Virginia parking lot and garage accident attorneys

Why do our Virginia lawyers seek compensation for parking lot and garage injuries?

We have many parking lots and garages at grocery stores, shopping centers, malls, and other businesses throughout Virginia. For example, Gloucester County has numerous shopping centers—including grocery, retail, service, and professional businesses with lots. Driving and walking in parking lots is a major part of everyday life, but lots pose risks. In fact, CBS News reports that 60,000 people are injured in parking lot accidents each year, and 500 are killed, according to the National Safety Council.

If you were a driver, passenger, or pedestrian injured in a parking lot or garage accident, contact GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys immediately. Our personal injury law firm has recovered significant settlements and results for our clients. Attorneys Ken Gibson and John Singleton are former members of the United States Marines who will develop and execute a wise plan for your case. With small-town values and big-city track records, we believe in looking out for our neighbors.

Call us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to schedule a free consultation today. When you sign on with GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, you don’t pay anything unless we win—we call it our Zero Fee Guarantee.

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What causes accidents in parking lots and garages?

Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents in parking lots and garages. Conversations with passengers, reaching for objects inside the vehicle, using a cell phone, and other activities can divert the driver’s attention long enough to have tragic consequences. That’s why Virginia law prohibits handheld devices for talking, texting, or any other reason while driving.

Additionally, driver fatigue contributes to garage and parking lot collisions, as it may impair reaction times and decrease awareness of a driver’s surroundings. Like fatigue, driving while intoxicated negatively impacts several essential driving skills, including judgment, reflexes, depth perception, and coordination.

Reckless driving, such as speeding, aggressive maneuvers, and failure to yield, also increases the risk of accidents in these confined spaces. Drivers who are in a hurry or hunting for a parking spot don’t always take the necessary precautions to protect pedestrians and other drivers; many seem to think traffic signs are “suggestions” in a parking lot. Still, drivers must navigate parking lots and garages cautiously, respecting speed limits and pedestrian areas to prevent collisions and injuries.

At night, poor lighting around parking lots can obscure visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or potential hazards. Property owners and managers must make sure there’s adequate lighting to maintain safety.

Poorly maintained surfaces are another frequent cause of parking lot and garage accidents. For example, cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces can lead to vehicle damage, loss of control, and accidents involving both cars and pedestrians.

Further, inadequate signage can contribute to parking lot and garage accidents. Well-maintained signs are essential for guiding drivers and pedestrians safely through parking areas. Without clear signs indicating directions, speed limits, and pedestrian crossings, confusion can lead to collisions and accidents.

Owners and managers of parking lots and garages have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for visitors. When they fail to do so, they may be held liable for any resulting accidents.

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What are the most common types of accidents that happen in parking lots and garages?

Rear-end collisions are common in parking lots and garages, often happening when a driver backs out of a parking space. Drivers who are distracted or in a hurry may fail to notice another car approaching. The result can be a collision that causes serious injuries such as whiplash and nerve damage.

Often, pedestrian accidents in parking lots and garages occur due to speeding drivers or unsafe conditions such as poorly designed parking lots, lack of security, and insufficiently marked instructions. These accidents often result in severe injuries due to the limited protection for pedestrians.

Slip-and-fall accidents on icy surfaces in parking lots and garages are another cause of serious injuries, particularly during winter. Accumulated ice and snow can create hazardous walking conditions, leading to falls that may result in severe consequences such as fractures, concussions, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Property owners and managers are responsible for ensuring that these areas are safe for pedestrians.

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Who is liable for injuries in a Virginia parking lot or garage accident?

Careless drivers and negligent property managers can be liable for parking lot injuries, but determining liability in parking lot and garage accidents may be complicated. At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the liable parties and the role they played in causing the accident.

Investigating parking lot and garage accidents involves collecting evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident scene photographs. Your lawyer may consult with experts such as traffic engineers and accident reconstruction specialists to provide a clear picture of how the accident occurred.

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Is there compensation in Virginia for victims of parking lot and garage accidents?

Yes. When our investigation is complete, your lawyer will file a claim or a lawsuit against anyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries. Damages for medical expenses may include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments. These costs can quickly accumulate, causing substantial financial strain. Compensation can also cover the cost of medical devices, in-home nursing care, and home modifications such as wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and accessible bathtubs.

Injuries sustained in parking lot and garage accidents may prevent victims from working, leading to lost wages and impacting their ability to support themselves and their families. Compensation for lost wages is crucial in covering the income lost during the recovery period, and it can also account for diminished earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to their previous employment.

Pain and suffering compensation addresses the non-economic damages that victims of accidents in parking lots and garages endure. This may include chronic pain, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment in daily activities, and other long-term consequences of the accident. Calculating pain and suffering compensation involves evaluating the severity of the injuries, the duration of recovery, and the extent to which the victim’s life has been altered.

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How can you contact our Virginia attorneys for parking lot/garage injuries?

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we consider it our calling to help people who have been harmed by the careless actions of others. You can count on our Virginia premises liability lawyers to serve you with excellence and compassion every step of the way. And when we represent you, you pay us no fees unless we recover compensation for you.

We are here to help you. Call our parking lot and garage accident lawyers in Virginia at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to schedule a free consultation today.

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