Parking lots may not seem like dangerous places, but they are frequently the site of accidents. Unclear traffic patterns, pedestrians and vehicles sharing lanes of travel, and distracted drivers are a hazardous combination.
The law firm of Colling Gilbert Wright, also called The Florida Firm, provides effective and compassionate advocacy to people injured in parking lot accidents in Kissimmee. Our motor vehicle accident attorneys are well known in the community for our skill and long record of success. Other lawyers often refer their loved ones and clients to us when they need a strong advocate in a car accident case.
Accidents Due to Driver Negligence
Driver negligence is the cause of most vehicle accidents, including parking lot accidents. Drivers in parking lots are either looking for a space to park or looking for the exit. They are focused on that task and may not be giving their full attention to what is happening in their immediate vicinity.
Vehicles in parking lots often hit pedestrians. Although pedestrians have an obligation to look where they are going, it is a driver’s responsibility to exercise reasonable care by watching out for pedestrians and ensuring the way is clear before moving. Pedestrian accidents in parking lots can lead to severe injuries and fatalities, even though the vehicle is usually moving at a low speed.
Vehicle collisions in parking lots are also often due to negligent drivers. Our Kissimmee injury lawyers will investigate any parking lot accident to identify the responsible party and collect evidence demonstrating their negligence.
Is the Parking Facility to Blame?
Sometimes the owner of the parking lot or garage bears at least partial responsibility for an accident. Premises liability law in Florida requires parking facility owners to keep the lot or garage reasonably safe and free of hazards.
There are numerous conditions that could point to property owner liability for a parking lot crash. These include:
- Unclear traffic direction markers
- No protective barriers
- Sight-line obstructions
- No pedestrian walkways
- Lack of marked crosswalks
- Poor lighting
If the property owner or manager was or should have been aware of a dangerous condition and did not promptly fix it or post warnings about it, the property owner may have been negligent.
If a hazardous condition in the lot or garage contributed to the wreck, the property owner may be solely or partially liable. In that case, our Kissimmee attorneys will bring a claim against the parking facility owner seeking compensation.
Obtaining Fair Damages for Your Losses
When you or your child suffers a severe injury because of someone else’s negligence, the negligent party is liable to pay financial damages. These can include medical and rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and compensation for the impact the injury had and may continue to have on your lifestyle.
Our Kissimmee lawyers begin the process by sending a letter to all responsible parties explaining your parking lot accident claim. Negotiations proceed and result in a fair settlement in most cases. However, negotiations can stall when the parties disagree about the allocation of responsibility for the incident.
How the Fault Allocation Impacts Your Damages
Fault for a parking lot accident may rest with several parties—one or more drivers, the facility owner, and perhaps others, depending on the circumstances. When there is more than one responsible party, they each are liable for a portion of your damages that reflects their share of blame.
If you were at fault and partially responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, you can seek damages from other parties with more responsibility than you. Florida Statutes § 768.81 requires an adjustment to your damages— they will be reduced by a percentage equal to your share of the blame.
Settlement negotiations include discussions about the allocation of fault between the parties. If we cannot reach a fair distribution of fault, we can bring a case to trial and let a judge or jury decide how much fault to attribute to each party.
Contact a Kissimmee Attorney to Bring an Injury Claim for a Parking Lot Accident
You need a skilled attorney when you or your child is hurt in a parking lot accident. There may be multiple responsible parties, complicating your compensation claim.
We have extensive experience representing injured people in car accident cases. We do not collect expenses or fees unless we obtain compensation for you, and initial consultations are always free. Reach out to us at The Florida Firm today for help pursuing compensation for injuries suffered in a parking lot accident in Kissimmee.