Accidents and injuries happen all year long, but winter weather brings a unique set of challenges and hazards. Snow, sleet, and ice can create dangerous conditions for walking, driving, and recreating.
We’ll discuss some of the most common winter injuries in Iowa and how to prevent them.
Cold weather often brings heavy snow, and with that comes the unfortunate necessity of snow removal. Many home and business owners opt to shovel their driveways and walkways themselves in the interest of saving money.
Shoveling snow is a strenuous activity, and not everyone maintains the level of fitness necessary for the endeavor. In addition to potentially serious injuries, shoveling snow has been known to lead to heart attacks.
While Iowa isn’t exactly renowned for its downhill skiing scene, there are plenty of ski areas, sledding hills, and ice skating rinks frequented by locals in the winter months. Participating in winter activities is a wonderful way to spend the season, but these sports are not without their risks.
Overexposure to cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia, two serious conditions that require medical attention. Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a medical emergency—if you believe someone is suffering from hypothermia, take them to an emergency room as soon as possible.
Frostbite, on the other hand, affects the skin and tissues of the body. If a person’s skin is exposed to below-freezing temperatures for extended periods of time, it can permanently damage their tissue. Mild frostbite (sometimes called frostnip) can typically be treated at home, but moderate to severe cases require medical care.
Icy walkways are a serious wintertime hazard, especially because ice can be difficult to see. Falls are one of the leading causes of head injuries in the United States, and they are especially dangerous for adults over the age of 65.
Driving in winter weather conditions can be incredibly dangerous. Heavy snowfall can limit visibility and lead to rear-end collisions or rollover accidents if a driver accidentally leaves the roadway.
Even when skies are sunny, black ice may be present on the road. A driver who hits a patch of black ice can lose control of their vehicle, creating a hazard for everyone on the road.
Winter accident injuries can range from very mild to life-threatening, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Some of the most common winter injuries include:
To keep yourself safe this winter season, use the following safety tips:
Even when you do everything right, accidents can happen. Your accident may not have been your fault, but now you’ve been left to pick up the pieces. When dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and extensive medical bills, it’s easy to become frustrated and overwhelmed.
Whether you’ve suffered a winter sports injury or you were involved in a motor vehicle crash, if your injuries are the result of another person’s negligence, you may be able to recover your financial damages. A personal injury attorney with The Advocates can help you determine if you have a case.
The Advocates understand what you’re going through after your accident—we’ve helped thousands of injury victims in a wide variety of cases. We will walk you through the claims process, answering your questions and providing updates on your case all along the way.
Your Advocate will build your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you and your family access the resources you need in the aftermath of your accident.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation—you’ll be connected to a real attorney who will discuss your potential case with you absolutely risk-free. You deserve a legal team who makes your needs a priority. You deserve an Advocate.