Sidewalks are crucial parts of a community, giving pedestrians a safe way to navigate around town. People use sidewalks for all types of reasons including walking for exercise, transportation, biking, jogging, and more. While the purpose of a sidewalk is to promote safety for pedestrians, there are certain hazards that come along with their use. Continue reading for more information and schedule your free consultation with a Bexar County, Texas personal injury lawyer today.
What Are Some Common Sidewalk Hazards?
Accidents can happen anywhere and for any reason. However, some dangers are more common than others. Below are some of the most commonly occurring sidewalk hazards to look out for.
- Uneven surfaces: Cracks, potholes, heaved slabs, and other issues can cause the sidewalk pavement to be uneven, leading to an increased risk of trips and falls.
- Loose stone: When sidewalks are neglected and not well-maintained stones or tiles can come loose or crumble.
- Debris: Trash, garbage cans, bicycles, boxes, tools, or other debris could litter the sidewalk and be an obstacle for pedestrians.
- Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting on sidewalks can also be dangerous as it limits visibility for sidewalk users as well as drivers who may not be able to see pedestrians.
- Weather: Weather conditions can also create hazards. While cold weather is rare in San Antonio, it does occasionally happen. Sidewalks can become dangerous due to rain, mud, snow, ice, sleet, and more.
- Overgrown vegetation: Sidewalks with plants and vegetation nearby could become hazardous if they are left uncontrolled. Tree roots, low-hanging branches, weeds, moss, bushes, and more can create tripping or slipping hazards for sidewalk users.
Can I Recover Compensation After an Accident on the Sidewalk?
Because sidewalks are public areas, many people may believe that there is no chance for compensation after an accident or injury. However, that is not necessarily the case. If you can prove that another individual or entity’s negligence led to your accident and injury, you could collect compensation.
For example, it is a property owner’s responsibility to clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property. If you slipped and hurt yourself due to the property owner’s negligence, you could file a liability claim against them.
If your accident was caused by something else, like for example a pothole or crumbling sidewalk stone, you could hold the local government accountable. The government is responsible for keeping public sidewalks safe and maintained. If they neglected to do so you may be able to hold them responsible for your accident.
Whether or not you are able to recover compensation after being injured in a sidewalk accident depends on the details of your circumstances. Contact a skilled personal injury attorney to learn more about your rights and options today.
