Parking lots and garages may seem like relatively harmless places. However, they’re full of dangerous risks that present serious injuries. Parking lots and garages are unique in that accidents can occur in a variety of ways ranging from car accidents to slip and fall injuries.
Car Accidents in Parking Lots and Garages
It would appear that parking garages are relatively safe when it comes to car accidents because drivers are driving slowly. However, distracted driving can be more of a problem in a parking lot than anywhere else. People looking around for parking spots, programing their GPS systems, and looking at their phones are not paying attention to their surroundings. This can lead to serious accidents. In addition, when parking lots are relatively empty, drivers are tempted to speed and not take the amount of caution as is necessary. Common accidents in parking garages and parking lots include:
- Rear-end—when someone is following too closely and the car in front of them stops to turn into a spot, there can be a serious collision.
- Backing up accidents—if a driver isn’t paying attention to their surroundings when backing out of a parking spot, they can hit another vehicle or a pedestrian and cause tragic injuries.
- Head-on collisions—some parking lots are designed to have one-way lanes. If these lanes aren’t respected, head-on collisions are possible.
Other Dangers in Parking Lots and Garages
Parking lots and garages have other unique risks that may be the responsibility of the entity that owns or maintains the lot or garage. Some of these dangers include:
- Insufficient lighting—this situation can make it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to remain safe.
- No security—the vast majority of parking lots and garages don’t have security. Without security or surveillance cameras, people are less likely to follow the rules, and dangerous situations can occur.
- Snow and ice—the owners and operators of parking lots and garages have an obligation to ensure that they are reasonably clear of snow and ice for the safety of pedestrians and motorists.
- Poor design—parking facilities that are cramped, overly complicated, or otherwise poorly designed can make it difficult for pedestrians and motorists to maneuver through them.
- Poor signage—the signage in a parking facility is crucial to informing drivers and pedestrians how to travel through the area. A lack of stop signs, one-way signs, and other signage can be dangerous.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a parking lot or garage, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have been helping accident victims for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.