When people think of parking lot accidents, vehicle collisions are usually the first to come to mind. However, injuries occurring in parking lots can also stem from slip and falls, and they are more common than you might think.
But what makes parking lots dangerous? Here are several factors that can contribute to the slip and fall risk in parking areas.
Many parking lots are exposed to the elements
Unless a parking area is indoors, it is essentially at the mercy of the elements. Many parking lot slip and fall accidents occur during winter, and that’s because of the ice and snow accumulating on surfaces.
Black ice is especially dangerous. It forms when water freezes quickly on the pavement, creating an extremely slippery surface.
Aside from winter-related hazards, parking lot surfaces can also collect puddles after rain, oil and grease spots from vehicles, as well as debris like leaves, gravel and litter. These things can increase the risk of slips, trips and falls.
Some parking lots are poorly maintained
Parking lots often do not receive as much upkeep as the establishments they serve. Lack of maintenance can lead to hazards like:
- Cracks
- Potholes
- Deteriorating pavement
- Accumulated debris
As you can expect, these conditions can be slipping or tripping hazards, especially at night when there is poor visibility.
Not all parking lots are well-lit
Poor lighting makes it harder to spot potential hazards like cracks, puddles or debris. It can also obscure changes in surface elevation, such as speed bumps and curbs.
Moreover, shadows can create dark areas where hazards can be completely hidden. This can cause misleading depth perception, which can be particularly dangerous for people with limited vision.
There can be so many distractions
When people are in parking areas, they are usually busy searching for their vehicles or carrying items to their cars. Some might be preoccupied with their phone or too distracted trying to dodge passing cars.
Whatever the case may be, these distractions can take attention away from people’s immediate surroundings. As a result, they may miss potential hazards that could cause them to trip, slip or fall.
What can you do if you’re injured in a parking lot?
Property owners are responsible for keeping their parking areas free from hazards. If they fail to remove the dangers or maintain the premises correctly, they could be liable for the injuries that occur.
If you were injured because of a hazardous condition in a parking lot, you could file a personal injury claim to recover compensation. Consider consulting an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and advocate for your legal rights.