Spring is here once again, and many Alaskans are rejoicing over longer, warmer days and melting snow. However, there are still hazards, even during this beautiful season, that can lead to personal injury, particularly car accidents and slip-and-falls. If you are going to be out and about in the spring sunshine, take care to note these hazards and prepare for them accordingly so that you can stay safe!
- Be aware of freeze/thaw cycles in your areas. Just because the snow melts does not mean that ice cannot form overnight, particularly in low-lying areas. Ice on roadways and sidewalks can be hazardous, and it is often the case that, if the snow has melted, people’s attention wavers from checking for icy paths or highways. In an instant, an icy patch can lead to a slip-and-fall or a vehicle skid, resulting in terrible consequences. Maintain vigilance in looking for ice in all areas until temperatures rise steadily to above freezing overnight.
- Ensure that your own walkways are safe. While you do not have control over public sidewalks and roadways, you can control ice in your own driveway and walkways. Be sure to check before going down steps to ensure that they are free of ice and water that can cause slip and falls, and continue to shovel your driveway and walkways and cover them with whatever you use to maintain a skid-free surface as needed. This not only protects you and your family from injury but can also help you avoid having someone else injured on your property–a situation no one wants to create!
- Observe water on floors. One place many people are injured in slip-and-fall accidents is in a store with a slippery, wet floor. Right now, entry and exit points may be very wet and slippery due to melting snow that is tracked in by visitors. As you enter or exit any store or building, be aware of how the floor may be wet and slippery. Continue to be observant as you move through the store. Call attention immediately to any hazardous areas by notifying store management. A few moments of observation and care can prevent you or someone else from having a debilitating accident.
At Barber & Associates, we have spent years working with Alaska victims of personal injury. Our professional attorneys dedicate themselves to serving our clients and ensuring that they are treated fairly. All too often, personal injury victims are victimized not only by their accidents but also by doctors, insurance companies, and others who do not have their best interests at heart. Here at Barber & Associates, we treat you with the respect you deserve and work hard to ensure that you receive the maximum amount possible for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other harms incurred due to your accident. Call us today for a consultation to talk about your case and learn more about how we can help you maximize your claim.