November 25, 2025
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Reading Time: 5 min
Winter in New York can bring beautiful snow, but it can also bring hidden dangers. From icy sidewalks to snow-covered roads, being prepared can make a big difference. At Cellino Law, we believe that staying safe means more than just checking off a list, it means taking charge of your surroundings and your rights. If you or a loved one is injured this season by a slip‑and‑fall, car crash or other accident, please fill out our online form so we can help you.
Why Winter Conditions Matter in New York
Winter brings a unique set of challenges around the state. On the highways, slick patches, black ice and low visibility create unseen risks for drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in snowy or sleet conditions there were over 100,000 reported crashes in a recent year. The New York State Department of Transportation reminds us that “don’t crowd the plow” isn’t just advice; it’s a safety rule.
Meanwhile, walking around your city neighborhood or parking lot, icy patches and poorly cleared walkways lead to slip & fall injuries. At Cellino Law, if someone is injured because of negligent property maintenance, we help investigate that too.
Ready Your Vehicle for Winter Driving Safety
Get ready for winter before the first big snow falls, take some time to winterize your vehicle. Here’s what to focus on:
- Check Tires, Battery & Fluids
Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity and tire pressure. Make sure to check your tire inflation, tread, wiper blades and battery health.
Switch to a winter‑rated windshield washer fluid and make sure defrosters work in order to keep visibility clear.
- Build an Emergency Kit
Store basic items such as a snow shovel, ice‑scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, blankets, water and a first‐aid kit in your trunk. Being stuck in a storm is bad enough, but being unprepared makes it worse in freezing temperatures.
- Adjust Your Driving Behavior
Even a well‑prepared car can’t offset hazardous conditions. Drive slower, leave extra following distance, stay behind snow‑plows, and never assume icy conditions are absent just because the pavement looks wet.
Also, plan your route. Check real‑time information through 511NY or your local travel advisory.
Protect Yourself in Slip & Fall and Other Winter Injuries
Winter isn’t only about driving. Snow and ice create hazards everywhere you walk: parking lots, sidewalks, store entrances. If you’re injured in one of these situations, you’ll want to know your rights.
Know Where Property Owners Have Duties
In New York, owners or managers of property have a duty to maintain safe conditions or warn about hazards. If you slip because snow and ice weren’t cleared that should have been, you may have a claim. We at Cellino Law handle manyslip‑and‑fall injury cases where winter conditions play a key role.
Document What Happened
Take photos of the exact location, the condition of walkways, the signage (or lack thereof), and report the incident to the property owner. That information can support your injury claim later.
Speak to a Lawyer Promptly
Injury claims require timely action. Contacting a law firm that has experience handling slip and fall accidents can help to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for the injuries you sustained.
Legal Awareness for Winter Accidents
Even if you do everything right, accidents still happen. When they do, you’ll need a team who understands New York personal injury law and how winter hazards factor in.
Negligence and Winter Hazards
Whether it’s a driver losing control on ice, a plow hitting your car, or a property owner failing to clear snowy walkways, a negligent party may be liable for your injuries. Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you could still be entitled to compensation through New York’s comparative negligence laws.
Why Timing Matters
If you’re injured, what you do within the first hours or days of the accident are critical. Get medical help, report the incident, keep evidence and contact a New York personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.
We Handle Insurance and Complex Claims
Winter‑related accidents often involve multiple parties: drivers, municipalities, property owners, contractors. These cases aren’t always cut and dry, so hiring an attorney who has experience handling multi-party or municipal injury cases is important. At Cellino Law, we deal with insurance companies and negotiate or litigate as needed on your behalf.
Your Winter Safety Starts with Preparation
Winter in New York doesn’t have to mean fear. With a vehicle tuned up, an emergency kit behind the seat, walking paths cleared and rights understood, you’re ahead of the curve.If you or someone you care about is injured in a winter accident, on the road, or while out and about, please fill out our online form or call us at 888-888-8888 to get in touch with a team member at Cellino Law. We’re ready to listen, help answer your questions, and offer guidance you can count on.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.