What Happens if I’m Injured While Walking on a Sidewalk?

If you have been injured while walking on a sidewalk, it may be time to seek legal counsel. Unfortunately, sidewalk accidents can cause serious injuries, especially for small children and elderly adults. Here’s what you need to know.

Picture this: you’re out for a morning jog. You’re enjoying the early rising sun, listening to birds chirping, and working up a sweat. Suddenly, you slip on a loose piece of concrete that wasn’t visible when you were jogging. The sidewalk you’re on is damaged. You twist your ankle and wonder how long your recovery from this accident is going to be. Unfortunately, for many Americans, sidewalk accidents can have a lasting impact. These types of injuries can be uncomfortable and painful to deal with and may lead to further medical issues if left untreated. If you’ve been injured on a public sidewalk, rest assured that you do have options; however, it’s important that you pay attention and take action promptly.

First off, take pictures of the accident site. If you plan to pursue a personal injury lawsuit with the assistance of an attorney, you’ll be responsible for proving that the sidewalk was damaged and that it was not your fault the injury occurred. You’ll need to prove that there was a dangerous situation that could not be avoided and that the property owner should have repaired and maintained the sidewalk properly. Were there loose bricks? Damaged concrete? Unexpected ice? Take as many pictures as you can from different angles. If you do not have a phone, return to the accident side to take pictures as soon as possible.

You also need to get medical care. Don’t wait to seek medical treatment or help as soon as possible. This ensures that you’ll be able to begin healing from the accident as soon as possible; however, it also provides you with official documentation stating when, where, and how the accident occurred. If you go to court with your case, you’ll need as much documentation as possible to prove the severity of your sidewalk injury. Medical care is one way to document the extent of your injuries. It also shows that you were severely injured and that you did not simply experience a minor injury from the accident.

Try to avoid further sidewalk injuries as you recover. Sidewalk injuries are not always preventable, as they can be caused by a number of things. Loose bricks, large cracks, and even utility caps that stick up from the pavement can be quite difficult to avoid. Sidewalk injuries may vary, but can include bone fractures, ankle sprains, wrist problems, and even head trauma. It’s important to take precautions as much as possible as you’re healing after your sidewalk injury, so make sure you pay careful attention to your surroundings during this time.

If you have been injured while walking on a public sidewalk, it’s time to reach out for a consultation with an attorney who understands personal injury law. Call today to schedule your appointment and find out what your options are.