In the UK, the colder winter months bring ice, snow, wind, and rain. This weather and temperature change can affect every aspect of our everyday lives. Work, commuting, at work, and in public places.
Personal injury claims during the winter months generally rise, because our everyday activities involve more risk because of the weather changes. Accidents can happen on the roads because of poor visibility, in a shopping centre because of wet floors, or even from simply slipping on ice.
What should I do if I have an accident?
Regardless of the time of the year, the weather, or the place, each personal injury claim is unique. That’s why it’s very important to collect as much information as possible at the time of the accident. This includes taking photos, getting medical attention if required, obtaining medical notes, and getting witness statements. Even though these may not seem an initial priority, they will prove significant when and if you attempt to make a personal injury claim.
Accidents on the road in winter
As many of us are aware, during the winter months in the UK, roads can become slippery because of ice, wet weather, and snow. Plus, with the nights long, and the sun going down at around 4pm in some cases, conditions can prove more hazardous for driving. Even as the majority of us take extra care on the roads during these months, accidents still occur.
As with most car accidents, back, and spinal injuries, as well as whiplash, are common. Admiral car insurance noted that 9 out of the top 10 days which have the highest number of car accidents are in the winter months.
Accidents in public places in the winter
When looking at accidents in public places and possible personal injury claims, shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and pubs and their car parks are very common. Businesses like these have a duty of care to their customers when they are in the car parks and within the business’s premises. Whether this is inside or outside. This duty of care means that the business should take precautions and measures to reduce the potential risk for customers. This could include gritting their car park, displaying wet floor signs, and placing rugs and mats within entrances of a shop.
Accidents at work in winter
Risk and potential hazards should always be considered for employers, no matter the time of year. However, as with changes in the seasons, there are extra factors that must be considered. It is a common misconception that only people who work outdoors, or in high-risk environments will be exposed to greater risk during the winter months. However, every workplace is exposed to risks:
- Slippery surfaces in receptions, on steps, or on a car park due to rain, snow, or wet leaves
- Snowfall itself, or damage to business premises from heavy snow
- Driving conditions or safety conditions of vehicles when driving for work
- Poorly lit areas of a business premises
- Exposure to cold weather due to unsuitable attire
Contact Us
If you require information on making a personal injury claim for an accident that happened in the winter months, or in fact any time of the year, please get in touch. Call our personal injury team on 01782 662424 or email us at info@beestonshenton.co.uk
