Common Parking Lot Injuries
Car Accident,Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Premises Liability - March 28, 2024 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Whenever you go somewhere, the first and last place you usually see at that location is the parking lot. Parking lots are one of the most commonly visited places for everyone, even though we rarely think about them. For every one visit you make to a store or other property, that is two visits to the parking lot.
Unfortunately, parking lots are often where people get hurt. For various reasons, parking lot injuries occur, and they tend to lead to serious injuries for victims. Today, we want to look at how parking lot injuries happen and whether or not you can file a lawsuit.
Common Parking Lot Injuries
There are various ways people get injured in parking lots.
Driver Negligence
Drivers often operate too fast or recklessly in parking lots to the detriment of the pedestrians walking to and from the buildings. Nearly all pedestrian accidents result in injuries or a fatality.
Problems with Paving
It is vital that parking lots have evenly paved surfaces that are not cracked and have no loose pavement. Slip and fall accidents in a parking lot can lead to serious injuries.
Slippery Surfaces
Oil, ice, snow, and water can all lead to dangerous parking lot conditions. Property owners should ensure proper parking lot drainage at all times.
Poor Lighting
Parking lots with poor lighting can lead to accidents, including pedestrian collisions, slip and fall incidents, and more. Poor lighting also invites criminals to prey on victims.
Confusing or Missing Signs
Parking lots without proper signs (stop signs, yield signs, etc.) will lead to driver and pedestrian confusion.
Inadequate Security
Parking lots are often the perfect place for criminals to prey on victims. It is not uncommon for us to see robberies, sexual assaults, and more in parking lots without adequate security such as security personnel, adequate lighting, surveillance equipment, and more.
Wheel Stops
These are the cement blocks or bars in front of the vehicle meant to stop it from going too far. If these become cracked or misaligned, they can pose trip and fall hazards for patrons.
Was the Property Owner Liable?
Parking lots are often the most neglected part of a person’s property. In many cases, this is because the person who owns and maintains the parking lot is not the same owner of the store. Regardless of who owns the parking lot, someone has a duty to keep it well-maintained and operational.
The property owner has a duty to you. If they breach their duty to keep you safe, and this breach leads to your injuries and expenses, they could be held liable for your damages and expenses.
Consulting with an Attorney
Your pedestrian accident attorneys will work to prove the property owner’s negligent in order to secure the compensation you need for all of your injury-related expenses. This can include both economic and non-economic damages such as the following:
- Coverage of medical expenses
- Recovery of lost wages if you are unable to work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against the negligent party
You can speak to a Chicago premises liability lawyer at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates for a free case evaluation by clicking here.