The winter is a great time for outside fun and recreational activities throughout the Hudson Valley and New York state. However, it can also be a time of increased risk for those who venture outside, whether they are driving or merely walking down the street.

In New York, operators of motor vehicles and landowners are all subject to the standards and laws of negligence. Motor vehicles must be operated safely and with appropriate consideration of the existing weather, road and traffic conditions. Landowners must keep their property in reasonably safe condition and must remove any hazardous or dangerous condition such as an accumulation of snow or ice within a reasonable time after the storm ends.

The victims of traffic accidents or slip and fall accidents may consider taking legal action to recover for medical bills, wage reimbursement from lost time at work, as well as damages for pain and suffering and consequential damages resulting from injuries sustained as a result of the negligence of another. In addition to a lawsuit to recover money damages as compensation for their injuries, other benefits such as no-fault insurance, N.Y. Disability or SSD may be available.

Kingston NY personal injury lawyers at Ryan, Roach & Ryan will make sure that the victims of negligence are treated fairly and compensated fully.

The Risk of Wintertime Accidents

The winters in New York can be cold, wet and even snowy, with icy roads and poor visibility greatly increasing the risk of traffic accidents. Vehicles with bad tires or faulty windshield wipers can create a hazard to both their occupants and to others on the road. Intoxicated drivers further add to the risks of driving during wintery conditions. Pedestrians face winter hazards such as dangerous accumulations of snow and ice on exterior stairs, sidewalks, driveways and roads. Shorter days during winter months, with longer periods of darkness increase many existing risks.

The Law Firm of Ryan Roach and Ryan offers legal assistance to those injured as a result of a dangerous snow or ice conditions due to the negligence of others.

What to do After an Accident

All negligence claims require timely investigation, and this is even more important when injuries are caused by hazardous show and ice conditions. Photos of the accident scene and dangerous conditions should be obtained as soon as possible. It is also necessary that all responsible parties be identified and all forms of available insurance be ascertained. At Ryan, Roach & Ryan we immediately initiate the investigation appropriate for each case we handle.

Accident victims injured by the negligent actions of another may seek financial compensation from the responsible parties. This includes compensation for medical bills and expenses, lost wage reimbursement, and money damages for pain and suffering and the permanent effects of their injuries.

All accident claims require timely investigation, and this is even more important with injuries caused by dangerous winter conditions. As winter conditions change quickly, it is important to document the facts of the occurrence and to obtain photos of the accident scene as soon as possible.

If you have been injured because of a dangerous winter condition, contact Kingston NY personal injury lawyers Ryan, Roach & Ryan as soon as possible, to allow early investigation and claim evaluation, and to be sure that any resulting lawsuit is timely and properly commenced before expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.

Other Potential Claims

When we evaluate your case at Ryan, Roach & Ryan, we will also determine whether the facts support any other potential rights to recovery or benefits such as a claim under N.Y. Dram Shop Law, N.Y. No-Fault benefits, N.Y. Disability benefits and/or Social Security Disability benefits.