3 Common Autumn Injuries to Watch Out For
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3 Common Autumn Injuries to Watch Out For
Autumn is upon us. The season that marks the transition from summer to winter offers many pleasant possibilities — colorful foliage, pumpkin spice, comfy sweaters, and fun-filled holiday gatherings, just to name a few.
However, the fall season also brings with it the threat of injury. In particular, there are 3 common autumn injuries to watch out for, including sprains and strains, slips and falls, and car accidents. It’s wise to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from these hazards.
If you’ve suffered an autumn injury, the attorneys at Morgan & Morgan can help. As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm, we’ve aided thousands of injury victims in obtaining damages for their medical expenses and lost wages. Contact us today to schedule your free case review.
The 3 Common Autumn Injuries to Watch Out For
When you imagine autumn, you probably think of cooler weather, delicious treats, and more time spent with family and friends.
Homeowners often need to take protective measures to prepare their homes for lower temperatures. Those with tree-filled yards look forward to several weeks of constant cleanup as the leaves fall and litter lawns, sidewalks, and other walkways.
There are a few injuries that tend to occur more in the fall than in other seasons. Here’s a trio of big ones to be on guard against.
1. Strains and Sprains
Muscle strains and sprains typically arise from overexertion or repetitive motions, like raking mountains of leaves. If your property is blanketed in fallen foliage, you’ll probably have to spend hours outdoors cleaning up the mess left behind by leaves and other debris.
While raking leaves and caring for your yard can be great exercise and often produces feelings of pride when you view the results, it can lead to serious injury.
Make sure you take regular breaks when raking or performing other yard work. If you have pre-existing injuries or issues with your back, wearing a brace can prevent you from accidentally twisting in a way that can cause a muscle sprain or strain.
People with prior back injuries or those who lack the physical fitness to perform intensive yard work should consider hiring someone or asking friends or relatives to step in and take care of their outdoor chores. You don’t want to risk hurting yourself or aggravating a prior injury.
2. Slips and Falls
Autumn often brings wet weather, no matter what region of the U.S. you live in. The southern states in particular receive lots of heavy thunderstorms and hurricanes, while those in the midwest and northern states may begin to see early snowfalls.
Wet weather goes hand-in-hand with a heightened risk of slip and fall injuries. Children or adults can easily lose their footing on wet pavement, roadways, and indoor spaces close to a building’s entrance. Homeowners are similarly at risk of falls from ladders, especially when removing leaves from gutters and rooftops.
Abundant moisture is the primary cause of autumn slips and falls. Be careful when walking or driving along saturated sidewalks or roadways. If you need to perform outdoor labor that requires a ladder, wait for a dry day when you’re less likely to slip on a wet rung or slick rooftop.
Be proactive outdoors, and pay careful attention to where you step. While it’s not possible to prevent all accidents, you can minimize their risk by taking sensible precautions.
3. Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents tend to tick upward in the autumn months. Fewer daylight hours and more wet weather increase the risk of accidents, which can carry severe repercussions for drivers and passengers.
Minimize this risk by limiting driving during evening hours and avoiding trips altogether during inclement weather. Many people have difficulty seeing as well later in the day, especially on dark roads with poor lighting. If you have to drive in the evening, stick to well-lit streets that you’re familiar with.
As mentioned, it’s best to avoid driving during severe thunderstorms or snowy weather. Pay close attention to the forecast for your area and try to take care of any errands that require driving when the sun is out and the weather is decent.
If forecasters expect snowstorms in your area, prepare your household by stocking up on groceries and other essential items before the storm starts.
People who live in areas with frequent snowfall should take specific steps to protect their vehicles, including taking them in for seasonal maintenance. Have your tires checked and ensure they have the appropriate tread for the amount of snow you expect to receive.
Keeping a special kit on hand for weather-related emergencies is also prudent. Your kit should include blankets, a flashlight, and road flares, at the very least. In some remote regions that experience heavy snowfall regularly, items like chains and sand can help you avoid getting stuck in a snowdrift.
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What to Do After an Accident?
If you experience an injury due to autumn weather, you’ll want to take precautions to protect your health and your legal rights.
