Parking lots and garages are hubs of vehicle and pedestrian activity. They are also among the most dangerous areas in the city. Severe injury and significant property damage can occur when drivers and parking lot owners are negligent.
Auto Accidents
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 500,000 auto accidents occur in parking lots and garages annually. The number of incidents was found to spike significantly during the holidays. The NSC cites distractions as the number one factor.
The majority of respondents to an NSC opinion poll admitted to talking or texting on a cell phone while driving through a parking lot. Respondents also admitted to programming their GPS systems, sending emails, using social media, watching videos, and taking photos, all while driving through a parking lot or garage. This level of distraction leads to injuries to pedestrians and other drivers. But drivers aren’t the only ones distracted. Pedestrians often walk through the parking lot distracted by their own phones and fail to see vehicles that may not be able to see them. The results can be deadly.
Distractions aren’t the only cause of auto accidents. Low visibility and unclear signage can also lead to incidents. Garage and parking lot owners must ensure that there is proper signage indicating the direction drivers are supposed to proceed and include well-placed stop signs where necessary to avoid collisions. A parking garage owner may be held responsible for a garage that has poor lighting, poor design, or unclear directions.
Slip and Falls
Parking lots and garages can also be the site of many slip and fall incidents. Parking lots are usually large areas, and every inch of the lot must be properly maintained and kept safe for the public. Pedestrians in a parking lot or garage are sometimes carrying large packages or bags and rely on property owners to maintain the areas in a reasonably safe condition. A parking lot or parking garage owner may be held responsible for conditions such as:
- improper lighting
- lack of visibility
- potholes
- cracked pavement
- dangerous stairwells
- electrical and wiring issues
- unseen ice or slippery areas
- water spills and leaks
Parking lots and garages are subject to a great deal of wear and tear and owners must frequently check for dangerous conditions and fix any problems.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you’ve been seriously injured in a parking lot or parking garage, you should have an experienced attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.