Pennsylvania winters are known for harsh conditions, which often lead to accidents on roads, sidewalks and private and public properties. Though bad weather can create hazards, many winter accidents are caused in part by property owners and vehicle drivers failing to take reasonable safety precautions. Understanding who may be liable for snow and ice injuries is essential to getting financial compensation.

Slip and falls are among the most frequent winter accidents. Accumulated snow and ice on sidewalks, parking lots, steps and walkways pose dangers during cold months. Commercial properties, apartment complexes and public spaces see higher risks due to heavy foot traffic and the duty to keep areas safe. Accidents can also result from snow removal activity. Negligent plowing, unsafe snow blower use or piling snow in a way that blocks pedestrian paths or driver sightlines are common sources of injuries.

Pennsylvania’s “hills and ridges” doctrine governs many slip and fall cases involving snow and ice. Under this rule, property owners can be held liable if they allow snow and ice to accumulate in dangerous ridges or elevations that block safe travel. A property owner can be responsible for failing to clear snow and ice within a reasonable period after a storm, neglecting busy entrances, sidewalks or parking lots or allowing unnatural buildup due to poor drainage or improper snow removal.

On the roads, snow and ice can lead to motor vehicle crashes, particularly when drivers fail to reduce speed or increase following distances. Black ice, snow-obscured road markings and reduced visibility can contribute to rear-end collisions, intersection crashes and even multi-vehicle pileups. But inclement weather doesn’t excuse negligent driving. Motorists are expected to adjust their speed and manner of driving based on conditions. Losing control, speeding or following too closely, may be deemed negligent.

If you’re injured in a winter accident, compensation may cover medical expenses (both current and future), lost earnings and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage and other out-of-pocket costs like transportation or assistive devices.

However, winning compensation takes skill and perseverance. Insurance companies frequently blame accidents on weather and/or the conduct of victims rather than on the negligence of their insureds. Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule prevents victims from recovering compensation if they are more than 50 percent responsible for an accident and even if they can recover, their award will be reduced by their percentage of fault. 

An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate and gather evidence that is instrumental in proving fault. For an auto accident, fault may be established based on police reports, dashcam footage, witness accounts, skid marks and weather data collected from the scene.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident on an icy or snowy sidewalk, reach out to Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Call us at 1.800.GET.PHIL or contact us online to make an appointment for a free initial consultation.