Have you ever been walking down the sidewalk and slipped on a patch of ice? This is something that almost everyone has experienced. When the weather gets cold, snow and ice accidents are on the rise. For the most part, we are unharmed. But, sometimes, you can become seriously injured. As the winter months get colder and colder, it is important to know what to do in the event of a snow & ice accident. Read on for more information regarding snow & ice accidents in Westchester County and what to do if you become injured.

Where do Snow & Ice Accidents Occur?

A snow and ice accident can happen anywhere there is a cold, slippery surface. But, some places to be especially wary of include sidewalks, parking lots, stairways, and driveways.

Who is Responsible for My Injury?

In Westchester County, property owners are legally responsible for maintaining their properties. This applies to homeowners, businesses, stores, and municipal buildings. For example, if you are a homeowner, and someone slips on the sidewalk in front of your house and becomes injured, you may be held responsible for their injuries. There is a window of time after a snow or rainfall event by which property owners must clean their properties of snow and ice. If the property is not cleaned in time, this can be considered negligence. This window of time differs by each municipality, so contact our firm if you are unsure whether an accident occurred within this window.

It is important that you provide proof that some form of negligence occurred, so if possible, take photos and videos at the scene of the accident and gather the contact information of any witnesses.

How Long do I Have to File a Claim?

If you wish to pursue legal action for an injury, you will have to make sure to file your claim on time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. Generally, the statute of limitations in New York is three years. This means if you do not file your claim within three years from the date of the accident, you will most likely lose your chance to recover compensation. To make sure you don’t miss any deadlines, contact a skilled personal injury attorney to discuss your case.

If you or a loved one is injured in a snow & ice accident in Westchester County, contact our firm today. We want to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED WESTCHESTER COUNTY FIRM

Hausman & Pendzick effectively represent victims of negligence in Westchester County and across the state of New York. We understand how challenging life can be without financial compensation for serious injuries you have wrongly sustained. If you need a knowledgeable and skilled personal injury attorney to help you recover compensation after an accident, contact Hausman & Pendzick today.