Regrettably, numerous New York communities are increasingly prioritizing vehicular traffic, leading to a decline in pedestrian safety. This trend, compounded by hazards present on sidewalks, can render pedestrian travel exceedingly perilous. Consequently, it’s imperative to comprehend the prevalent causes of sidealk accidents, as well as one’s entitlement should an injury occur due to another party’s negligence. The following blog provides pertinent information regarding these circumstances, including the critical role of collaborating with an experienced New York City Sidewalk Accident Attorney to navigate this intricate process and advocate for the justice one merits.
What Are Common Causes of Sidewalk Accidents?
Pedestrians often assume that all sidewalks in the state are well-maintained and frequently don’t pay close attention to potential hazards. Sidewalks must undergo regular maintenance by their owners to ensure the absence of dangers. Should hazards be present on a sidewalk and not promptly addressed by the appropriate parties, pedestrians risk sustaining life-altering injuries. Some of the most common causes of sidewalk accidents in New York include, but are by no means limited to, the following:
- Weather-related hazards (unshoveled snow or ice)
- Slippery substances
- Electrical cords on the ground
- Loose debris
- Uneven surfaces
- Inadequate lighting
- Overgrown vegetation
- Tree roots or fallen branches
- Improper drainage
It’s important to note that property owners are generally afforded a grace period to clear weather-related hazards such as snow, ice, or standing water after a storm. Consequently, if an injury occurs before this allotted time expires, the property owner is unlikely to be held liable. The specific timeframes for clearing such hazards vary by municipality.
How Can an Attorney Help?
In any personal injury case, a crucial element is demonstrating that the property owner either knew or should have reasonably known about hazardous conditions and failed to rectify them, directly leading to the incident. As such, it’s crucial to retain the services of a qualified attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can promptly collect and preserve pertinent evidence to support your claim. They can help you establish that the responsible party was negligent in maintaining the sidewalk.
If you were injured on government property, an attorney can help you meet strict deadlines and notice requirements. Additionally, they can help calculate and prove the full extent of your losses, which may include medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Furthermore, an attorney can negotiate with the insurance company or the at-fault party’s legal counsel, advocating on your behalf and fighting for a fair settlement. At Swerling Law, we are prepared to guide you through these difficult times. Connect with our firm today for guidance and skilled representation.