Trusted Parking Lot Accident Lawyer in Tampa, Florida
You might think the lower speeds of cars and trucks would make parking lots relatively safe places to drive or walk. Despite slower speeds, parking lots are dangerous places for motorists and pedestrians. Each year, more than 60,000 people are injured, and at least 500 deaths occur in parking lots and parking garages across the country.
Vehicles making sudden turns into parking spaces and backing into the flow of traffic make parking lot crashes so common that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration refers to these accidents as non-traffic crashes. If you are the victim of a parking lot collision, the experienced Tampa parking lot accident attorneys from Kinney, Fernandez & Boire can help. KFB Law has successfully handled claims for compensation on behalf of victims of parking lot and parking garage crashes.
Causes of parking lot collisions
The direction of movement of vehicles is not as controlled in parking lots and garages as it is on public roads. Traffic entering parking facilities feed into lanes carrying vehicles moving within the parking areas. Add in cars turning into or backing out of parking spaces, and pedestrians walking on and between lanes of traffic, and you have the perfect formula for a collision and serious injuries.
There are many causes of collisions in parking lots and garages in Tampa, but the following are some of the most common:
- Drivers backing out of parking spaces and into travel lanes without looking for approaching vehicles.
- Pedestrians walking behind a car or truck backing out of a parking space.
- Two or more vehicles simultaneously backing out of parking spaces close to each other and colliding.
- Vehicles traveling in the wrong direction in a lane between parked vehicles.
- A car pulling into a parking space as another vehicle pulls out through the same space.
- Drivers speeding through travel lanes.
- Driver or passenger opening the door as another vehicle pulls into an adjoining space.
- Pedestrians walking between parked vehicles and into the path of cars or trucks in the travel lanes.
Things can happen very quickly in the confined area of a parking facility, and driver distraction can increase the risk of vehicles colliding or of a vehicle striking a pedestrian. Common distractions include:
- Talking on a cell phone
- Texting
- Reading or sending emails
- Reviewing social media
Keep in mind that most of the drivers in a parking facility are looking for a parking space or attempting to find their way to the exit. Both activities represent distractions that can divert a motorist’s attention and result in an accident.
Holding parking facility owners liable
A parking lot accident lawyer can also help you make a personal injury claim based on the negligence of the parking lot owner.
The owners of parking facilities are obligated to keep them properly maintained and safe. Failing to provide adequate lighting, allowing the road surface to deteriorate to the point at which potholes develop, and similar hazards can make the property owner liable when the conditions cause accidents.
Poor lighting can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians or other vehicles. Poorly maintained road surfaces and potholes can force drivers to swerve causing them to lose control of their cars and crash. Pedestrians are also at risk of tripping over uneven or broken roadways and being injured.
Common injuries caused by parking lot accidents
Most accidents in parking facilities are low-speed events limited to damage to the vehicles involved in them. Injuries in low-speed collisions usually are minor and limited to bruises, scrapes, and lacerations. However, serious personal injuries, particularly when a speeding vehicle hits a pedestrian, can occur. Common injuries include:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations resulting in scarring and disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Injuries to internal organs
- Neck and back injuries
Recoverable damages
The victim of a parking lot accident who suffers serious injuries could be entitled to receive compensation from the negligent party causing the accident. Typical damages include the following:
- Recovery of past and future medical expenses
- Lost earnings due to the injury, including earnings lost in the future from disability
- Pain and suffering
- Physical and occupational therapy costs
- Permanent full or partial disability
Determining who is at fault in a parking lot accident
Accidents in which multiple parties are at fault can be complicated. An experienced parking lot accident lawyer will help investigate your accident and determine all of the appropriate parties at fault and file claims against them.
For example, a claim for damages could be made by a pedestrian who was injured by a driver who swerves to avoid a pothole and also against the owner of the parking facility for failing to repair the pavement. An experienced Tampa parking lot accident attorney can determine from the facts. We can investigate whether a parking lot accident was caused by a defective condition or by the negligent conduct of one or more of the vehicles involved.
No matter who you think is at fault when an accident occurs, it’s important to collect as much information as possible as soon as possible. This will provide stronger evidence for your claim. If you’re ever involved in a parking lot accident, be sure to:
- Take pictures, and not just of the vehicles and their license plates—skid marks and vehicle debris can also serve as useful evidence
- Get names and contact information from eyewitnesses
- If the cause of the accident is disputed, the surrounding stores may have security camera footage you can check to set the record straight—this footage can also be used to identify a driver in the case of a hit and run accident
What to do in the event of a Tampa parking lot accident
If you have been injured in a parking lot accident, you should immediately seek medical care. If you’re able, you should also contact and await the arrival of the police. Florida law requires drivers involved in an accident causing severe physical injuries to remain at the scene and report the accident to the police.
Police in some states will not investigate accidents on private property, including parking facilities. However, Florida law authorizes police to respond to parking lot accidents involving injuries even in situations in which the parking facility is private property.
While waiting for the police or emergency medical personnel to arrive, refrain from making statements about your injuries or physical condition to anyone at the scene. Some injuries, such as concussions and other head injuries, can be more serious than they might appear to be right after the accident. An evaluation by a medical professional may be necessary to determine the nature and extent of your injuries.
Help from a Tampa parking lot accident attorney
After receiving treatment for your personal injuries, it’s important to seek the trusted advice of an experienced parking lot accident attorney at Kinney, Fernandez & Boire. Our compassionate team of attorneys will review the details of your accident to determine the best course of action, hold the negligent party responsible, and secure maximum compensation for you. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.
An Accident Is A Big Thing To Worry About, At KFBLAW, We Can Help You Get Back To Worrying About All The Little Things In Life.
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- Tampa: (813) 875-5445
- St Petersburg: (727) 576-5784
- New Port Richey: (727) 846-2680
- Wesley Chapel: (813) 715-0938
- Plant City: (813) 757-1694
- Riverview: (813) 438-8216
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