With winter well and truly upon us, this is a treacherous time for pedestrians and motorists alike.

Contrary to common misconceptions, if you're unlucky enough to have an accident because of snow or ice on the public highway, it's possible to seek compensation for personal injury and losses sustained a result of the accident. 

Accidents on the public highway will include most roads, pavements and footpaths. The highway authority responsible for maintaining the public highway is under a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow or ice.

If an accident occurs on private land due to snow or ice, the injured person may be able to claim compensation for injuries and losses sustained from the owners or occupiers of the land.

These could include accidents occurring at supermarkets, outside shops or on someone else's property. The landowner/occupier has a duty take reasonable steps to ensure that those using the land or premises are reasonably safe in doing so.

If an accident occurs in the workplace due to snow or ice the injured employee may be able to claim compensation for injuries and losses sustained from the employer. The employer has a statutory duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to keep workplace traffic routes free from substances which may cause a person to trip, slip or fall.

If you've been injured in an accident due to snow or ice and require advice, please contact our helpline on 03700 86 86 86.

All documents should be read and used in accordance with the terms and conditions. This document is for your general information only and is not a detailed statement of the law. It's provided to you free of charge, and shouldn't be used as a substitute for specific legal advice.

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All documents should be read and used in accordance with the terms and conditions. This document is for your general information only and is not a detailed statement of the law. It is provided to you free of charge and should not be used as a substitute for specific legal advice. If you require specific legal advice please contact our helpline on 03700 86 86 86.