Winter Weather and Road Defects

The winter weather can cause chaos on the city’s streets and sidewalks. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures make walking and driving difficult and also create long-term damage to roads that can result in dangerous conditions that can cause serious accidents. If you have suffered an injury due to defective road conditions, understanding your rights and legal options is extremely important.

HOW WINTER WEATHER CAUSES ROAD DEFECTS

New York winters can cause potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces on roads and sidewalks. During the winter storms and weather the pavement expands and contracts resulting in a defect occurring. Large gaps in the roads known as potholes can cause vehicles to lose control leading to car accidents and injuries to drivers and passengers. When water seeps into road cracks and freezes creating patches of ice that are not visible to the eye which causes hazards when walking and driving. Sidewalks and crosswalks can become cracked and broken during the winter weather increasing the likelihood of a trip and fall occurring. Also, road repair jobs can be delayed due to the cold weather and storms that can leave behind dangerous objects on roads, missing warning signs, or leaving hazards unmarked.

WHO IS LIABLE FOR INJURIES CAUSED BY ROAD DEFECTS?

Determining liability for injury due to a defect usually depends on where the accident occurred and who had the duty of maintaining the area. In some cases, the city and state agencies have a duty to keep the roads safe. In other instances property owners, contractors, and other parties can also be held responsible for failing to fix or remedy a dangerous condition or defect. Proving liability usually will require some investigation as to the weather conditions, any maintenance records, and if there was a good amount of time where the party responsible had enough time to fix the defect or dangerous condition.

WHY YOU NEED A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defect on a road or sidewalk having an experienced personal injury attorney is important in pursuing your case and recovering from your injuries. An attorney can assist you in proving negligence, navigating the complex legal world and claims, and maximizing the amount of your compensation. The Licatesi Law group has a team of dedicated attorneys ready to assist you in your claim and guide you on what to do after you or a loved one has been injured. Contact The Licatesi Law Group for a consultation today so we can help you with your case.