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Parking lot hazards that lead to injuries

On Behalf of | Jan 25, 2022 | Premises Liability |

California parking lots can be just as dangerous, or even more so, than intersections and highways. People who own parking lots are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for visitors and invited guests. Certain issues can arise that increase the risk of personal injury regarding those traveling by motor vehicle, as well as pedestrians.  

Parking lots must have adequate signage and lighting 

If a parking lot is poorly lit, a pedestrian might trip in a pothole at night. Darkness also increases personal safety risk, as many assaults or robberies take place in poorly lit areas. A property owner is obligated to warn visitors of known hazards, as well. For instance, a sign should be posted if a specific part of a parking lot is under construction or some other hazard is present that could place guests in harm’s way.  

Drivers are often distracted in parking lots 

If someone is walking into a store through a parking lot, and a driver is looking down at a cellphone while backing out of a parking spot, a disaster may occur before the pedestrian has a chance to realize what is happening and move out of the way to avoid a tragedy. Many accidents between motor vehicles and pedestrians that occur in parking lots involve drivers who were distracted at the time. This is also true when there are collisions between several cars.  

What to do if a parking lot accident occurs 

If a person suffers injury in a California parking lot, the primary concern is to get immediate medical attention. Beyond that, several questions may be pertinent to the situation, such as whether the property owner was in any way responsible for the accident. If an injury was the result of a motor vehicle collision, investigators will want to know whether driver negligence was a factor. Many parking lot accidents lead to litigation, when recovering victims file personal injury claims to seek restitution for documented damages.