Cool temperatures and changing leaves means autumn has officially it the Elm City. Autumn months in Connecticut can make sidewalks and walkways even more hazardous with acorns, wet leaves, and rain. It is important to know how to protect yourself against New Haven personal injury on these types of walkways. Prevention is the best way to protect yourself, but after a fall there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Get medical treatment immediately. A doctor or nurse practitioner will be able to assess your condition and the sooner, the better. Photograph the area. Visual evidence is the best way to demonstrate the conditions that caused your injury. Do not speak, either in a formal statement or otherwise, to any of the parties involved or insurance adjusters. Taking these few steps in the event that you are injured can be the difference between spending the winter months in agony from your injuries or being fairly compensated for your injuries. If you experience an injury, seek medical attention and then contact an experienced New Haven personal injury lawyer.

New Haven students are officially back in school. In 2009, 14% of students ages 5-14 walked or biked to school opposed to 48-50% in previous years. If your child walks or bikes to school, here are some tips to prevent a New Haven personal injury. Cyclists must obey motor vehicle laws. That includes yielding to pedestrians, stopping for stop signs, signaling turns and traveling with the flow of traffic. Wear a helmet. Bicycle helmets significantly reduce the chance of brain injury. It should be snug, but not too tight, with the brim about an inch to an inch and a half above your child’s eyebrows. They’re more likely to be seen if they’re wearing bright clothes. They should also make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street. Look left, right and left again before crossing the street. Continue looking in each direction as you cross. Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If there aren’t sidewalks, walk toward oncoming traffic, so you can see what’s coming. Use crosswalks to cross the street, and don’t cross the road between parked cars. Be alert. Having your eyes on your smartphone means they aren’t on the road, or traffic. Headphones aren’t the best idea, either. The New Haven personal injury lawyers at The LoRicco Law Firm with every student a safe walk or ride to and home from school!

New Haven residents are out and about taking walks in the evenings with children, grandchildren and dogs. As a pedestrian, it is important to understand Connecticut laws regarding sidewalk safety. If you or a loved one was injured on a city or state sidewalk: Seek medical treatment immediately whether with your primary care physician or at the emergency room. Document the scene of the accident as best you can from all angles, views etc. Documenting weather conditions is also important. Contact an experienced and knowledgeable New Haven personal injury lawyer immediately. There is an extremely short window of time (as short as 90 days) for you to file a claim against a municipality or the state of Connecticut. Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries. Do not speak to the insurance adjuster for the municipality without consulting a New Haven personal injury lawyer to discuss all of your options.