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A Personal injury can happen at any time of the year. However, some accidents tend to occur more frequently in certain months or seasons. Below is a list of some types of injuries most associated with fall.
Many people take advantage of the warm autumn days to take care of lawn duties, especially during the weekends. This can mean anything from raking for a couple of hours to preparing garden beds for the colder winter months. Some statistics suggest that more than 75,000 injury cases each year are attributed to raking or working outside in the yard. There are many reasons for this. Leaning over to rake leaves and picking up loose branches can cause muscle, ligament, and tendon irritation, and straining. These strains can lead to more chronic aches and pains, especially if someone has a pre-existing injury or condition, like arthritis.
A good way to lessen the chances of developing a repetitive motion stress injury is to stretch before doing any activity. Stretching warms up the body and helps reduce problems related to sudden, jarring movement. Individuals should use proper lifting and carrying motions.
Although winter is associated with injuries related to slip and fall accidents, leaf-laden sidewalks in autumn are very hazardous. Leaves can hide issues, like uneven sidewalks or deep sidewalk cracks.
Other types of fall-related slip and fall incidents include falling from ladders while cleaning house gutters or putting up holiday decorations, tripping over lawn and garden equipment, and slipping while shoveling early snow or sleet events.
One situation that can lead to falls is reduced lighting. Fall brings shorter amounts of sunlight each day, which means people may be walking in the dark more often than during the summer. Walking in a poorly lit area can lead to falling, which can end up in lacerations, broken bones, bruises, strains, and even head injuries.
Preventing slip and fall accidents can be easy. Some of the best ways to avoid slipping include creating leaf piles that are not located on sidewalks or walkways, clearing leaves off driveways and sidewalks, and picking up tools and lawn equipment on a routine basis.
As the weather pattern begins to change, fog becomes a major hazard for drivers. Foggy mornings and evenings can make it difficult for people to navigate on roadways, even if they know the streets well. For this reason, car accidents may be more prevalent over the fall months, particularly collisions that happen during morning or evening commutes.
To prevent collisions, drivers should prepare themselves accordingly before getting behind the wheel. Their headlights and tail lights should be in proper working order, and they should make certain their car windows are not fogged over or icy before driving. Motorists should also be aware that wet leaves on roads can cause tires to lose traction with the street. Therefore, drivers must practice defensive driving measures when they travel over streets with leaves.
Sun glare can be an issue for some commuters, depending upon when they begin and end their workdays. The sun changes position during the autumn months and may shine strongly through a windshield, limiting the driver’s view temporarily. Drivers can mitigate sun glare by wearing proper sunglasses, using their windshield visors appropriately, and potentially switching their commuting routines.
In addition to practicing basic preventive measures, individuals can improve their safety during the fall by acknowledging and anticipating potential problems that could lead to accidents and injuries. For instance, a homeowner may decide to hire a professional tree trimmer rather than try to cut down limbs by climbing a ladder and maneuvering handheld equipment. A motorist should take extra time while running errands and drive at the speed limit or below the limit if it is appropriate.
To avoid accidents, homeowners, landlords, and business owners should make sure they take care of their properties. This can involve raking up leaves, properly discarding any large branches, trimming trees with questionable limbs, repairing large sidewalk gaps and cracks, and keeping all walkways well-lit.
Although accidents may not be entirely avoidable, their frequency can be reduced with planning.
Anyone who gets hurt in an accident, whether it is at home, at a commercial location, or in the car, should seek medical attention. Some types of accidents, such as car crashes, can leave to hidden injuries or injuries that show up later. A good example is a motorist who experiences whiplash or a concussion days after a collision. It is always better to get seen by a medical professional right after the accident to eliminate the possibility of serious injuries.
If the fall-related accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, as in the case of a poorly lit and maintained business parking lot, the injured person might want to explore the possibility of filing a personal injury claim. In this situation, a lawyer can be a helpful resource.
In autumn, there are many hazards. If you were hurt in an accident, our Delaware personal injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. We help victims get the maximum amount of compensation that they deserve. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.