Slip and fall attorneys see a lot of personal injury claims that could have been avoided if building owners had been more dutiful. Most slip and fall injuries are caused by negligence by the owner or operator of a public or private space. If you’re aware of these common causes of indoor slip and fall injuries, you may be able to avoid personal injury.

Wet Floors or Worn Carpeting

One of the most common reasons that people seek a slip and fall lawyer is for a personal injury that occurred as a result of slipping on a wet floor. If a floor has just been mopped, waxed, or if something has been spilled on it, a business is required to put up a cautionary sign or barrier. When a business owner or employee fails to put up a sign, or uses too much or an inappropriate type of wax or cleaners on a floor, they’re liable for any personal injury claims or slip and fall accidents that occur as a result. Another common cause of a slip and fall accident is carpeting that is worn, damaged, frayed, ripped, bulging, or has holes. Damaged carpeting is a huge liability if a slip and fall injury occurs.

Dangerous or Damaged Staircases

Staircases can be dangerous even when they are in perfect condition, and many things can make a staircase even more dangerous. A slip and fall accident can occur if a staircase has poor lighting, a missing or damaged handrail, is too steep or the steps are too far apart, or the steps are broken, damaged, or worn down. Debris, obstacles, and spills on staircases can also cause a slip and fall.

Poorly Maintained Escalators and Elevators

Property owners are legally required to properly maintain elevators and escalators to ensure passenger safety. A slip and fall accident can occur if an elevator or escalator isn’t operating correctly and stops or jerks suddenly, resulting in a fall. Body parts, clothing, or footwear can also get caught in the machinery and cause injury.

If you have suffered from a personal injury in an auto accident, the first things that you should do are to seek medical attention and contact an auto accident lawyer serving Riverside, CA . A car accident lawyer can protect your rights and ensure that you are reimbursed for medical expenses and other damages. Here are the most important steps that you should take after an auto accident that causes personal injury.

Call 911 and File a Police Report

The first thing that you should do after an accident, even a minor fender bender, is to call 911 to report the accident and be evaluated for injuries. Many car accident injuries don’t cause symptoms until days or weeks after the accident, so it’s crucial that you are checked by an EMT or medical professional immediately even if you don’t think that you are injured. Otherwise, there will be no proof that your personal injury was caused by the auto accident. You must also file a police report, as most insurance companies require one in order for you to pursue an insurance claim. It will also be incredibly helpful to your personal injury lawyer.

Take Photos and Exchange Insurance Information

The next thing that you should do is take clear, comprehensive photos of the accident scene. Photograph the damages caused to all of the cars involved, as well as any road signs, road hazards, or traffic lights that influenced the accident. You should also take photographs of tire skid marks that may prove liability, as well as any personal injuries sustained at the scene.

Hire an Automobile Accident Lawyer

If you sustained a personal injury in the accident, you should hire an automobile accident lawyer as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney who has experience with car accident injury claims can be very valuable if you need to prove liability or seek reimbursement for damages. Your car accident lawyer will communicate with insurance claims agents, doctors, and other attorneys on your behalf. He can also help you reach a settlement for physical, psychological, and property damages.