Sidewalks are everywhere. So are people. The sidewalk is, rather obviously, an area of heavy foot traffic. Therefore, where there is a sidewalk, especially in the wintertime, there will most likely be a spike in accidents. If you are injured on the sidewalk and believe another party is at fault, then it is crucial that you contact an attorney you can trust to see if you are entitled to compensation.
What is premises liability?
While most people believe that the local municipality is responsible for the sidewalks of New Jersey’s cities and towns, this is simply not the case. The law in New Jersey is that the owner of the property adjacent to the sidewalk is responsible for keeping the walking surface reasonably clear of hazard. If you are a property owner in New Jersey, here are some of the things you should keep in mind:
- Surface problems
- Dangerous unattended substances
- Loose debris
- Weather conditions
A property owner in New Jersey should carefully monitor all of these factors. It is also important to know that when it comes to weather-related hazards, property owners in New Jersey have a certain amount of time to clear their walking surfaces after a storm. This means that if you were injured during that period of time, then you may not be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, if you believe your injuries are due to another party’s negligence, then you must be able to satisfy the burden of proof.
How do I satisfy the burden of proof following a sidewalk accident in New Jersey?
In order to satisfy the burden of proof, you must be able to prove the other party’s negligence. There are several things you can do to help your case. First, you should look around and see if there are any witnesses. If there are witnesses present, ask them for assistance if needed, and be sure to ask for their contact information so they can help verify your story. Additionally, you should take pictures or video of either the incident itself or its aftermath. Photographic evidence is usually the most straightforward way to prove your case. It is also important that you call for medical attention. By doing so, you document the injury, time and place where the incident occurred.
Contact an experienced Middlesex County law firm
If you have been involved in a sidewalk accident in New Jersey, it is important that you receive the compensation you deserve. These compensations may be used to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, in-home care and more.
Our firm understands how serious criminal and personal injury cases are. We are prepared to guide you towards a favorable outcome. If you are in need of experienced legal counsel in New Jersey, please contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze today for any criminal and personal injury matters.