With EDC Week in full effect, several hundred thousand festival-goers are getting ready to gather under the electric sky for the 25th installment of the electronic dance music festival.
Here at Willoughby Shulman Injury Lawyers, we want to wish you all a very safe and happy EDC weekend and share a few tips on how to stay safe this weekend along with what to do if you do find yourself in a situation where you are injured at a music festival.
Ways People Can Be Injured at EDC
Car Accidents in the Parking Lot and on the I-15
Every year, it seems that there are always more than a few auto accidents on the way to the Las Vegas Motor Speed Way as cars go bumper-to-bumper on the I-15 Northbound. With the windows down, the speakers up, and emotions on high, the drive to EDC can be the perfect recipe for distracted driving.
Additionally, leaving the festival can be even more dangerous as there will certainly be any number of tired and/or intoxicated drivers on the road.
Stampede/Crowds
Each year, more than 300,000 festival-goers pack into the Speedway for EDC which creates an environment like no other. But anytime there are that many people in one place, the risk of being injured in the crowd goes up. Stampedes and trampling are a real risk at festivals that we should all be aware of.
Security Negligence
EDC is known for its professional Security and Ground Control teams but now and again, Security can fail to control crowds and mitigate risks resulting in injuries to festival-goers.
Slip and Fall
Stairs, standing water, cables, and speed-bump cable protectors are all over the place at EDC and they are slipping and tripping hazards. Especially when people are walking and dancing from one stage to another, looking anywhere but the ground. Be careful and be aware of your surroundings so you can avoid a slip and fall injury.
Fire/Fireworks
It’s the 25th anniversary of EDC so you already know that the fireworks are going to be out of this world. That being said, any time there are fireworks, there’s a risk to be injured so please be aware of your surroundings and avoid coming into contact with anything that might burn you.
Worker’s Comp Related Injuries
Finally, EDC employs hundreds of staff, vendors, and subcontractors who make the magic happen. But rigging, staging, serving food and beverages, and running around the festival also come with their fair share of hazards.
How to Be Safe & Have Fun
With all that being said, it’s important to be safe so that you and those around you can have fun. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe at EDC.
Limit Intoxication
It should go without saying, but please do not overdo it. EDC weekend is a marathon, not a sprint and there is no need to be so intoxicated that you are a safety hazard to yourself and those around you. Practice moderation and use common sense.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Drink plenty of water all weekend long. There are free water stations all over the festival, so be sure to bring a camelback or hydro pack, fill up and stay hydrated.
Report Hazards to Ground Control and Security Staff
If you notice any safety hazards at all, be sure to let Ground Control and Security know immediately.
Have a DD or Ride-Share to the Speedway and Back
As we already mentioned, being intoxicated can put yourself and those around you in danger. Do not drink and drive and do not let your friends drive under the influence either. Rideshares and shuttles are readily available at the festival and using them can help save lives.
Stay In Groups/Use the Buddy System
Always stay in groups and use the buddy system when wandering around the festival. The Speedway is huge, there are a ton of people there, and it is really easy to get separated and lost. If for whatever reason you do suffer an injury at EDC, there will be someone with you who can get you help.
What to Do if You Find Yourself Injured Through No Fault of Your Own
So what should you do if you are injured at EDC through no fault of your own?
Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you should do is seek treatment for your injuries. There are Med Tents located around the Speedway where EMTs are standing by all weekend long to provide medical attention.
Report the Incident
Report the injury to Security and/or Ground Control.
Document Everything
Take pictures and videos, ask for an incident report, and make sure that you have proper documentation of how the injury occurred, who was involved, and why it happened.
Finally, Call Willoughby Shulman Injury Lawyers
Once you have gotten medical attention and documented the incident, give us a call. Our injury attorneys are available to answer any questions that you may have. We will help you understand if you have a claim, what your options are, and how to proceed with filing a personal injury claim. Call us at (702) 852-6688.