Most people know that winter weather can be treacherous, but did you know that snow and ice are one of the leading causes of accidents? In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half a million car accidents each year are caused by snow and ice.
Most people are familiar with the danger of driving in winter weather, but some may not realize the many other problems caused by icy conditions. Snow and ice can present severe hazards to not just motorists but pedestrians, cyclists, and property owners/vistors as well. For example, property owners are responsible for keeping their sidewalks and walkways clear of snow and ice; if they fail to do so, they may be held liable for any accidents that occur.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a snow or ice accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our snow and ice accident lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. are ready to fight for you and ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our Kansas personal injury law office today for a free case evaluation.
How Do Snow and Ice Accidents Occur?
There are several ways that snow and ice can cause accidents. One of the most common is simply due to poor road conditions. When roads are slick with ice or covered in snow, it can be challenging for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. This can lead to accidents ranging from minor fender benders to major multi-car pileups.
Another way that snow and ice can cause accidents is when drivers fail to take proper precautions when driving in winter weather conditions. For example, many people need to realize that it takes longer to stop on icy roads than on dry pavement. Many drivers do not leave enough space between their car and the car in front of them, leading to rear-end collisions.
If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by snow or ice, you may wonder what your legal options are. The good news is that you can recover compensation for your accident-related expenses.
The lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. can assess your situation and explain your rights and options as they apply to you and your situation. Contact our Kansas law office for a free consultation.
Property Owner’s Responsibilities With Snow And Ice
In Kansas, property owners are generally responsible for clearing snow and ice from their sidewalks and driveways. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the property owner is a renter, the landlord may be responsible for clearing the sidewalk. If the property is a business, the owner may be required to clear the sidewalk in front of the business.
In the event that you slip and fall on someone else’s property due to snow or ice, you may be able to recover damages from the property owner. To learn more about your rights and options after a slip and fall accident, contact an experienced Kansas personal injury lawyer at Peterson & Associates, P.C.
Common Injuries Suffered During Slip and Fall Accidents
Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents are all too common, particularly during the winter when ice and snow make walkways and sidewalks treacherous. These accidents can often lead to severe injuries, ranging from bruises and cuts to more serious injuries like spinal cord injuries or head trauma.
In the event that you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. In addition, consider consulting with a Kansas City personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and whether you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Common slip and fall injuries include:
- Bruises and Cuts: These are some of the most common injuries suffered in slip and fall accidents. Oftentimes, they will heal on their own with time. However, depending on the severity of the bruise or cut, you may require stitches or other medical treatment.
- Sprains and Strains: These types of injuries often occur when people try to catch themselves after falling. The ligaments in the body can be stretched or torn, leading to pain and swelling. Depending on the severity of the sprain or strain, you may need crutches or even surgery to repair the damage.
- Broken Bones: These are some of the more severe injuries suffered due to slip and fall accidents. They can lead to a great deal of pain and suffering. Your bone may need to be surgically repaired or cast if it is broken in multiple places.
- Head Injuries: These injuries can be severe and often result in death. Head injuries sustained from falling can include concussion or even traumatic brain injury. This type of injury often requires emergency care and long-term medical treatment.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Many people suffer soft tissue injuries when they have a slip and fall accident. Soft tissue injuries occur when too much pressure is placed on the body’s skin, muscles, and tendons.
Compensation Available to Slip and Fall Accident Victims in Kansas
Many different types of compensation are available to victims of slip and fall accidents, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The best way to determine what kind of compensation you may be entitled to is to speak with an experienced Kansas personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can review the facts of your case and advise you of your legal options. If you have a strong case, a lawyer can help you pursue a claim for compensation from the responsible party.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to get help. Contact a Kansas personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
Who is Liable in a Slip and Fall Accident?
There are a few different types of liability in a slip and fall accident. If the property owner is found to be at fault, they may be held liable for any injuries or damages. If the property owner is not at fault, the person who caused the accident may be liable.
For example, if someone spills a drink and you slip and fall, that person may be liable. Lastly, if neither the property owner nor the person who caused the accident is found to be at fault, then you may be able to recover damages from your own insurance company.
