Middlesex County is home to many suburban areas and towns. Sidewalks are an important and essential part of both urban and suburban areas, providing walkers, runners, bikers, and pedestrians with a safe way to get around town, connect with the community, and navigate to businesses, restaurants, and various destinations. While sidewalks are imperative they can also present several hazards and have the capacity to cause injuries. Knowing about these risks can help pedestrians avoid injuries and navigate more safely through their community. For more information and skilled legal advice, reach out to a Middlesex County sidewalk accident attorney today.
What Are the Most Common Sidewalk Hazards?
There are many potential hazards on and around sidewalks that can lead to accidents and injuries for walkers, runners, bikers, and more. Consider the following.
- Heaved slabs and uneven pavement causing a tripping hazard
- Cracks in the pavement
- Tree roots growing underneath the walkway and lifting parts of the sidewalk
- Potholes and depressions
- Debris like broken glass, fallen tree branches, litter, discarded furniture, construction materials, bicycles, trash cans, etc. which force pedestrians to navigate around them or walk in the street
- Inadequate street lighting which causes poor visibility for pedestrians and drivers
- Overhanging branches
- Inclement weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice causing slippery surfaces
- Overgrown weeds and shrubs blocking the path and creating tripping hazards
The above are common dangers facing pedestrians and sidewalk users on a daily basis.
What Are Some Common Sidewalk Injuries?
Some common injuries caused by sidewalk hazards include the following.
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures and broken bones
- Concussions
- TBI (Traumatic Brain Injuries)
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bruising
- Muscle damage
- Soft tissue injuries
If you were involved in a sidewalk accident and experienced any of the above, you may be able to pursue legal action and compensation. The local government has a responsibility to keep public walkways and sidewalks safe and free of dangers. If your injury occured on public property, you can pursue an injury claim with the local municipality. If the walkway was on private land and you were there lawfully, you can hold the property owner accountable if their negligence caused your accident and injury.
Through a personal injury claim, you can recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. Whether you slipped on a patch of ice, your foot caught on a heaved slab of pavement, or you fell while navigating around an obstacle in your path, sidewalk injuries can be painful and expensive to deal with. It is crucial that you understand your legal rights and options after being injured on a public sidewalk. Contact a skilled attorney at Stathis & Leonardis, LLC to set up a consultation today.
