Parking garages and lots in Dallas are surprisingly some of the most dangerous places for drivers and pedestrians. If you have been injured in one of these areas, you deserve to be compensated for the harm you suffered.
Numerous dangerous conditions could lead to an accident in a parking garage or lot. Other drivers and unaware pedestrians are only a few hazards. Poor management can also cause accidents when the safety of the area is not maintained. Because of this, several parties could be liable for your injuries.
Call The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797 to speak with our Dallas car accident lawyers and receive your free case consultation.
Common Causes of Parking Garage and Lot Accidents in Dallas
Parking lots and garages are places where people in Dallas spend a lot of time, whether working or shopping. It is no surprise that parking lots and garages are common places for accidents. While distracted drivers are always a worry in these areas, many other common causes of accidents are particular to parking garages and lots. Our Dallas car accident lawyers can help you determine how your accident occurred and the parties liable for your injuries.
Poor or No Lighting
One of the most common causes of parking garage and lot accidents is poor or no lighting. Drivers need to be able to see where they are going and what is around them in order to avoid a collision. The dark and enclosed structure makes it difficult for drivers to see what is around them, which increases the risk of an accident. In addition, if the garage is not well-lit, it can be difficult for drivers to find their way around.
Cracked Floors and Unkept Stairwells
Another common cause of parking lot and garage accidents is cracked floors or stairwells that are not kept up properly by management. When there are cracks in the floor, it can be easy for individuals to lose their footing and fall down, especially if they are carrying something heavy like groceries or luggage. This can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, concussions, spinal cord injuries, and even death if someone falls into an open hole and suffers severe head trauma when they hit the bottom.
Lack of Clear Driving Signs
Parking garages and lots should also have clear driving signs for drivers and pedestrians. Drivers need to know where they can drive safely so that they do not run into another vehicle, pedestrian, or object. If there are no signs posted showing where drivers can go, then it is much more likely that drivers will be confused and go down the wrong way, potentially causing a head-on collision.
Lack of Adequate Safety Measures
Parking garages and lots that lack adequate safety measures put both drivers and pedestrians at risk. Drivers might not be able to see pedestrians clearly until it’s too late, which can lead to deadly accidents. Similarly, if there are not enough lights or signs in the area, pedestrians will be less likely to see drivers or debris littered on the ground.
Those responsible for a parking garage or lot could also be held liable for failing to provide adequate security. This might be one security officer in the area or several, depending on the circumstances. However, stolen cars, robbery, and worse crimes can occur if there is a total lack of security in the area.
Slippery or Icy Surfaces
A slippery or icy surface makes it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. This can lead to accidents when property owners or management fail to routinely inspect and maintain their premises. These conditions can cause vehicles to slide off the road or into other cars when turning corners or stopping suddenly. It can also be difficult to stop in time if a pedestrian walks in front of an oncoming vehicle. For pedestrians, the chances of a devasting slip and fall injury increase greatly.
Debris
Debris can also cause serious accidents in Dallas parking garages and lots if left around. Debris can be left by careless drivers, delivery workers, or maintenance staff. Regardless, it is management’s responsibility to make their garage or parking lot safe. Debris makes these areas even more dangerous than usual for drivers in tight quarters and pedestrians who might injure themselves while walking through. At the very least, debris can cause serious property damage to a person’s vehicle.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Parking Garage or Lot Accident in Dallas?
Parking garages and lots in Dallas can be confusing and poorly designed areas. Although other drivers present a danger, their carelessness might only be partially to blame for your accident. In many cases, property owners and management companies can also be held accountable for their own negligence.
Property Owners
Property owners are responsible for the safe conditions of their property at all times. Suppose a property owner fails to maintain their property properly, such as by allowing debris to accumulate on walkways leading into buildings or failing to keep areas around gas pumps clear. In that case, they can be held liable for neglecting their duties. This includes making routine inspections to discover dangerous conditions that might have developed. In other cases, the property owner might share their responsibilities with a management company, in which case they both could be sued.
Property Managers
If you were injured while in an office or apartment building garage or lot, a management company is likely responsible for maintaining the premises and keeping them safe for employees and visitors alike. Property managers have all the duties that property owners have. This means they must keep the premises safe by addressing dangerous conditions, like security, lighting, or poor surfaces. If a property manager is responsible for the garage or lot, the property owner will likely be shielded from liability since the area’s safety is not their direct responsibility.
Architects and Engineers
Architects design parking garages and lots from scratch, as well as make modifications to existing structures. Architects who fail to consider driver safety when designing these areas could be held responsible if a driver or pedestrian gets injured.
Engineers design the structure and plan the layout of parking garages and lots. They are responsible for ensuring their designs are safe and up to Dallas’ building code. Suppose an engineer designs a parking garage or lot without considering the safety of drivers and pedestrians. In that case, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur because of their negligent design.
Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
For your free case assessment with our Dallas car accident attorneys, contact The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797 today.