Stay safe and sound at coachella: essential tips for a memorable festival experience

Coachella is one of the most popular music festivals in the world, hosting over 750,000 attendees per year from all over the globe. Each April, the otherwise peaceful city of Indio, California opens up as an entertainment hub for live music, fashion, food, and entertainment. Its popularity continues to grow year after year, with multiple stages and a fresh new line-up performing over two back-to-back weekends. While Coachella is meant to be a fun and enjoyment-filled experience, the reality is that injuries and accidents commonly occur at festivals. Make sure you are well-prepared and armed with safety precautions to keep Coachella weekend safe and sound!

Common Festival Incidents

• Car accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Premises liabilities and hazards
• Alcohol and drug-related injuries
• Assault, battery, and terrorism
• Slip & fall accidents
• Disorderly people and crowds due to a lack of security

Precautions to Stay Safe

• Dress appropriately. This includes wearing comfortable shoes, dressing for the hot and humid weather, and wearing sunscreen to protect your skin.

• Hydrate. Make sure you are prepared with plenty of water during the festival. Dehydration is the number one safety hazard during festivals and can become deadly if not given immediate attention to. Tip: be sure to consume one cup of water per hour.

• Be aware of your surroundings. If something seems suspicious, err on the side of caution and avoid it. This can include being offered drugs or alcohol from someone you do not know, inappropriate conduct from a stranger, or any other possible safety hazard arising from someone you do not know.

• Stay together. It’s easy to get separated from your group in a large crowd, so make sure to establish a meeting spot beforehands. Stick together and keep an eye on each other, especially at night when the crowds are thicker and visibility is lower.

• Know your limits. Coachella is known for parties, but it's important to know your limits and pace yourself. Avoid drinking too much alcohol or using drunks, as these can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to accidents.
• Practice good driving habits. Don’t drive distracted to or from the commute to the venue, and never get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Watch for pedestrians and be mindful of other vehicles, especially because substance use is common during festivals.

If You Happen to Suffer an Injury, MVP is Here For You

If you suffer from an injury surrounding the festival weekend as a result of someone else’s negligence, you need representation from an experienced and dedicated legal team. Personal injury lawsuits involving festival-related injuries can be complicated because of the multiple parties who may be at fault. It is proven difficult to tease out the legalities between the vendors, the festival itself, security agencies, and other businesses. Insurances and contracts between all parties complicate matters even further. If you are involved in an accident, let us take the guesswork out for you so you are able to focus on your recovery. Our team is well-versed in complex accident cases, and is here and ready to get you the compensation that you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.