Winter weather in Hartford can lead to all kinds of snow and ice injuries. Whether someone fails to adjust their driving to conditions and causes a car accident or you slip and fall on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation.
Although our team at Zayas Law Firm can help you file a personal injury lawsuit, we’d rather you have a safe and happy winter season. As such, we’ve provided some snow and ice safety tips below:
Behind the Wheel
When snow and ice are on the road, stay home if you can, and slow down whenever you are behind the wheel. Give yourself extra following distance so you have time to stop if you need to, and keep a steady, even speed. Avoid braking or accelerating quickly and making any sudden moves on the road, as this could cause a skid. If you skid, steer into the skid and brake gently, keeping your heel on the floor and using the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
Always drive sober, stay focused, and keep an emergency kit in your car with first-aid supplies, warm clothing, extra blankets, water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and a glass scraper.
For more winter driving tips, view this helpful article from AAA or read our blog, “Safety Tips for Winter Weather Driving.”
Out and About
Many people slip and fall in parking lots and on sidewalks during the winter months. To avoid slip and fall accidents:
- Wear boots or slip-resistant footwear.
- Walk slowly and carefully.
- Try the penguin walk – focus on your footing and take short, slow, and flat-footed steps.
- Be extra careful when getting in and out of vehicles and use your car for support.
- Avoid carrying items and walking with your hands in your pockets – wearing a backpack will help free-up your arms and hands so you can use them to catch yourself if you lose your balance.
- Watch out for black ice.
- Tap your foot on the ground to check if it is slippery before taking a step.
- Walk on well-traveled walkways and avoid uneven surfaces (like curbs and stairs) if possible.
- Beware of slippery floors when entering a building or home.
- Always remember: “ice and snow mean take it slow!”
Many local businesses and homeowners treat their sidewalks and driveways with salt to help guests gain traction and avoid slips. If you notice someone has not shoveled or treated their walkway, keep everyone safe by letting them know. In Hartford, property owners must remove snow and ice and add sand or salt to a sidewalk within 6 hours after it appears. If property owners do not fulfill the city’s ice removal requirements, they can be held liable for any accidents or injuries that occur.
Your Legal Rights
If you have been harmed in a winter car accident or sustained a snow and ice injury, our attorneys may be able to help. Zayas Law Firm has been vigorously representing clients like you since 1990, and with 50+ years of combined legal experience and 24/7 availability, we are ready to help.
All you have to do is call us at (860) 854-9156 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. Hablamos español.