If you live in an area prone to frosty winters like Morrisville, PA, and other communities in the area, you likely know all too well the hazards snow and ice can pose to local citizens. They make roads more dangerous, sidewalks more slippery and, all in all, the entire area more hazardous.
Often, these icy conditions result in painful injuries for local pedestrians. Whether it’s due to a slip and fall on icy cement or a car accident caused by slick roads, the injuries suffered can be serious.
How Ice-Related Pedestrian Accidents Occur
There are several ways an ice-related pedestrian accident can occur. Many times, it’s simply a slip and fall. This may be the case if a property owner fails to provide a safe environment for pedestrians, such as leaving dangerous icy patches on the premises after becoming aware of the conditions, neglecting to post adequate signage when hazards are present, or failing to remove ice or snow from roofs and awnings.
These accidents also can occur when roads are icy. While cities and counties are responsible for ensuring roads are safe for driving by sanding or salting the area, drivers themselves also are expected to take extra care and caution when driving on slick roads. If they go too fast, brake too quickly or fail to abide by traffic laws or posted signs, it could lead to skidding, slipping and, unfortunately, hitting a pedestrian.
Places where ice-related pedestrian accidents may occur include:
- streets, highways and other roads;
- sidewalks, steps and stairs;
- stores and malls;
- parking lots;
- bridges and tunnels; and
- the workplace.
Types of Ice-Related Injuries
Ice-related accidents can lead to a whole slew of injuries and conditions. From minor scrapes and cuts to broken bones and head trauma, the possibilities are numerous.
Common injuries pedestrians may suffer include:
- bruises and lacerations;
- strains, sprains and other soft-tissue injuries;
- injuries to the hands, wrists and arms;
- injuries to the legs, hips and other joints;
- fractured bones;
- back and spinal cord injuries; and
- traumatic brain and head injuries.
Sometimes, icy conditions can lead to pedestrian fatalities, especially when vehicles are involved. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 10 percent of all weather-related crash fatalities occur because of icy road conditions.
Pedestrian Injury Costs
When a pedestrian is involved in an ice-related accident, it not only comes with a physical cost, but also a financial one. Depending on the extent of the injury, the pedestrian could incur any number of medical costs. Whether it’s simply a one-time emergency room visit or long-term rehabilitative therapy, the costs could be steep. Additionally, the injury could keep victims away from work or even render them permanently disabled, thus adding to the list of financial costs incurred.
While there are situations in which the pedestrian is at fault for his or her own accident, in many cases, these incidents occur because of someone else’s neglect. It could be the property owner where the accident occurred, the driver of the vehicle who hit the pedestrian or the employer at the victim’s workplace. If an accident occurred because of someone else’s negligence or error, victims could have grounds for a legal claim, which would allow them to seek compensation for medical bills and other costs.
An attorney at Cordisco & Saile LLC can provide legal assistance to victims involved in ice-related accidents around Morrisville, PA. Call us: 215-642-2335.
