Parking Lot Accidents
While most of us associate car accidents with freeways or busy intersections, the reality is that a surprising number of car crashes occur in parking lots and garages, which can pose hazards not only to drivers, but also to pedestrians. These types of collisions are especially common in busy parking lots, where space is at a premium, or in areas that are poorly lit. It is also not uncommon for parking lot collisions to be the result of drivers speeding or otherwise driving aggressively or recklessly in an effort to reach a spot before another driver. This type of behavior is extremely dangerous and leads to thousands of injuries every year. Fortunately, the negligent parties can be held responsible, so of you were injured in a parking lot accident and were not at fault, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer who can help you seek compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
Common Parking Lot Hazards
Parking lots, like any other roadway, contain a number of hazards that can cause serious accidents, the most common of which include:
- Poor lighting;
- Sharp turns and tight corners;
- A lack of traffic signals, including speed limits and “Do Not Enter” signs;
- An excessive number of blind spots;
- Poorly marked parking lanes; and
- Improper lot maintenance, leading to a buildup of ice or snow or the creation of potholes.
Even careful drivers and pedestrians can be injured when these types of conditions exist, so a negligent driver can cause a particularly large amount of damage in a short period of time. Distracted driving has proven to be an especially dangerous trend when it comes to parking lots, pedestrians, and vehicles. In fact, the National Safety Council estimates that as many as two-thirds of all drivers who pull into shopping centers, do so while distracted. While distracted driving is dangerous anywhere, it is particularly risky in parking lots and garages, as slower speeds tend to give people a false sense of security, resulting in a higher rate of distracted driving activity and a subsequent increased risk of collision. Cell phone usage is especially problematic because it usually takes both a driver’s eyes and attention off of the road, as well as his or her hands off of the wheel. This can prove deadly for any pedestrians who may be walking nearby.
Who is Liable?
Liability for a parking lot accident depends on the specific circumstances of the case. For example, property owners have a duty to ensure that their premises are kept reasonably safe. This applies equally to stores and parking lots, so the owner or manager of the lot or garage could be held responsible for any injuries resulting from his or her lack of care. Similarly, negligent drivers and pedestrians can be held liable if their negligent or reckless conduct caused or contributed to an accident.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Today About Your Parking Lot Accident
To find out whether you have a valid legal claim, please contact one of the dedicated and compassionate personal injury lawyers at Boone & Davis by calling 954-566-9919. Case evaluations are conducted free of charge, so please don’t hesitate to call or contact us online today. A member of our legal team is standing by and eager to help you through each step of your case.
Resource:
money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/articles/2017-11-06/how-to-handle-a-parking-lot-accident
