In This Issue:

- Holiday Traffic Dangers

- Icy Conditions - Slip and Fall Accidents

Holiday Traffic Dangers

In a time that is typically seen as joyfull and fun, the holiday season (Thanksgiving through New Year's) is the most dangerous driving season of the year. The combination of more people traveling, more get togethers and partys that involve alcohol and more generally dangerous road conditions create a situation that causes more traffic injuries and fatalities than any other time of year.

The majority of these injuries and deaths are caused by the negligence of intoxicated drivers, people who drive too fast for the conditions and others who are not simply paying attention in heavier traffic areas. Unfortunately these people cause pain, suffering and loss to those of us who are acting responsible. If you are involved in a car accident die to someone else's negligence, you can compensated for your vehicle damages, medical bills, lost wages and, if the unthinkable happens, death of a loved one.

Some of the claims that you may be able to make include:
-Claims against an uninsured driver
-Claims for serious injuries
-Claims for medical expenses caused by a car accident
-Claims for loss of income
-Claims for defective vehicles
-Claims for pedestrians involved in car accidents

Icy Conditions - Slip and Fall Accidents

The winter months, particularily the holiday season when there are more people out shopping, slip and fall accidents are more frequent. In many cases, if someone is injured from slips or falls in a hazerdous area where no warning signs have been posted, the business or property owner is liable. unfortunately there is no clear cut method to determine fault in slip and fall accidents. Factors such as how long the unsafe conditions were present and what measures the property owner put in place to repair the hazard or alert others to the danger.

To help determine who is to blame for your slip and fall injury, try asking yourself the following questions:
-If you slipped on a spill on the floor, had it been there long enough that the property owner should have been aware of it?
-Has the property owner instated a standard cleaning/maintenance schedule for the premises and if so, can he offer proof?
-If you tripped on something, like a box in the middle of an isle, was there a good reason for them to have been there? Could they have been safely and conveniently placed elsewhere?
-Could the slip and fall accident have been prevented had there been a proper barrier or warning sign?
-Was the slip and fall accident caused, at least in part, by poor or dim lighting?
-Was the area properly labeled?
-Would the reasonable person have been able to avoid the slip and fall accident?