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Changing Seasons Bring New Injury Risks for Californians

On Behalf of | May 15, 2016 | Catastrophic Injury, Firm News, Personal Injury Law

Autumn presents unique personal injury risks for people across California.

They say that there is a time and place for everything. Summertime brings a carefree attitude of fun in the sun. Winter’s chill gives people the opportunity to slow down a bit and reflect. Spring is a time of rebirth, when flowers bloom and refreshing rain falls. Autumn is when the kids head back to school, the leaves turn beautiful shades of reds and oranges, and people start gearing up for the impending cold weather.

What many people don’t realize is that each season brings with it new opportunities and challenges, many of which could potentially result in serious personal injuries unless due care is taken.

Hazards around the home

There are obvious risks associated with common summer activities like swimming or lawn-moving, and winter ones like shoveling snow, but did you know that Autumn brings its own set of unique risks? For example, raking leaves with a too-small rake could lead to back pain and the possibility of slipped or herniated discs. Autumn also represents a high risk of falls as sidewalks, paths, driveways and parking lots become littered with slick leaves; should those leaves be carried into a home or business by foot traffic, the fall risk continues inside as well.

Home and business owners who choose to burn their leaves instead of composting them face their own challenges. An untended yard waste fire could easily burn out of control, causing burn injuries to bystanders and property damage. Given that this time of year commonly sees numerous brush fires burning across California, a small fire could easily spread to surrounding areas, putting lives, homes and businesses at risk.

Risks on the roadway

As the country prepares to “fall back” to take advantage of Daylight Savings Time, the days are getting shorter and shorter. Whereas a motorist’s daily commute was in bright sunshine during the summer, at least part of it will soon happen at dawn or at dusk, increasing the risk for car accidents as people adjust to their new surroundings. Another cause for car accidents during this time of the year is the shifting angle of the sun; the glare caused by a sun that is lower in the sky can easily blind a driver, meaning that he or she is less likely to notice pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, other vehicles and stationary structures like light poles, stop signs and sidewalks.

Of course, the lovely fall colors themselves also pose a risk. Some people are so captivated by the changing foliage that they don’t pay enough attention to the roadway, something that can easily cause a crash. If you are hurt this Autumn in an accident caused by a negligent property owner or reckless driver, you have legal rights. Speak with an experienced California personal injury attorney to learn more.