Winter weather brings on a lot of hazardous environmental elements such as snow, sleet, and frozen ice that cover the roads and sidewalks. Maneuvering your way through these conditions can be dangerous, but even with great preventative measures taken, accidents can still occur. While some people are able to laugh at themselves after a quick fall to the ground, others may suffer serious injuries. If you experience a slip and fall accident, there are some things that you need to do immediately, because time is an important factor in situations like these.

After slipping and falling, it is important to see if there are any potential witnesses who saw you fall. Ask people who were around you what they saw, and if they would mind filling out an incident report with you. If you encounter a willing witness that is pressed for time, ask for a business card or anything else that has their contact information displayed on it. This may be very important if others are to blame for your injuries and you need to prove negligence.

Carefully and thoroughly scan the area where you experienced your fall, look around, and determine what exactly made you fall. Did you slip in a puddle of water? If so, did anyone place a "wet floor" sign anywhere near or around the area? Is the carpeting bunched or fraying? Is there a road hazard like a pothole or uneven step? These things can be the cause of serious injuries and could be covered under premises liability law. If you have a cell phone and it has a camera feature on it, take a picture of the area where you fell.

It is imperative to report the incident to store personnel immediately. Ask to fill out an incident report. When you write your statement, be clear, concise, and as to the point as possible. No matter the circumstances, always indicate verbally and in writing that you will seek medical attention. Have the manager sign the incident report and inform them you will be in contact after medical attention is sought.

After collecting the information of witnesses, taking picture evidence, and speaking with management, you should contact a personal injury lawyer specializing in slip and fall cases. They will act on your behalf and will act as the liaison between you and the company. Before you accept any settlement, understand what your long term medical risks are, because once the case is closed, it cannot be reopened.