Slip and Fall Accidents Increase Due to Autumn’s Unique Dangers

As summer draws to an end and the leaves start to change, many personal injury attorneys warn of the increased likelihood of slip-and-fall occurrences that come with the change in weather. Autumn can be a particularly dangerous time for many – especially senior citizens. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that one of every five falls experienced by someone 65 and older resulted in injury, including broken bones and head trauma. Knowing the risks can help avert major health concerns down the line.

Poor Visibility

Falling leaves are beautiful but can limit your vision, camouflage obstacles or, when dampened by rain or fog, create slippery and hazardous conditions. It’s important to remain vigilant and to avoid areas with accumulated leaves whenever possible.

Shorter Days

The end of Daylight Saving Time in early November means dusk arrives earlier. The time change not only extends periods of darkness but can affect rush-hour commutes. With the rising or setting sun glaring directly into your eyes, spotting obstacles is more difficult.

Wet and Slippery Streets and Floors

Rain is synonymous with autumn, raising the risk for accidents. This can be especially treacherous in California, where the residue of motor oil on streets and freeways mixes with rain, creating slick conditions. Puddles and standing water on properties and even indoors can raise the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Motorists should exercise extreme caution when driving during a rainstorm or when roadways are wet, while pedestrians should take care where they walk and wear appropriate footwear.

Holiday Decorations

As festive and fun your holiday decorations and lawn ornaments may be, they may also pose hazards to those around you if they become loose and fall or blow away. Although many of these hazards are impossible to avoid, knowing about them and being aware of your surroundings can keep you and your family safe this autumn.

Increased Activity

Autumn is the time of year when many retail outlets begin preparing for the holiday shopping season. This will result in a significant increase in people visiting stores and going shopping, which can lead to greater incidents of spilled drinks, slick floors, holiday displays crowding the aisles, all of which are common causes of slip-and-fall accidents. With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, more Californians are now traveling, shopping and participating in public activities, so taking as much care as possible will be crucial to staying safe this autumn.

However, many slip-and-fall accidents are unavoidable, and Power Liens has the best providers working on liens who can care for those suffering from such occurrences. Please check out a small selection of them below, and please stay safe!