Parking lots are very convenient and are often a luxury in traffic infested parts of Southern California. That said, when they are not properly maintained, they can also become very dangerous. If you have fallen in a parking lot and have been injured, then it may be that the owner or manager of the property on which you were injured is responsible for your injuries.
In certain cases, you may be able to seek compensation for those injuries. Read on to learn what causes these accidents and what to do after you are injured.
Common causes of parking lot slip and fall accidents
The most common injury in a parking lot is a slip and fall accident. Yes, you are more likely to be injured falling in a parking lot than in a car accident in a parking lot. There are many potential causes of parking lot accidents including slippery surfaces caused by oil or spilled substances, rain and other poor weather conditions, debris, missing banisters or railings in garages, pavement that is uneven or cracked, poor lighting, and tire stops that are missing, damaged, cracked, or not located correctly.
What to do after being involved in a parking lot slip and fall accident
If you are injured after falling in a parking lot, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you are safe and that your rights are protected. First, report the accident to the police and to whomever manages or owns the parking lot. Reporting the accident as soon as possible is the best way to get a paper trail started that will support your claim.
If your injury is serious or requires prompt medical attention then that should your priority. Go to the hospital by ambulance if you have broken a bone or have another dangerous injury. Otherwise, go to a quick care location as soon as you can. You can wait to see your doctor but try to see them as quickly as possible. If you wait too longer for medical attention, it could hurt your personal injury claim.
Next, record all the facts you can about the case. Write down the date and time of the fall, what happened that led up to your fall, and the details of any medical conditions you experienced as a result. If possible, take pictures of the parking lot and show the conditions that resulted in the fall. If there were witnesses, get information from them such as contact information and a statement about what they witnessed.
Now it is time to contact a personal injury attorney. It is easy to request a free legal consultation: Just call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707. We can listen to your side of the story and understand what caused your accident. We will then give you an honest assessment of whether or not you likely have a case. Call now to get the process started.
