school kids crossing the street

As summer ends and the leaves start to change, drivers may become less cautious during seasonal transitions, assuming that snow and ice are the only treacherous driving conditions to be aware of. However, this does not mean other seasons are without potential safety hazards. Autumn weather is notoriously unpredictable and constantly changing, with wet leaves, fog, returning students, and inexperienced drivers all contributing to the danger. To prevent devastating collisions and injuries during this time of the year, drivers must keep their guard up and remain vigilant. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident due to an inexperienced driver or someone who failed to take the necessary precautions to adapt to autumn driving hazards, contact a determined Bronx Accident Lawyer who can help you fight to seek reasonable compensation for the damage you’ve incurred.  

What are the most common autumn driving hazards in New York?

As autumn arrives, drivers must be aware of specific driving hazards and adjust their driving to mitigate the risk of accidents and injuries. Drivers need to know the most common hazards during this season. The most common autumn driving hazards are school kids and student drivers. With school back in session, drivers must allow extra time, drive slower speeds, and remain vigilant while navigating school zones. Drivers must be wary of pedestrians unexpectedly crossing, school busses multiple stops, and inexperienced student drivers on the road.

Another common autumn driving hazard is wet leaves, which can contribute to the slipperiness of the road surfaces. Wet leaves combined with heavy downpours increase the likelihood of hydroplaning. Alongside leaves and rainfall, you can expect the chilly morning to bring foggy driving conditions. Fog can impair driver visibility. Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles is crucial to allow ample time to react to any potential road hazards.

What should I do if a negligent driver injures me?

In New York, if you were injured in an auto accident due to another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages. Therefore, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath of an accident can make or break your case. Knowing the steps you should take after an accident is critical to maximize your chances of recovering monetary compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.

Firstly, you must seek immediate medical attention to mitigate further damage from the accident and receive the necessary treatments to heal as quickly as possible. After you’ve contacted the police, when they arrive at the scene, you should file a report and take pictures of the accident scene. These steps can be used as evidence later. It is also beneficial to gather contact information from any witnesses as they may be able to corroborate your claim. However, besides seeking immediate medical attention, the most critical step you can take is to retain the legal services of a seasoned personal injury attorney who can help you guide you through this complex legal process and fight to help you obtain the just compensation you may be entitled to.

If you’ve been injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, it is in your best interest to contact a talented lawyer from James Newman, P.C., who will fight for you. Our firm is prepared to represent your interests today.