
Have you ever slipped on a patch of ice? Most of us have at some point. Often, you get up and dust yourself off, but in some cases, you can become seriously injured. This winter, Maryland streets will become slippery with snow and ice. If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Read on to learn more about snow and ice accidents in Maryland and what to do in the event that you become injured.
How do Snow & Ice Accidents Occur?
Snow and ice accidents can occur anywhere there is ice. A slippery surface can become incredibly dangerous. But, the most common places slip and falls occur include stairways, parking lots, and driveways.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Snow and Ice Accident?
In Maryland, property owners are responsible for maintaining their grounds and keeping them safe. This applies to homeowners, shops, businesses, and municipal properties. If grounds are not properly maintained, they can become seriously dangerous. Property owners have a designated amount of time after a snow or rainfall event by which they must clear their properties of any snow or ice. If the owner fails to clear the property in time, they can be held responsible for any accidents that occur as a result. For example, if you slip on the sidewalk in front of a home, the homeowner may be held responsible. If you are unsure whether your accident occurred within this time frame, contact our firm for more information.
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof
If you are injured due to the negligence of another party, you may be eligible to recover compensation. To do so, there are a few steps you will need to take:
- Contact the proper authorities. If you are severely injured, you will want to contact 911. This allows you to make sure your injuries are tended to while also allowing you to document your injury.
- You will need to collect proof. You can do this by taking photos and videos of the hazardous conditions that caused your accident. Additionally, you should gather the contact information 0f anyone who witnessed your accident. A skilled personal injury attorney may be able to gather further evidence, such as security footage or police reports.
- Make sure you file on time. In Maryland, you must file your claim within a certain amount of time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Maryland is generally three years.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a snow and ice accident, reach out to our firm to discuss your case.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured as a result of a personal injury accident and wish to speak with an attorney,?contact?Ruben Law Firm?today.