Five Common Springtime Accidents that Cause Personal Injuries

 Spring is typically a beautiful time of year in New York City. It marks the return of warmer temperatures and a chance to spend more time outdoors. Residents have the opportunity to shed those layers of heavy winter clothing, enjoy flowers in full bloom in city parks and walk and ride their bikes around city blocks. However, this season does tend to present a fair number of dangerous situations for New Yorkers. Our New York personal injury lawyers are well aware of the hazards that come with springtime activities, especially as people begin to spend more time outside their homes.

Five Common Accidents in the Spring
1. Vehicle accidents: When its nicer outside, it means more people will be out and about, driving on roadways, riding their bikes or motorcycles and walking on sidewalks. More children will also be out and about, playing in their neighborhoods. It is important for motorists to be mindful of the springtime increase in traffic. Always follow the rules of the road. Injuries stemming from car, pedestrian, motorcycle or bicycle accidents can be serious, catastrophic or even fatal.
2. Dog bites: When the weather gets better, more and more of us like to take our pets outdoors too. This often leads to an increase in dog attacks and dog bites. It is important that dog owners keep their pets on a leash while going on walks. Dog that have a history of biting other dogs or people should be kept muzzled or restrained at all times. Dog attacks often result in major injuries including lacerations, bleeding, broken bones and even limb amputations. Some dog attacks, especially those involving children, may even prove fatal.
3. Swimming pool accidents: Springtime is when most of us begin to hit the pool. Children are particularly vulnerable to swimming pool accidents. If you are a homeowner or a caregiver, it is important to ensure that you have a proper fence surrounding your pool and that there is a working gate that will prevent younger children from entering the pool area. Children should always be supervised when they are in or near the water. It would also be a good idea to ensure that the pool lights and electric circuits are working properly to prevent electrical shock.
4. Slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents: These are most common types of accidents that occur especially as foot traffic increases. Common factors that contribute to these types of accidents include, but are not limited to, liquid spills, slippery surfaces, broken stairs, uneven pavement, cracked sidewalks or walkways, bunched-up carpeting, etc. Property owners and/or property managers may be held liable for injuries caused by negligent property maintenance. They are responsible for repairing dangerous conditions on their properties or at the very least, warning visitors and guests about hazardous conditions that may be present.
5. Playground injuries: Children are among those who are excited to be out and about in the springtime. They are most vulnerable to injuries suffered in playgrounds. City agencies or private entities that own parks and playgrounds must be sure to check all their equipment after the winter months and ensure that they are in good working order.
Preventing Injuries
Here are a few tips to help prevent springtime injuries:
• If you are driving a car or any other vehicle, be vigilant at all times. Consciously look out for bicycles and pedestrians, especially at street intersections. Follow the rules of the road at all times. Do not drive distracted or while fatigued.
• If you are a property owner or property manager, make sure your property is well maintained. This is the time to repair any cracked walkways or broken stairways.
• Make sure your swimming pool is well maintained. It is also a good idea to install pool alarms so you know when a child is in the pool area.
• Be careful around dogs. If you are a dog owner, follow leash laws and be in control of your pet at all times.
Compensation for Injured Victims
In cases where negligence is involved, injured victims can seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost income and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. For over 49 years, our skilled accident attorneys have a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com