Most Common Personal Injury Claims After the Holidays in New York

The weeks immediately following the holidays are a peak period for personal injury claims in New York. As normal routines resume, hazardous winter conditions, increased traffic, and post-holiday fatigue combine to create a surge in preventable accidents. January consistently sees a rise in claims tied to negligence that property owners, drivers, and employers are legally required to prevent.

Below are the most common types of personal injury claims filed after the holidays.

Slip-and-Fall Accidents on Snow and Ice

Slip-and-fall claims are among the most frequent Winter personal injury cases. Sidewalks, building entrances, parking garages, and stairwells often remain icy or improperly treated days after snowstorms. When property owners fail to clear snow and ice within a reasonable time, they may be held liable for resulting injuries such as fractures, head injuries, and torn ligaments.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Post-holiday traffic patterns shift as commuters return to work, schools reopen, and delivery traffic remains elevated. Combined with snow, black ice, and reduced daylight, this leads to a sharp increase in:

• Rear-end collisions

• Intersection crashes

• Multi-vehicle accidents

Drivers who fail to adjust speed or follow winter driving rules may be legally responsible for injuries caused by these collisions.

Pedestrian Accidents

January is particularly dangerous for pedestrians. Slippery road conditions, poor visibility, and drivers rushing through winter weather contribute to crosswalk and turning-vehicle accidents. Many pedestrian injury claims involve failures to yield or drivers who underestimate stopping distances on icy roads.

Workplace and Construction Injuries

Construction and outdoor work continue year-round in New York. After the holidays, injury claims often involve:

• Slips on icy scaffolding or ladders

• Falls from height

• Unsafe winter work conditions

Employers and site owners remain responsible for maintaining safe work environments, even in cold weather.

Premises Liability in Retail and Residential Buildings

Retail stores, apartment buildings, and commercial properties see increased foot traffic after the holidays due to returns, sales, and move-ins. Claims frequently arise from wet floors, tracked-in snow, untreated entryways, and poorly maintained common areas.

Why January Injury Claims Are Often Strong Cases

Winter weather does not eliminate legal responsibility. In many post-holiday injury cases, evidence shows that hazards were foreseeable and preventable. Property owners, drivers, and employers are expected to plan for winter conditions and take reasonable safety measures.

Additionally, January cases often involve:

• Clear maintenance failures

• Documented weather timelines

• Surveillance footage

• Witnesses returning to regular schedules

All of which can strengthen liability claims.

Act Quickly After a Post-Holiday Injury

Injuries that occur in Winter require prompt legal action. Snow melts, ice disappears, and accident scenes change quickly. Delays can make it harder to preserve evidence, especially in claims involving public property or municipal defendants with strict notice deadlines. Contact a top New York Personal Injury Attorney at 212-943-1090 for a free consultation.