The single most deadly item of winter: black ice. Black ice is better at hiding than a chameleon. It doesn’t need to be covered by snow; it blends perfectly against the pavement, at worst looking like a wet spot on the road. What’s more, this seemingly innocuous form of frozen water, can cause an unimaginable array of damage. Slipping and falling on black ice can be a dangerous situation, as it often occurs unexpectedly and can lead to injuries. Here are some steps to consider if you find yourself or someone else in such a situation:

1. Stay Calm: Try to remain calm and avoid panicking. Quick, impulsive movements may increase the risk of injury.
2. Assess the Situation: Check yourself for injuries and assess the severity. If you’re able to move, do so cautiously.
3. Seek Assistance: If you’re injured or unable to get up, call for help. Use your phone to contact someone nearby or emergency services for assistance.
4. Move Slowly: If you can get up, do so slowly and carefully. Avoid putting too much weight on one leg in case of a potential sprain or fracture.
5. Watch for Traffic: If the slip and fall occurred in a public place, be aware of traffic and other potential hazards as you move to a safer location.
6. Check for Ice: Be mindful of the black ice or slippery surface that caused the fall. Warn others if possible, so they can avoid the same hazard.
7. Inform Authorities: If the incident occurred in a public space, report the slippery conditions to the relevant authorities to prevent further accidents.
8. Document the Scene: If you can do so safely, take pictures of the area where the slip and fall occurred. This may be useful later for insurance claims or legal purposes.
9. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you initially feel okay, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries, especially internal injuries or fractures, may not be immediately apparent.
10. Notify Property Owners: If the slip and fall occurred on someone else’s property, inform the property owner or management about the incident.
11. Preserve Evidence: If there were witnesses to the incident, obtain their contact information. This information can be crucial if you need to file a claim or report.
12. Consult with a Professional: If you sustained injuries, consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process if necessary.

 Be cautious when walking in icy conditions

Remember, prevention is key. Be cautious when walking in icy conditions, wear appropriate footwear with good traction, and take your time to navigate slippery surfaces. Stepping on a patch of black ice can leave a body a few bruises, if the person is lucky. It is also possible to slip on a patch and be left with broken legs, or even a broken spine. Upon involving a car, the scale of damage increases tenfold. The lucky survivor will drive away with a racing heart while the unlucky driver may just end up dead.

Rhode Island accident lawyers have seen it all.  These men and women have run the gamut from a bruised tailbone to a life sentence as a paraplegic. They have also learned to offer preventative measures as far as black ice goes. One of the simplest, and yet most effective safety precautions is to simply put snow chains on your tires. These chains will break through that deceptively thin layer of ice, giving your vehicle better traction on treacherous roads.

RI auto accident lawyer

And why would you need an auto accident lawyer for hitting black ice? Simple; insurance companies would like to put any accident down as entirely your fault. There are no such things as extenuating circumstances to them, only who to blame. However, in cases involving black ice, it becomes that much more imperative that you find an auto accident lawyer who will fight for your rights. These professionals make the process of getting back on your feet faster and less painful to your wallet. Every insurance company has a series of loopholes that a trained accident attorney knows how to avoid.

Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.