Autumn is a scenic and festive time of year that many people look forward to. However, as the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, there are many safety risks that are inherent in the season — and certain types of accidents commonly arise. While some autumn accidents are no one’s fault, others can be caused by another party’s negligence or carelessness. If someone else is to blame for the accident that caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover your damages by filing a personal injury action.
Here are some of the most common autumn accidents:
Slip and Fall Accidents Caused by Wet Leaves
Leaves and foliage can be a significant hazard during the autumn months. Wet leaves on the ground can lead to slip and fall accidents that result in serious injuries, including broken bones, nerve damage, fractures, paralysis, and traumatic brain injury. While no one can be held responsible for the leaves falling, a property owner can incur liability for a guest’s injuries if they fail to safely maintain their premises by raking or clearing the fallen foliage.
Pavement Trip and Fall Accidents
Similar to slip and fall accidents, trip and falls can occur when leaves accumulate on the ground in autumn. Leaves can cover other dangerous conditions on a premises such as potholes, depressions, and cracks in the pavement. The owner, maintenance company or landlord of the property may be held liable for negligence if they knew — or should have known — about a defect in the pavement and failed to make timely repairs. Importantly, New York City imposes liability on owners for personal injuries caused by their failure to safely maintain the sidewalk abutting their property.
Falls Caused by Poor Lighting
With the onset of autumn, the days get shorter, and it becomes darker earlier. In addition to being caused by leaves that have not been cleared, both slip and fall and trip and fall accidents can arise due to poor lighting. Whether it’s a parking lot, staircase, or the perimeter of an apartment complex, an owner must ensure that their premises are adequately illuminated to prevent fall accidents and the injuries that can come with them. A victim who suffers a fall because of poor lighting can sustain a variety of severe injuries, including hip fractures, head injuries, concussion, soft tissue injuries, lacerations, and spinal cord damage, depending on the circumstances.
Autumn Car Accidents
There are many factors in the fall that can lead to car accidents, including shorter days, bad weather, and increased traffic. Motor vehicle crashes during the autumn months can also be caused by fatigue, speeding, distraction, and driving under the influence. These types of accidents can be severe and lead to catastrophic injuries. If you suffered serious injuries in a collision caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to recover the damages you suffered by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Pedestrian Accidents
Autumn is one of the most dangerous seasons for pedestrians. Decreased daylight hours, fog, rainy weather, and other factors can make pedestrians and bicyclists less visible to those in vehicles on the road, resulting in them being much more vulnerable to accidents. Since pedestrians don’t have the protections that the occupants of cars, SUVs, and trucks have, these types of accidents typically lead to devastating injuries and lifelong debilitation. If another party’s negligence caused the pedestrian knockdown accident, an injured pedestrian may be eligible to receive compensation for their monetary damages — and pain and suffering.
Contact an Experienced New York City Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in an autumn accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to have experienced legal counsel on your side who can pursue the compensation you deserve. Located in Manhattan, The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown, LLP has successfully represented accident victims throughout New York City since 1937. Due to our knowledge, diligence, and commitment to clients, we regularly obtain substantial settlements and verdicts on their behalf. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at (212) 425-1999 today.