Injuries can occur anytime, anywhere, but winter weather brings its own risks. The cold weather brings snow, ice and sleet with it. Also, the holiday season means more shopping and parties, which often involves alcohol and nighttime driving. These conditions can be dangerous, irrespective of whether you are driving in the traffic or are simply walking down the sidewalk. Personal injuries such as car accidents and slip and fall accidents are much more common in the cold weather, because the prevalent conditions make driving challenging. In this post, our Chicago personal injury lawyer will discuss how winter weather increases the risk of personal injuries.
Motor vehicle accidents in winter weather
Controlling the vehicle in icy conditions can be very difficult and sometimes impossible. You may have trouble stopping at a stop sign or your vehicle may start sliding down the hill. Another common winter weather hazard is black ice, a very thin layer of ice, which is difficult to see and can cause serious accidents and injuries. Some other reasons that can cause an increase in car accidents in winter weather involve these factors:
- Snow and slush on the roads
- Lack of experience in driving in winter weather conditions
- Not equipping vehicles with winter-proof equipment such as snow tires, windshield wiper fluid, winter windshield wipers, etc.
- Failure to slow down in snowy or icy conditions
- Decreased visibility due to blowing snow
- Reduced visibility due to earlier sunsets
Driving can be challenging not only during a snowstorm, but also after it has passed as it can knock down power lines and tree branches. Be very careful when venturing out in a winter storm. If you are concerned, it may be best to avoid going out altogether.
Slip and fall accidents in winter
Ice, snow and slick can make walking on sidewalks and moving through parking lots very difficult. Although they are cleared periodically, they can still be hazardous in case there are sudden drops in temperature. For any property owner, it is very difficult to keep up with weather changes, however, they are responsible for caring for their property so that it is safe for customers and pedestrians. If a person falls and gets injured due to an improperly cleared or maintained parking lot or walkway, they may have a claim.
DUI accidents during winters
With all the festivities and holiday parties happening all around the country, there is often a lot of alcohol involved. So, if you have had a drink or two at a party, make sure you arrange for a designate driver to drive you home. Avoid driving on evenings when there are high chances of DUI accidents on the roads. Look out for drunk or intoxicated drivers. If you come across someone driving at inconsistent speeds or swerving, stay away from them.
If you have been injured in a winter weather accident, you may have a claim. Discuss your case with a competent Chicago personal injury lawyer at Willens Law Offices. Give us a call at (312) 957-4166 to learn more about your legal right to compensation.
