Until the next warm front, we will definitely encounter icy road sections in several places. Anyone can easily have an accident on roads that become slippery in this way, no matter how carefully they drive.
The question arises as to what can be done if the problem has occurred and who can be contacted for compensation. Metropol followed that.
Is it mandatory to clear ice and snow from the road?
Yes. The snow that has fallen on the roads and the ice that has formed there must be cleared as soon as possible by the person responsible for the given road section, so that it can be used safely again.
Can we get compensation if we fell on the slippery road?
Yes. De-icing sidewalks and stops during the winter is the responsibility of the person who manages or owns the given section. In the event that it can be proven that the person did not comply with his obligation to remove ice and snow, he is liable for compensation according to the law. We just need to find out who owns the area where we were injured and submit our claim for compensation to them.
How can we find out who the given road section belongs to?
In general, the residents are responsible for keeping the sidewalks in front of the houses clean. Those who live in condominiums must therefore designate someone for the task in addition to taking out liability insurance, while those who live in single-family houses are responsible for de-icing the sidewalk. Municipalities (main roads, sidewalks), companies and the public road manager are responsible for keeping other road sections clean (public roads). If we are unsure about who should keep the road section clean, we can ask the police for help.
What do we have to do to be entitled to compensation?
It is important to know that the person who suffered an accident or injury must prove when and where the incident occurred, as well as finding the person responsible.
That is why it is worth recording as much evidence as possible at the scene after the accident. It's expedient
- to look for witnesses,
- to record their statements,
- to take photographs,
- to record videos.
And if we are more seriously injured, the ambulances and the police must also be notified!
The evidence collected, medical documents received and the police report must be preserved. If all of this is in place, then the claim for compensation and damages and related evidence must be submitted in writing, in the first instance to the relevant municipality, apartment building or, if the fall occurred at a bus stop, to the relevant transport company.
Cover image: The owner has an obligation to pay damages if he does not make the sidewalk non-slip
Source: Krónikaonline.ro/Gábos Albin
