The snow can be a beautiful sight, but it can be dangerous when it comes to venturing out. As a result, snow & ice accidents happen often, and the results can be severe. Read on to learn more about snow & ice accidents in New Jersey and what to do in the event of an injury.
Who is Responsible for Snow & Ice Accidents?
In New Jersey, property owners are responsible for keeping their properties safe. This applies to homeowners, businesses, shops, and municipal buildings. So, if you slip and fall on the sidewalk in front of someone’s house, the owner of the home may be held responsible for your accident. There is a window of time after a snow or rainfall event in which property owners must clean their property of any snow or ice. This window of time varies by municipality, so contact our firm to discuss whether your accident occurred outside this window of time.
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof
If your injury was caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. But, you must prove that this negligence occurred.
- Seek medical attention. It is important to visit the hospital, your doctor, or an urgent care clinic. This will allow you to ensure your injuries are properly cared for while simultaneously providing you with documentation of the origin and extent of your injuries. Make sure to ask your doctor for a copy of any relevant medical documents.
- Document the scene. Take pictures and videos of the hazardous conditions that caused your accident. This can be one of the most important aspects of a personal injury case.
- Obtain witness contacts. If anyone saw your accident occur, gather their contact information. Bystanders may be able to provide witness statements later on.
- Contact a skilled personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney may be able to collect further proof, including police reports and security camera footage.
- File your claim on time.
How Long do I Have to File a Claim?
If you wish to take legal action, you will have to make sure to file your personal injury claim on time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations is generally two years. This means that if you fail to file your claim within two years from the date of the accident, you will likely lose your opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW JERSEY FIRM
Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is an experienced personal injury law firm in Middlesex County, New Jersey that is committed to helping clients who have been hurt due to another party’s negligence. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, please do not hesitate to contact our firm today.