North Carolina residents are all too aware of how changing seasons can impact their safety. From winter weather driving conditions to slick springtime walkways, knowing what to look for and expect may help you avoid getting hurt.
Let’s take a look at many of the common issues our clients have faced, when putting together their personal injury cases. Our hope is that by calling attention to these issues, we can help you avoid getting hurt or needing to explore legal action. (But rest assured, we’re here to help if you do find yourself the victim of a seasonal accident.)
Avoiding slips and falls (indoors and out)
Injuries from falls are some of the most common accidents we see in our law offices. No matter the season, there are a host of locations, activities, and conditions that can contribute to taking a spill indoors or outdoors. Including:
- Hanging seasonal decorations
- Swapping out window screens and storm windows
- Cleaning gutters
- Shoveling or sweeping outdoor walkways
- Washing windows
- Slipping on black ice, leaves, or snow
Fire prevention and awareness
Keeping your home’s fire alarm batteries in check isn’t the only way you can help protect yourself and your family. To prevent and minimize issues, be sure to:
- When enjoying lit candles, be sure to keep an eye on them. Also, be sure to position them away from flammable objects (like curtains, paperwork, and so on). The same goes for outdoor bug candles and tiki torches.
- Practice a three-foot rule when using a space heater; meaning, keep your space heater at least three feet away from anyone or anything when warming up indoor areas. (And never leave a space heater plugged in or on after you’ve gone to bed or if you’ve left the room.)
- Keeping your home’s furnace, stove, and gas and electrical lines in top working order is another way to help prevent a fire in your home.
Seasonal sports and activity safety
From skiing and sledding to boating and baseball,-there are a host of fun activities you and your family can participate in all year long. Unfortunately, a certain amount of risk accompanies both participating in and being a spectator for many of these sports and activities.
- To help keep you and your family safe, there are a few things you can keep in mind:
- Be sure you’re using the right equipment for the sport or activity you’re engaged in.
- Dress appropriately for the temperature and weather.
- Following safety and sporting rules and guidelines.
- Only operate sporting vehicles or equipment (e.g., boat, ATV, motorbike, jet ski, etc.) if you have undergone certification courses or training.
- Avoid drinking and participating in sports or activities.
- Always be mindful of your surroundings.
Driving carefully, no matter the season
According to the National Safety Commission, there were 4.4 million injuries from car accidents last year. And, there’s a chance that some of those accidents may have been avoidable.
- When you’re on the roads, be mindful of the weather and road conditions.
- Make sure your car is regularly serviced.
- Drive within the speed limit.
- Don’t drive distracted or recklessly.
- Never drink and drive.
If an accident does occur, you can always count on us
No matter the time of year, Wilson William Law is here to help you manage your accident or injury claim. You can count on us to help you through the process and work to get you the compensation you deserve. Let us take care of you, so you can focus on yourself, your family, and recovering (if you’ve been injured).
Give us a call today at (888) 253-4071 to learn more about how we can help you build or manage your specific personal injury or accident case. We look forward to working with you and helping you find a successful resolution.
Note: This blog is intended to be informational only and shall not be construed as legal advice.
