becomes common. It’s possible to sustain an injury from the very start, while driving, flying, riding the bus, or cruising to your ultimate Spring Break spot. You might not be able to prevent injuries on a plane, bus, or cruise ship, but you can take the proper precautions if driving to decrease your chance of an accident. Make sure there’s no drinking and driving. Keep distractions in the car to a minimum. As a passenger, offer to do the texting or calling for the driver if the need arises.
Once you arrive, be wary of your surroundings. Avoid any dangerous areas in your hotel and at the bars and clubs you visit. Stick to marked paths and well-lit stairwells as best as you can. It’s also important to avoid getting into any physical altercations with another spring breaker. If someone approaches you in an aggressive way don’t fight back. Try to find a bouncer, bar manager, hotel security personnel, or contact the proper authorities.
Filing a personal injury claim away from home

What to do if find yourself suffering from an injury while on Spring Break as a results of negligence? Firstly, contact an experienced, personal injury attorney for help. It's okay to contact someone from home initially, especially if you're out of the country. They’ll be able to review your case and give you practical and functional advice to navigate the claims process with a local lawyer. Even if they’re unable to practice law in the state or country your claim is in, they can help you get started. Remember to take pictures of everything related to the injury — from where it took place to what the injury looks like. Keep records and documentation from doctors and police officers, and don’t move forward with any legal decisions until you consult a lawyer.
For more information on how to handle a personal injury case in Georgia, contact the knowledgeable legal team at The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm. Your consultation is free.P