Talking About Privacy Law

Winter doesn't just bring ice and snow, it also brings a great deal of personal injury claims to attorneys all over Chicago. You may not realize that you could benefit from seeing a personal injury attorney after one of these accidents, but you might be missing out on compensation that you are entitled to. Here are four winter accidents that you could experience that should be handled by your personal injury attorney.

Slips And Falls Outdoors

Slips and falls are among the most common winter accidents, especially outdoors. According to Compuweather, they account for 64% of all winter accident claims to insurance companies. While you can slip and hurt yourself anywhere, in the winter, outdoor areas are especially dangerous if not treated for ice and snow. If you slip on an icy patch of sidewalk and hurt yourself, you could be eligible for compensation. 

A fall on icy steps or on a public walkway that is in general disrepair could result in injuries that could prevent you from working for weeks. If you don't want your family to be "left out in the cold" financially, speak with an accident attorney to see if you are eligible for compensation that could replace those lost wages.

Slips And Falls Indoors

Outdoor falls aren't the only ones you need to be aware of in the winter. Whether you are going to work or just to the local shops to pick up groceries, you need to be aware of any snow and ice that has been tracked indoors and allowed to melt. Wet, slippery floors can be very dangerous, and it is the premises owner's responsibility to maintain a safe walking area for customers or employees. In some cases, a slip and fall injury could be eligible for compensation, so be sure to speak to an attorney to determine if your injury is one that is eligible.

Auto Accidents

Icy roads and wintry weather conditions make driving more challenging, plus you have to watch out for other drivers who may not be as careful a driver as you are. Approximately 17% of automobile crashes occur in snow or sleet conditions. This is less than the number that occur in rainy weather, but still significant, especially if you are the victim in one of these crashes. 

Determining fault in an automobile accident that occurs in the winter can be tricky, so you need the knowledge that an experience personal injury lawyer has in order to ensure you are properly compensated after your accident. Don't just rely on the insurance company to handle the process, or you could miss out on compensation that will help you replace your vehicle, cover any medical expenses, and keep you financially comfortable.

Hit By Falling Ice

A buildup of snow and ice can lead to dangerous conditions underneath gutters and awnings. In Illinois, an accumulation of snow or ice that is considered to be "unnatural" is the responsibility of the property owner. If it is not dealt with and an injury occurs, the property owner could be liable for the damages that are caused. Whether ice from a roof or gutter falls on you or your vehicle, you could be eligible for compensation. Because the laws regarding "unnatural" accumulations of ice and snow are tricky, it's best to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to determine if you have a case against the property owner.

It's a good idea to be proactive during winter weather. It's better to avoid an accident altogether rather than having to get a personal injury attorney and deal with a lengthy court case. Use common sense when working or traveling outdoors in the winter, and practice safe winter driving techniques to reduce your risk of injury during bad weather. However, if you do sustain an injury, don't hesitate to speak to a skilled personal injury attorney to see if you have a case for compensation.