Autumn has hit the Quad Cities, and while the temperatures have been above 80 degrees recently, the weather is expected to change drastically soon. Unfortunately, a sudden change in weather and sunlight conditions also means a higher chance of fall accidents. To help you and the members of your household avoid common fall accidents, the Quad Cities personal injury lawyers at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham offer the following safety tips.
Fall Foliage Is Beautiful But Can Be Dangerous
For many people, the best part about autumn is the colorful leaves. When the trees are full of vibrant orange, red, and yellow leaves, they can take your breath away. But, unfortunately, they can also lead to autumn accidents.
While colored leaves look lovely on trees, they can be hazardous on the ground. This is especially true when it rains. Wet leaves can lead to a slip and fall accident that can leave you unable to work for weeks. When leaves are on the sidewalk and other walkways, be sure to watch where you step.
When the leaves really start to pile up, they can make driving conditions dangerous. Foliage and moisture can leave roads slick and increase your chances of a car accident. So if you notice leaves piled up on the streets you drive, pay special attention to the road conditions ahead–especially when there’s precipitation.
Broken HVAC Units
Chilly temperatures can lead to muscle and joint stiffness, heightening the potential for slips and falls. This vulnerability is particularly pronounced among older individuals and those dealing with arthritis.
It’s important to note that landlords, business proprietors, and employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the proper functioning of their HVAC systems to avert health issues, accidents, and property harm. Neglecting this duty may constitute negligence, potentially leading to financial accountability.
Assessing the responsibility for a malfunctioning HVAC system can sometimes be intricate, depending on the situation and the jurisdiction. Both Iowa and Illinois have their own regulations regarding liability in relation to rental properties.
Darkness Leads to Fall Accidents
The days are getting shorter, with the sun already setting around 6:00 p.m. Sunset will continue to happen earlier, and the end of daylight saving time on November 6 will require another adjustment.
As you know, light is essential for optimal visibility. Unfortunately, decreased sunlight hours can lead to all sorts of accidents due to reduced visibility. These accidents include:
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Taxi and Uber Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
In addition to paying close attention while it’s dark outside, there are several things that you can do to increase your safety and decrease your chances of an autumn accident. The Quad Cities personal injury lawyers recommend:
- Wearing bright clothing or clothing with reflective strips while biking or walking outside
- Bringing a flashlight with you during evening walks
- Letting friends and family know if you’re going out for a ride or walk so they can keep tabs on you
- Staying in well-lit areas if possible
These are very easy things you can do that go a long way toward increasing your safety this fall. Our team encourages you and everyone in your family to follow these tips.
Fear the Deer
Davenport hunting enthusiasts were thrilled when deer season started on September 17. But unfortunately, increased deer activity can be hazardous to drivers, bicyclists, and walkers. Insurance company State Farm reported that its customers file more than 1.4-million deer accident claims annually.
If you’re driving, bicycling, or walking in areas frequented by deer, be sure to give them space and treat them with respect. In some cases, deer can panic and act erratically around humans. In other cases, the headlights of your car, truck, or motorcycle may cause deer to freeze. Whatever the case, encountering a deer on the road is an unusual circumstance requiring extra care. That extra care can be the difference between a safe trip or getting into an accident.
Contact a Quad Cities Fall Accidents Lawyer
The team at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham hopes that you and everyone in your household follow the tips above so that you can enjoy a safe and wonderful autumn. Unfortunately, accidents can happen no matter how cautious you are. Should you suffer an injury in an accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, then contact us for immediate assistance.
You can reach the Quad Cities personal injury attorneys at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham online through LiveChat or by phone at (309) 794-1515. Our lawyers have successfully served clients in Scott, Cedar, Muscatine, Jackson, or Clinton Counties in Iowa and Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Whiteside, or Knox counties in Illinois. For over 50 years, our firm has worked hard to win clients the money they deserve while treating them with the utmost respect. Give us a call today and find out why Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham is one of the most trusted law firms in the Quad Cities area.