Automobile accidents can happen anywhere, and parking lots are no exception. Many parking lot accidents occur due to one or both drivers failing to pay attention to their surroundings. As parking lots can become crowded and busy, it can be easy for drivers to miss something and cause an accident. Whether it be adjusting the radio or air conditioning, or being preoccupied looking for a parking spot, distractions are frequent in parking lots.
If you are involved in an accident in a parking lot in California, be sure to document the accident. Document the scene, report the accident to insurance companies, and if you sustain an injury as a result of the accident, contact a personal injury attorney who can assist you in pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Common Accidents In Parking Lots
Given the busy nature of parking lots, accidents are common. The following are types of accidents which occur frequently in parking lots:
- Rear-end collisions due to a car stopping short
- Turning unexpectedly and rapidly in front of oncoming traffic
- Backing out of a spot without looking properly behind
- Driving the wrong way
- Driving through a crosswalk or a stop sign within the parking lot
- Driving at an unsafe speed
Thankfully, the majority of parking lot accidents are minor in nature as they tend to occur at low speeds. However, if a pedestrian or high speed are involved in the accident, the injuries may be substantially more severe. Pedestrians who are knocked to the ground may suffer from a variety of minor to serous injuries, such as back or head injuries
POTENTIAL LIABILITY FOR DRIVERS
Drivers of vehicles who cause damage due to their negligence or wrongdoing can be held liable for injuries others obtain. In California, all drivers are required to use reasonable care to operate their vehicle, SUV, or truck safely so as to avoid causing harm to others. When a driver fails to look in the rear and side mirrors before baking out, drives too fast, ignores lights, signs and markings in a parking lot they may have breached a legal duty.
Potential Liability For Property Owners
Property owners in California can be liable for injuries which result from dangerous conditions on their property which they either knew about or should have known about. Therefore, the owner of a parking structure or lot may be liable if they fail to maintain the property in a safe manner. This may involve an owner failing to make repairs, to provide proper staffing and training for staff, having inadequate lighting, failing to mark the proper directions of travel in narrow lanes, failing to mark crosswalks for pedestrians, or having improper designs for parking areas which can create an unreasonable risk of harm to parties near or in the area. Additionally, pedestrians may slip and fall on unmarked curbs or slimy concrete. Parking lot owners may be liable for injuries that are a result of these conditions.
Contact An Attorney
If you have been injured in a parking lot due to the negligence of another driver or the owner of the parking lot, reach out to an attorney. A skilled attorney at Silva Injury Law will assess your case for free and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Find Out How We Can Help
At Silva Injury Law we promote healing through compassionate advocacy. With each case tailored to the individual, we look our for your best interests by evaluating your unique circumstances. Contact us today for a FREE in person or remote consultation.