As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures drop, fall brings a unique set of risks that often lead to personal injury claims—particularly in the states of Ohio and Kentucky. Whether you’re navigating newly congested roads with school back in session or dealing with slippery walkways and unmaintained properties, it’s important to understand the types of incidents that commonly occur this time of year.

At Jones Kahan Law, we’ve seen firsthand how seasonal conditions can contribute to serious injuries. In this article, we’ll break down two of the most common types of personal injury claims that arise in the fall:

And importantly, we’ll discuss why consulting a local attorney is often your best course of action if you’re injured.

The start of the school year means more cars on the road—school buses, teen drivers, carpools, and increased pedestrian traffic in school zones. Morning and afternoon rush hours become more congested, and many drivers are distracted or in a hurry.

In both Ohio and Kentucky, the return to school often results in a spike in traffic-related incidents, particularly involving:

Failing to stop for a school bus loading or unloading children is not just illegal—it’s dangerous. Unfortunately, drivers often misjudge when or where they need to stop, leading to serious accidents involving children.

Both Ohio and Kentucky have strict laws governing school bus safety. If a driver fails to follow those rules and causes an accident, they may be held civilly liable for resulting injuries.

As daylight hours shorten, drivers may also deal with lower visibility during their commutes. Combine that with cell phone use, sleepiness, or poor weather conditions like fog and rain, and the risk for serious collisions rises significantly.

Fallen leaves may look picturesque, but when wet, they become extremely slippery. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe walking surfaces, and failing to clean up leaves, mud, or early frost can lead to slip and fall injuries.

Other hazards that often lead to premises liability claims in fall include:

Retailers often see an uptick in foot traffic during the fall as consumers begin shopping for school, Halloween, and holiday-related items. Store owners must ensure that aisles are clear, spills are cleaned up promptly, and outdoor walkways are safe.

If a business fails to address these issues and you’re injured as a result, they may be held responsible under premises liability laws in Ohio or Kentucky.

When it comes to personal injury claims, laws vary significantly by state, and even by county or city in some cases. Having an attorney who knows the local legal landscape can make a real difference in the outcome of your case.

At Jones Kahan Law, we bring a deep understanding of both Ohio and Kentucky injury law. Whether your case involves:

—we have the experience and resources to advocate for your best interests.

If you or a loved one is injured in an accident this fall, here are the steps we recommend:

At Jones Kahan Law, we know how a simple errand or school drop-off can turn into a life-altering event in the blink of an eye. We offer free consultations and handle most personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.

Fall is a time of transition—but if you’ve been injured, your focus should be on healing, not on paperwork or fighting with insurance companies. Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on recovery.

If you or someone you know is injured in an auto accident or due to unsafe property conditions this fall, don’t wait. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys atJones Kahan Law today.