Parking is difficult in New York. Due to the lack of street parking, many people necessarily opt to park their vehicles in private or municipal parking garages. But while these structures can be convenient, they can also be dangerous. Various types of accidents can arise in a parking garage, including stairwell trip and falls, pedestrian knockdowns, car crashes, and many others. If you were injured in a parking garage accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
Causes of Accidents in Parking Garages
Whether the incident occurs when you’re on foot or you’re in a vehicle, there are many factors that can contribute to a parking garage accident. Since parking garages are often compact and can be challenging to navigate, they present unique hazards for both pedestrians and drivers. Although there might be less vehicle traffic than in an outdoor parking lot, there can still be many people who are walking through these structures.
Specifically, some common causes of accidents in parking garages can include the following:
- Poor lighting — Poor lighting conditions can lead to visibility issues for drivers, resulting in a collision. In addition, pedestrians might not be able to see certain hazards on the ground, which can lead to trips, slips, and falls.
- Potholes and depressions — Defects on ramps or in the parking areas can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. They can also cause pedestrians to trip and sustain serious injuries as a result of the fall.
- Lack of maintenance — Improperly maintained parking garages can be hazardous to both drivers and pedestrians alike. Cracks in the pavement, uneven surfaces, and other unsafe conditions can cause an array of accidents.
- Driver distraction or inattention — Texting, cell phone use, and other forms of driver distraction are some of the most common causes of car crashes and pedestrian accidents both on the roadways and in parking areas.
- Driver recklessness — Driving recklessly is dangerous in any location, but it can be particularly dangerous in a confined area such as a parking garage.
Depending upon the cause of the car accident, there may be multiple parties who can be held liable for any resulting injuries. For instance, another motorist may be responsible if their negligent driving behaviors led to the accident. The parking garage owner or maintenance company might be accountable if the accident arose due to a defect that should have been repaired. Or, the company that created the structure’s design might be liable if the accident was caused by confusing signage or failure to adhere to the applicable safety codes.
Compensation for Parking Garage Accidents
If you were hurt as a pedestrian in a parking garage or suffered a serious injury in your vehicle as a result of another driver’s negligence, you might require extensive medical treatment and lose time from work. In some cases, parking garage accidents can also lead to debilitation, and lifelong disability — preventing you from participating in the activities you once enjoyed. In the event you were injured due to someone else’s carelessness or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation.
By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover your monetary losses — including medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs. You might also be eligible to receive monetary recovery for the pain and suffering you experienced as a result of your accident-related injuries. But it’s important not to delay filing your claim — New York has a strict three-year statute of limitations that applies in personal injury actions, and there are even shorter ones if a municipality is named in the action. If a city, town, or village parking garage is a defendant in the lawsuit, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of the accident, and the action must be commenced within one year and ninety days.
Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in a parking garage accident, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. At The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., we are committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims and work to ensure clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve. The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester County, Rockland County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Contact us today for a free consultation.