How to File a Slip and Fall Accident Claim in Kansas
You may wonder how to file a claim if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Kansas. Here’s what you need to know:
In Kansas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the property owner or another responsible party.
To succeed in your lawsuit, you must prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining the property. This means that you will need to show that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard that caused your accident and did not take reasonable steps to fix it.
If you’re unsure whether you have a case or have any questions about filing a claim, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Kansas personal injury lawyer for help.
How to Prove Liability in a Slip and Fall Accident Caused by Snow and Ice
You may wonder how to prove liability if you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident caused by snow or ice. After all, accidents of this nature can be tricky to prove since the weather conditions are often out of the property owner’s control. However, there are certain things that you can do to increase your chances of success.
First and foremost, gathering as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident is crucial. This means taking photographs of the area where you fell and any visible hazards that may have contributed to your fall. It’s also a good idea to get the contact information of witnesses who saw what happened.
Secondly, you’ll need to show that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition. This can be difficult to do if the weather conditions change suddenly. However, if the property owner had been made aware of the potential for hazardous conditions (e.g., through a weather forecast) but failed to mitigate them (e.g., by shoveling snow or laying down salt), then liability may be easier to establish.
Finally, you’ll need to show that you were injured due to the hazardous condition. It’s not enough to prove that the condition existed; your injury must also have been caused by it.
How to Find the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in Kansas
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by snow or ice, you may wonder how to find the right personal injury lawyer in Kansas. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Check out online resources. Many websites provide information about personal injury lawyers in Kansas, including the Kansas Bar Association’s website. You can also check out online directories such as Avvo and Nolo.
- Ask family and friends for recommendations. If someone you know has been in a similar situation, they may be able to recommend a good lawyer.
- Contact the Kansas Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service. The Kansas Bar Association can refer you to a personal injury lawyer in your area.
- Meet with several lawyers before making a decision. Once you’ve narrowed your options, you must meet with each lawyer to see if they’re a good fit for you and your case. Ask questions and get a feel for their personality and style.
- Make sure the lawyer is licensed in Kansas. This is important because laws vary from state to state, and you want to ensure your lawyer is familiar with the laws in your state.
- Once you have a lawyer, write down all the details you remember regarding your case. Ask your doctor to write a detailed account of the injuries you’ve sustained and when they’re likely to heal. Ask your employer for any written statements they might have.
- Meet with your lawyer to discuss the next steps in your case and how much it is likely to cost you. Your lawyer can help prepare you for these costs, so you aren’t surprised.
- Always follow up. Be sure to follow up with your attorney throughout your case, especially if new information comes out or deadlines are approaching closer than expected.
Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer
Here are some questions to ask a personal injury lawyer before employing their services:
- What experience do you have with snow and ice accidents?
- Have you successfully represented clients in similar cases before?
- How much time will you dedicate to my case?
- What is your strategy for success in this type of case?
- What are the potential risks and rewards associated with my case?
- How will you keep me updated on the progress of my case?
- What are your fees, and how are they structured?
- Do you have any other advice for me in this situation?
FAQs About Snow and Ice Accident Cases
If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by snow or ice, you may have a lot of questions about your legal rights and options. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about these types of cases.
Q: Who can be held liable for a snow or ice accident?
A: Depending on the circumstances, a few different parties could be held liable for your accident. If the property owner failed to clear the snow and ice from their premises properly, they may be held responsible. Alternatively, they may be liable if the municipality did not adequately clear the public sidewalks or roads. In some cases, both the property owner and the municipality can be held to account.
Q: What damages can I recover in a snow or ice accident case?
A: If you are successful in your snow or ice accident case, you may be able to recover a variety of damages. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Q: How do I prove the other party is at fault in my snow or ice accident case?
A: In order to prove that another party is at fault in your accident, you will need to gather evidence. This can include eyewitness testimony, expert testimony, photographs, and more.
Contact a Kansas Snow and Ice Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a Kansas snow or ice-related accident, it is essential to contact an experienced Kansas snow and ice accident lawyer. The attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. have represented many people who have been seriously injured in Kansas winter weather accidents.
We know how to investigate these cases and get the evidence needed to hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact a Kansas snow and ice accident attorney at our Kansas law office by calling 816-888-8888 for a free case evaluation.