Sidewalks are generally considered safe places, as they are designated areas that run parallel to the road that allow pedestrians to make their way down the street safely and away from other motorists. Unfortunately, there are times where property owners fail to ensure that their sidewalks are safe for all passersby, and when they fail to do so, they drastically increase the chances of an accident occurring. If you are someone who was recently injured in a sidewalk accident, you must continue reading and speak with our knowledgeable Washington D.C. personal injury attorneys to learn more about sidewalk accidents and how our firm can assist you if you’ve been hurt in one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How do most sidewalk accidents occur?
While there are times where sidewalk accidents are simply unavoidable, most sidewalk accidents occur as a result of poor sidewalk conditions. Some of the most common examples of poor sidewalk conditions that our firm sees include uneven pavement, standing water, potholes, debris left strewn about the sidewalk, and weather-related hazards that were not removed in the legally-acceptable window of time. If you were injured due to any of the aforementioned, you may have a valid personal injury claim.
How do I know if I have a valid premises liability claim?
When someone is injured, it is critical that they document the incident and retain the services of a knowledgeable Washington D.C. personal injury attorney who can assess the circumstances of their injury and determine whether they have a viable claim. When it comes to premises liability claims, our firm will have to prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the unsafe conditions, neglected to fix the unsafe sidewalk conditions in a timely manner, and that you sustained significant injuries and damages as a result. As long as we can do so, you should have a valid personal injury claim.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Washington D.C.?
Generally speaking, accident victims in Washington D.C. are granted three years from the date of their accident to sue the party responsible for their injuries, in accordance with the state’s statute of limitations. That being said, if you were injured on a sidewalk that was owned by the government or a municipality, you must ensure that you file your Notice of Claim within six months of the date of the accident. Waiting any longer than six months will most likely result in you being permanently barred from suing.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED WASHINGTON D.C. FIRM
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.