Fall is already here, and that means that the holiday shopping season isn’t far behind. That always brings people out in droves to their local shopping centers where, unfortunately, parking lot accidents are quite common.
Parking lots and parking garages are often a lot more hazardous than people realize. What are some of the most common dangers? Consider these:
1. Distracted drivers
Some drivers simply can’t keep their hands off their smartphones. The moment they slow down and reach a parking lot, they may reach for their phone to send a text that they’ve arrived.
Meanwhile, other drivers may be paying more attention to an open parking spot or fussing with their parking garage ticket more than they’re watching the pedestrians going by. Even a momentary lack of attention can lead to a serious car wreck.
2. Bad lighting and unsafe conditions
It’s going to start getting dark earlier and earlier, and store owners have an obligation to try to keep patrons safe. When a parking lot or garage isn’t properly lit, that encourages illegal activities, including thefts and assaults. If a store’s security services are lacking, that can be considered negligence on the part of the store’s owner.
In addition, poor lighting may make it impossible to spot ordinary hazards like potholes and debris on the road that could cause you to trip, slip or fall.
3. Missing signs and broken handrails
Missing signs and broken handrails may not seem like a big issue to the property owner, but they can be very dangerous for people trying to navigate a parking lot or garage. If drivers and walkers don’t have clear directions, that can easily lead to collisions.
A broken handrail on a stairwell can pose an entirely different hazard – and a fall down a set of concrete steps can lead to permanent injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a parking lot that wasn’t properly maintained or because a driver was distracted, find out more about what it takes to get the compensation you need to move forward.