As winter’s chill sets in and daylight hours shrink, the risk of accidents rises sharply, and so does the number of personal injury claims. At Dyal Jenkins, we understand this surge all too well. From slips and falls on icy sidewalks to serious motor-vehicle accidents caused by snow or rain, the colder months create hazardous conditions that often lead to avoidable harm. In this post, we explore why personal injury claims increase over winter and what victims should do if they sustain an injury.
Winter weather brings a dangerous mix of ice, snow, rain, and wet leaves, turning sidewalks, parking lots, and public walkways into slip-and-fall hazards. Untreated or poorly maintained surfaces become especially dangerous when cold, wet conditions combine with poor lighting and reduced visibility.
Slips, trips, and falls consistently increase during the winter months. Falls caused by snow or ice lead to thousands of emergency-room visits each year in the United States, underscoring just how common, and serious, these accidents can be.
For businesses, property owners, and municipal authorities, winter brings a heightened responsibility to ensure walkways are safe and properly maintained. Failing to salt or de-ice pathways, clear snow, or provide adequate warnings can lead to valid negligence claims, and that is where personal injury law becomes essential.
It’s not just pedestrians who face increased risk. Winter driving conditions, including icy roads, black ice, limited daylight, and reduced visibility, significantly increase the danger for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Insurance-industry data shows a noticeable spike in motor-vehicle claims during the winter season. Claims tend to be higher in December, January, and February compared to spring and summer months.
A greater number of these accidents also tend to be severe, often resulting in injuries requiring medical treatment or long-term rehabilitation.
At Dyal Jenkins, we see a surge in winter-related motor-vehicle injury claims, from collisions caused by poor road conditions or inadequate maintenance, to crashes where driver negligence plays a major role.
Winter’s hazards often expose acts of negligence. When property managers, landlords, or business owners fail to maintain walkways, leaving surfaces untreated, ignoring dangerous conditions, or failing to post warning signs, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.
On the roads, insufficient winter maintenance, failure to clear snow or ice, and poorly maintained lighting or signage often contribute to collisions. Combined with driver error under hazardous conditions, these factors significantly increase the likelihood that a personal injury claim is warranted.
All of these factors, more accidents, more severe injuries, and greater risks of negligence, lead to what many law firms recognize as a “winter surge.” At Dyal Jenkins, our personal-injury practice is often busiest during months when weather conditions heighten the risk of harm.
Victims of winter-related accidents often face not only immediate medical expenses but also long-term consequences: time away from work, physical therapy, lost wages, and emotional distress. Having experienced legal counsel is crucial in navigating the claims process and securing the compensation they deserve.
If you experience a winter-related injury, whether from a slip, fall, or motor-vehicle accident, take the following steps right away:
Seek medical attention immediately. Even minor injuries can worsen over time. Medical records created promptly after an accident strengthen your claim.
Document everything. Take photos of the hazard (ice, wet floor, untreated walkway), lighting conditions, weather, and the exact location. Record dates, times, and any witness statements.
Report the accident. Notify the responsible party, whether a business owner, landlord, property manager, or local agency. Request a written incident report if available.
Contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced legal team can evaluate your case, determine whether negligence played a role, and advise whether you have a viable claim.
At Dyal Jenkins, we’re dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, helping you understand your rights, explore your options, and pursue justice if you’ve been harmed due to someone else’s negligence.
Winter doesn’t just bring colder weather, it brings higher risks. By understanding why personal injury claims increase during this season, you can take the right steps to protect yourself and act quickly if an injury occurs.
