New England winter weather can be treacherous, especially for those who do not have experience handling inclement conditions. Although October is the month that sees the highest number of Massachusetts car accidents, winter weather generally increases the likelihood of car accidents, slip-and-falls, and other types of personal injury. In Massachusetts, those that suffer injuries in a car accident or other incident because of another’s negligence may be able to recover for their damages. However, snow and ice-related accidents can present many challenges to injury victims as the circumstances surrounding these accidents may not be clear. It is important that injury victims consult with an attorney to discuss their rights and remedies in these cases.
Many premises liability accidents stem from snow and ice slip-and-falls, trip-and-falls, and step-and-falls. These accidents may occur when a property owner fails to remove snow or ice from their home or business. The failure to make a property safe may result in serious injuries to a visitor or guest. The most common injuries from a snow or ice accident are broken bones, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and organ damage. In many cases, these injuries require both emergency and long-term medical treatment. Even with insurance, these medical treatments are often costly and may deter the victim’s ability to continue gainful employment. In these cases, victims should pursue damages against the negligent party.
In some snow and ice accidents, liability may be evident, especially in situations where it is clear that a property owner failed to make their property safe, or an at-fault driver was acting negligently in operating their vehicle. However, cases are rarely straightforward, and defendants may blame the victim and avoid liability under the state’s comparative negligence or assignment laws. For example, an at-fault driver may argue that the injury victim suddenly braked their vehicle, thereby causing the rear-end driver to slam into them. Moreover, a property owner may try to attribute liability to a third-party hired to remove snow from the owner’s business or home. However, despite the legal theories that defendants may purport to avoid liability, winter weather can lead to disastrous accidents.
For example, a local Boston news report described the influx of snow-related accidents across the region. Law enforcement reported that there have been over 100 crashes as winter storms battered the northeast shortly before the New Year. One car accident involved a utility pole that snapped into the middle of the road. Some of the other crashes included an SUV driver crashing into a police cruiser, a two-vehicle crash resulting in a car fire, and another driver losing control and crashing into a utility pole.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Massachusetts Car Accident?
If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries or died in a Massachusetts winter weather car accident, you should contact the attorneys at The Law Offices of Barry Feinstein And Affiliates P.C. We have have over 25 years of experience advocating on behalf of Massachusetts injury victims against big insurance companies, negligent government entities, and at-fault motorists. Our office handles claims stemming from motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, and wrongful death. The attorneys at our law firm possess the skills, resources, and tools necessary to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact our law firm at 800-262-9200, to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at our office.
