New Jersey winters can be brutal. This season, we are bound to see some snow and ice cover the ground. While this can be a beautiful sight, it can also be extremely dangerous. If you are involved in a snow & ice accident, you can become seriously injured. So, who is held responsible for an accident? What should you do if you become injured? Read on to learn more about snow & ice accidents in New Jersey.
Where do Snow & Ice Accidents Occur?
Snow and ice accidents can occur on any slippery surface. That being said, you should be especially wary of sidewalks, parking lots, driveways, and stairs.
Who is Responsible for a Snow & Ice Accident?
In New Jersey, property owners are responsible for keeping their properties maintained. This applies to homes, businesses, stores, and municipal buildings. New Jersey property owners have a certain amount of time to clean their properties of all snow and ice after a snow or rainfall event occurs. This amount of time differs by municipality. So, if you are walking down the sidewalk and you slip and fall in front of someone’s home, the homeowner may be held responsible for your accident.
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof
If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. To do so, you will have to prove that said negligence occurred. You can do this by taking photos and videos of the hazardous conditions that caused your accident. Additionally, you should gather the contact information of anyone who may have witnessed your accident occur, as they may be able to corroborate your story and provide witness statements.
What is the Statute of Limitations?
In New Jersey, you will have to file your claim within a certain amount of time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. For a personal injury claim, New Jersey’s statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within two years, you may lose your opportunity to recover compensation. To avoid missing any deadlines, reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a snow & ice accident in New Jersey, contact our firm today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW JERSEY FIRM
Here at McNerney & McAuliffe, we understand how confusing certain legal matters can be, which is why we are here to provide clients from all walks of life with the experienced, compassionate legal guidance they need. If you require the legal assistance of an attorney to help you through a criminal law matter, personal injury matter, family law matter, or otherwise, you can turn to us. Contact McNerney & McAuliffe today to learn more about what we can do for you.