If it can be proven that an accident occurred because the home or business owner was negligent in clearing their sidewalks, they could be held liable.
Detroit, MI (PRWEB) February 28, 2014
By now, it’s safe to assume that most Michiganders are sick of winter. However, winter doesn’t seem to be sick of us yet, and much of Southeast Michigan is bracing for more snow and cold this weekend. Personal Injury Lawyer Jason Waechter, of http://www.lawyerforlife.com, wants to remind drivers to watch for pedestrians in crosswalks and walking on the roads because of snowy conditions. “Some homeowners and businesses aren’t doing a great job of clearing their sidewalks,” says Waechter, “even when they’re required to by law. That means some pedestrians are being forced to walk in the road just to get where they need to go.”
There have been several reports in the news this winter of pedestrians being hit by cars while walking on the roads in snowy conditions, including this one by wwmt.com from February 23. The story describes two pedestrians being struck while walking in the road at night. One of the pedestrians was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the other arrived in critical condition. Police believe the couple was walking in the road because of excessive snow on the sidewalks. “This is a terrible tragedy. I hope all drivers will pay attention to these stories and be extra careful of pedestrians on the roads during and after snowfall,” says Waechter.
According to a City of Detroit Snow and Ice Ordinance (#139H), home and business owners have 24 hours to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice. That includes removing snow or using an anti-slip material like salt on the sidewalks “to render [the sidewalk] safe for persons walking thereon.” Waechter says that home or business owners could be liable for damages if someone is injured or killed as a result of a sidewalk not properly cleared of ice and snow. “The laws vary from place to place, but if it can be proven that an accident occurred because the home or business owner was negligent in clearing their sidewalks, they could be held liable,” says Waechter.
“I know it has been a long and difficult winter, but as drivers we must be diligent in watching for pedestrians during and after snowfall events to try to prevent any more accidents,” says Waechter. He concludes with this message for home and business owners: “Please, keep your sidewalks clear of snow and ice, and help ensure a safer way for pedestrians to get around.”
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Jason Waechter has spent two decades cementing his reputation for results. Jason's four lawyer law firm can assist in any personal injury case throughout the country. He has contributed significantly to safety education and accident prevention. He has entrenched himself as one of the nation's premier lawyers, recently being named to the Michigan Super Lawyers and Michigan's Best Lawyers & Law Firms.