Increased Risk of Personal Injuries in the Winter

#AskKevinButler

The cold weather often brings ice, sleet, and snow with it. Of course, the holiday season also means more parties and get-togethers that often involve nighttime driving and alcohol. These conditions can be dangerous, regardless of whether you are simply walking down the sidewalk or driving in traffic. Personal injuries like slip and fall accidents and motor vehicle accidents are much more common in the winter because winter conditions can make travel challenging.

Winter Weather Motor Vehicle Accidents

If you have ever slid down a hill or had trouble stopping at a stop sign, you know that controlling your vehicle in icy conditions can sometimes be difficult or even impossible. Black ice, which is a very thin layer of ice that is difficult to see, can cause serious accidents and injuries. Other potential reasons that car accidents increase during the winter often involve the following factors.

• Snow and slush on the roads
• Ill-equipped vehicles (snow tires, winter windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, old or worn tires, etc.)
• Lack of experience in driving in winter conditions
• Failure to slow down or provide more time for braking in snowy or icy conditions
• Blowing snow decreases visibility
• Earlier sunsets, which reduces visibility

Even after snow storms have passed, they can still be a threat if they have knocked down tree branches or power lines. Be very careful if you have to go out in a winter storm, but the best way to avoid serious injuries is to stay home if you can.

Winter Slip and Fall Accidents

Snow, ice, and slush make moving through parking lots or walking on sidewalks difficult. Even if they are periodically cleared, they can still be dangerous if there are sudden drops in temperature.

Keeping up with weather changes can be difficult for any property owner, but they are still required to care for their property so that it is safe for pedestrians and customers. If you fall and hurt yourself due to an improperly cleared walkway or parking lot, you may have a legal claim.

Drunk Driving Accidents During the Winter

Holiday parties often involve alcohol, and the festivities often last from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. Always arrange for a designated driver to help you get home, and try to avoid driving on evenings when drunk driving accidents are the most likely. If possible, stay away from drivers that may be swerving or have inconsistent speeds, as these factors may both indicate that the driver is intoxicated.

Getting Legal Help

If you have been injured this winter, you may have legal rights after a slip and fall or motor vehicle accident. Contact an experienced lawyer at Diamond & Diamond, 1-800-567-HURT (4878), to determine your options after an injury.