First, you’ll want to check yourself for injuries. If others were involved in the accident, see if they need emergency care. Call an ambulance regardless of whether you or the parties involved need it — it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Sometimes, people don’t realize the extent of their injuries in the immediate aftermath of an accident. They may not be thinking clearly or understand the severity of their injuries because specific symptoms haven’t yet arisen. Even if you don’t believe your injuries are severe, visit a local hospital or urgent care center for assistance.
You should also make it a point to document the circumstances of the accident. Take pictures of the accident and its causes and effects, including the resulting injuries or vehicular damage. If there are witnesses present, make sure you get their contact information.
Depending on the nature of your accident, you may need to consult with an insurance company to obtain compensation for your losses. It’s usually a good idea to speak with a lawyer before contacting an insurer, especially if you have a potential legal claim.
If you’ve suffered severe injuries in your car accident, it’s vital to consult with a lawyer before filing an insurance claim. An attorney can advise you of your legal options and the most appropriate action for securing compensation for your losses.
Take care of your health and monitor yourself for other injury symptoms in the days and weeks following your accident. If new symptoms appear, consult your physician and follow their orders for treatment.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?
Personal injury attorneys protect their clients' rights after an accident. Attorneys help injury victims understand who is liable for their injuries and the appropriate actions they can take to seek remuneration.
If you decide to pursue a personal injury claim against a negligent party, your attorney will put together a strong case with supporting evidence. They’ll also handle all communication with outside parties, including insurance providers and defendants so that you can focus on your recovery.
Furthermore, your personal injury attorney will determine the appropriate type and amount of compensation to demand from the defendant or their insurance provider and handle all aspects of the claim per state and federal laws.
Hiring a personal injury attorney can be a significant source of relief for anyone injured in an accident.
What if I’m Partially at Fault for My Injuries?
If you’re partially responsible for the accident that led to your injuries, you may still be able to recover some financial compensation.
The amount you can recover depends on the laws in your state. Some states allow victims to recover compensation if they’re less than 51% responsible for the accident, while others don’t.
An attorney can help determine whether you’re partially at fault for your accident and what laws apply to your claim. If you’re still eligible for compensation despite being partly liable for your accident, your lawyer will work to ensure you receive the appropriate damages for your losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
Each state has its statute of limitations restricting the time an accident victim has to file a personal injury claim. In most states, the statute of limitations is between two and five years.
If you’re considering a personal injury claim, it's best to seek legal advice sooner than later. Over time, accident victims tend to forget essential details of their cases, and obtaining supporting evidence may become more challenging.
Schedule a free consultation with the experienced attorneys at Morgan and Morgan to learn more about the time constraints related to your claim. We can initiate your lawsuit quickly to increase your chances of recovering damages.
Is Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Expensive?
Most personal injury attorneys, including those at Morgan & Morgan, work on a contingency agreement. This type of agreement awards your lawyer a percentage of any sum they procure on your behalf and prevents them from charging fees unless they win a settlement or court verdict.
In other words, we don’t get paid unless you do.
When you schedule a no-cost consultation with a Morgan and Morgan attorney, we’ll go over the particulars of the contingency agreement with you so you can make an informed decision about whether to pursue legal action.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
The majority of personal injury claims resolve through settlement outside of court. Most cases that go through the settlement process take up to a year to resolve, but some conclude in a matter of months.
If your claim is one of the few that goes to trial, it may take several years to resolve. An attorney can advise you of the likelihood of your case resolving through settlement or ending up in a courtroom.
Should I Accept a Settlement Offer From an Insurance Provider?
Seek qualified legal advice before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance provider. When insurers catch wind of accidents resulting in severe injuries, they often try to prevent significant financial exposure by offering subpar settlements to the victims.
Instead of accepting the first settlement offer you receive, talk to your attorney about whether the quoted sum is adequate. They’ll help you determine whether a particular agreement is fair or worthy of your pain and suffering.
Morgan & Morgan: Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
The attorneys at Morgan and Morgan proudly assist injury victims in recovering the compensation they need to move on with their lives following a severe accident. If you’re considering taking legal action against a negligent party for hurting you, we can help. Complete our quick online contact form today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.