Personal injury lawsuits allow people who have been hurt as a result of someone else’s negligent or intentional actions to seek justice in the form of compensation. Filing a claim against someone who has been irresponsible and caused injury, whether physical, emotional, or financial, not only provides a form of redress for the victim but can also serve as an incentive or corrective for better behavior. When it comes to winter personal injury cases, the most common impetus is the failure of an individual or business to clear away snow or ice or to act appropriately in response to bad weather conditions. If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, here’s what you need to know:

• Take photos of the area where you were hurt, taking care to capture any snow, ice, or other poorly maintained areas.
• Ask any witnesses for their names and contact information.
• Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Even if you think it’s just a bump or bruise, it’s a good idea to be seen by a doctor or other advanced practice health professional so that they can document your injury. Keep all records, including receipts, prescriptions, diagnoses, X-rays, and care instructions.
• If you’ve been in an auto accident, be sure to contact the police and get a police report of what happened. Your insurance company will need it, and it will be extremely helpful if you’ve been hurt by a driver who was moving too fast in inclement conditions or on an icy road.
• Don’t throw anything having to do with the accident away. If you fell, keep any clothing that you were wearing that was torn. If your vehicle was damaged, take photos of all damage before it is repaired.
• Contact your insurance company about what happened, providing them with any information that they need. If you are contacted by the other party’s insurer, refer them to your attorney. Do not sign any waivers or releases without consulting with an attorney, and do not make any statements to them regarding fault.

If you have had to pay medical expenses, lost work, or in some other way been harmed emotionally, physically, or financially because of a wintertime accident, don’t delay in contacting our experienced attorney. We will advise you about your rights, whether you should move forward with filing a claim, and what you can expect if you choose to do so. For assistance, contact us today.