Town Responsibility for Accidents on Snowy Roads

Yesterday’s winter storm brought lots of snow to Long Island leaving snow and ice covered roads, bumper to bumper traffic and many accidents. Even in such a heavy storm, a municipality can bear responsibility for failing to clear the roads and make a safe passage way for drivers. However, the time to make such a claim is very short.

In New York, there are specific rules about suing the government, whether it is a city, town, or some other form of municipality. Cities and towns must have notice of the claim within ninety (90) days. When a victim of an accident is injured, the first three months after the accident can go by very quickly. Each day can be filled with medical treatment, paperwork, and the struggle to heal and return to work and activities. Some parties may not even realize that their injury occurred on municipal property. This is why it is crucial to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. The attorney can make sure your claim is filed in time so that you can focus on your medical treatment.

The same ninety (90) day timeframe also applies for slip and falls on improperly cleared public sidewalks or inside municipal buildings, including public schools and government buildings, where there is negligent maintainance of the floors, stairways, etc., in inclement weather.