The following is an article our firm published about four years ago in the winter. These quizzes proved helpful to many we knew then, and we hope they'll help you now!
Ice and Snow May Mean "Slow!"
Are you up-to-date on winter safety practices? During this season, people have to take extra precautions due to the weather. This is especially true when you are out walking. According to our own regional UPMC website, there are many preventative measures you can take to prevent winter accidents. Some of their suggestions include:
Winter Ice Means Slip and Fall Injuries
Once again, it is worth the reminder to make sure that you're being careful out on the ice! A recent news story out of our neighboring state of New York covered a lawsuit involving a slip-and-fall on the ice. The story involved a medical worker who broke her ankle when she slipped and fell on the ice of her employer's building. This injury caused a required surgery and prolonged recovery period. The worker sued the building owner and the managing real estate agent, among others. According to reports, there was a thin layer of snow on the parking lot which covered up the ice. The grade of the parking lot caused frequent problems with water pooling, which caused ice to form in freezing conditions. The lawsuit claims that the defendants were aware of the pooling conditions in the parking lot, but didn't act to fix the problem.
Be Cautious When Driving This Winter
Unfortunately, there have been many recent reports in central and western Pennsylvania involving accidents due to winter road conditions. Ice, snow, sleet, and freezing rain can cause accidents for even the most careful of drivers. There are some important things to consider when driving this winter, which, even though they may be second nature to most native Pennsylvanians, are worth checking out to see if there is anything you're missing!
Using the "Penguin Walk" To Reduce Slips On The Ice
It's dangerous to be outside this time of year in the cold, especially with the hidden danger of ice. Want to know how to avoid a slip and fall accident this winter? Take a look below at how to keep yourself at a lower risk for accident when traveling outdoors this winter:
Slipping On The Winter Ice?
Slip and fall injuries tend to increase during the winter months, due to an increase in bad weather, such as sleet, ice, and snow. These falls may lead to long-lasting and/or painful injuries, such as broken bones, concussions, and loss of consciousness. Extended damage from such an injury may include chronic pain and nerve damage.
Winter Is Coming!
t's that time of year again when we should start thinking about winterizing our vehicles!
Attorney Douglas V. Stoehr would like to offer a few tips that will help with this process.
Winter Driving Requires a Different Kind of Technique!
You passed your PA driver's license test and are a good, safe driver. However, you might not know that there are a few factors that make winter driving a lot different than other seasons. Here are some tips tha may be new to you and can save you and your passengers from injury in the future!
Save the "Ice Skating" For the Rink!
Are you finding yourself slipping, skidding, and sliding on the cold, wet roads and sidewalks? Slip and fall injuries tend to increase during the winter months, due to an uptick in bad weather, such as sleet, ice, and snow. These falls may lead to long-lasting and/or painful injuries, such as broken bones, concussions, and loss of consciousness. Extended damage from such an injury may include chronic pain and nerve damage. Ouch! These injuries are bad by themselves, but may also become an added burden when you have to miss work for an extended period of time.
Stop, Slow Down, and Winterize! Tips and Tricks For Safe Winter Driving
Unfortunately, it's that time of year again when we should start thinking about winterizing our vehicles. Attorney Douglas V. Stoehr would like to offer a few tips that will help with this process.
- Check your TIRES - You should always check to make sure your tires are fully inflated to manufacturer's specifications. Usually this information is on the inside the driver's side door.
- Check your BRAKES - A mechanic should be able to do an evaluation of the brake pads and braking system to ensure that they are working properly.
- Check your FLUID LEVELS - You should always check your oil, windshield washer fluid, and transmission fluid. However, you should also be aware of your coolant levels.
- Check your BATTERY - A battery that is not working properly may result in you being stranded this winter.
- Check your WINDSHIELD WIPERS - If your windshield wipers are not properly clearing the windshield you may have an obstructed view of what's ahead.
- Put together an EMERGENCY KIT containing a cell phone, a heavy blanket, gloves, salt/sand, a flashlight, water and non-perishable food.
However, despite our best efforts, sometimes an accident is unavoidable. If an accident does occur it's important to know that Pennsylvania is a comparative negligence state. Comparative negligence simply means that if your negligence contributed to the accident, your damages will then be reduced by the amount of your negligence. So, please take every precaution to decrease the chances of contributing to an accident, and properly prepare your vehicle and yourself for the conditions ahead.
Some preventative maintenance and exercising a little caution can go a long way in preventing an accident from occurring in the first place, and protecting you from liability. However, if you are injured in a vehicle accident this winter please allow Attorney Douglas V. Stoehr to review your claim at our Altoona, PA law firm.
