Winter has returned with a vengeance. As usual, the return of winter is accompanied by inclement weather and the return of slip and fall accidents that result from the snow and ice. While adults and children may differ on their love for snow in the winter, the season also brings another hazard that none of us looks forward to dealing with: black ice. So, what exactly is “black ice,” why does it occur, and most importantly, how can you protect yourself from it? Today, let’s take a look from the perspective of a personal injury lawyer.

What Exactly is Black Ice?

So, what is black ice? Black ice is simply a very thin layer of ice that forms on top of the pavement.  It is so thin that basically blends in with the asphalt (also referred to as blacktop) surface.  This thin layer of ice is virtually transparent, making it very difficult to see. As anyone who has lived in the colder parts of the country will tell you, you must be very careful to avoid falling on the snow or ice in the winter. It is even more difficult to avoid falling on something you cannot see easily, like black ice.

Where does Black Ice Come From?

Black ice is clearly something best avoided. It is the cause of many car accidents. Exactly where does it come from you ask? Well, when the temperature rises after a snowstorm, usually during the daytime hours, the snow begins to melt.  However, when the temperature drops below freezing again, that melted snow freezes and coats the streets and pavements with ice. So, when we go driving after dark, the road that had been wet from melting snow a few hours earlier has now become a dangerous sheet of ice.

The same process will occur if the wet road was caused by rain. The rain will freeze and become black ice. Keep in mind that black ice formation (actually all ice in general) will occur even quicker on elevated surfaces, such as bridges. This is because the elevated surface will cool quicker than the road built on solid ground so quicker ice formation will occur.

Avoiding Car Accidents

Now we have the perfect scenario set for those falls on your sidewalk and hazardous driving conditions that will unfortunately resultant in a multitude of car accidents and related injuries.  Driving in the dark poses an additional risk due to decreased visibility even under clear road conditions. When you add ice covered roads to the mix, the danger level significantly increases. With black ice, this increased danger is also present in the daytime, as black ice is basically invisible.

Be Safe and Protect Yourself from Black Ice

There are ways to protect yourself when driving in situations where black ice is or may be present. These include easing off the gas to slow down before you need to brake, slow down before you go into a curve, and avoiding braking when going into curves or turning the steering wheel. The more you brake on an icy surface the more likely it is that your vehicle will go into a slide. You have no control over a vehicle skating around on the ice. These tips will also make it safer for you when driving in the rain.

Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been involved in an accident due to black ice or other winter conditions, contact a personal injury lawyer at the Shapiro Law Group for help. Our attorneys can assist you through the whole mess, start to finish. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney is available to fight for your rights and ensure you get the representation you deserve. Call today at 339-248-2300 for a free consultation.

At one time or another, all of us have experienced a slip and fall. Sometimes an injury is the result of a slip and fall. According to Government statistics, slips and falls account for about nine million visits to emergency rooms throughout the country every year. While slip and falls occur in different settings, today we are going to focus on supermarket slip and fall injuries. If you have suffered this sort of injury, what should you do now? Is a personal injury lawsuit the right move?

Supermarket Slip and Fall Injuries

While the classic story surrounding a fall in a supermarket is usually centered around a banana peel, the most common cause of falls in the supermarket is a wet floor. The risk of such a supermarket slip and fall occurring may actually increase during the winter months as people walk around in their wet boots and shoes. Regardless of the cause of the wet floor, supermarkets and other stores are all expected to maintain a safe shopping environment for their customers. If you have been injured in such a fall, it may be time to contact a personal injury attorney.

Personal Injury Lawsuit – Time to See A Doctor

Many different injuries can occur from such falls, including sprains, strains, and fractures. While a sprain or strain might not sound serious, it very well could be. Seeking medical care to be sure is always a good idea. Call your doctor or seek medical care at a walk-in clinic if your primary physician can’t get you in to see you within two or three days of the injury. Some types of injuries that can be resolved quickly with treatment can develop into serious problems if not attended to in time.

Write Down What You Remember

It is important to remember all you can about the supermarket slip and fall incident when it occurred. Write down all that you remember as early as possible after the incident. Was there a malfunctioning refrigeration unit in the aisle that was leaking? Were there any signs around indicating a wet floor or another hazard? Was your floor caused by an obstruction in the aisle? If so, describe the area as well as you can. 

The more you can recall and document regarding the hazard that contributed to your fall the better. Your personal injury attorney will need to show that the supermarket was negligent or failed to maintain a safe shopping environment to be successful in a personal injury lawsuit.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney at the Shapiro Law Group

To get the proper compensation for any injuries suffered from a supermarket slip and fall accident, a determination of liability is necessary. After seeking the proper medical care, consulting a Personal Injury Attorney at the Shapiro Law Group to help you sort through the plethora of factors that need review should be your first step. In addition to medical expenses that result from your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and the pain and suffering you have had to endure. Call today at 339-298-2300 for a free consultation.