Miami Parking Lot Accident Lawyer

Parking lots can be deceptively dangerous places. Every day, pedestrians walk through parking garages, shopping center lots, apartment complex parking areas, and other locations expecting to safely make it to their cars or the building entrance. Unfortunately, negligent drivers and poorly maintained properties can quickly turn an ordinary trip across the lot into a serious accident. At the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, we help victims of parking lot accidents understand their rights and pursue compensation for their injuries. If you were hurt in a parking lot due to someone else’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated Miami Parking Lot accident Lawyer  from our firm for a free consultation today.

Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents in Miami

Parking lot accidents can happen for many reasons. While people often think of crashes between two vehicles, pedestrians are frequently the ones who suffer the most serious injuries in these locations. Below are some of the most common hazards in parking lots that can lead to pedestrian injuries:

• Speeding vehicles: Drivers often treat parking lots like extensions of the roadway, ignoring the fact that these areas require slower speeds and greater caution.
• Distracted drivers: A motorist looking down at a phone, adjusting the radio, or focusing on a GPS can fail to see pedestrians crossing the lot.
• Backing-up vehicles: Many accidents occur when drivers reverse out of parking spaces without checking their surroundings properly.
• Poor lighting: Dimly lit parking lots can make it hard for both drivers and pedestrians to see each other, as well as spot hazards on the ground.
• Faded or missing markings: Without visible lines, arrows, and pedestrian walkways, both drivers and pedestrians can become confused, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Broken or uneven pavement: Cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces can cause pedestrians to trip and fall, especially if they are carrying packages or walking in low visibility conditions.
• Improperly placed shopping carts or debris: Carts left in driving lanes or debris scattered around the lot can create obstacles that lead to crashes or falls.
• Lack of signage: Missing stop signs or yield signs can lead to drivers failing to give the right of way to pedestrians or other vehicles.
• Blind spots created by large vehicles or structures: When large trucks or columns block the view, pedestrians and drivers may not see each other until it is too late.
• Aggressive or impatient drivers: Some motorists fail to yield to pedestrians or rush through parking areas, putting others at risk.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Miami Parking Lot Accident?

Determining liability isn’t always straightforward, as it’s not always immediately clear who is responsible for the injuries, and sometimes more than one party may share the blame. The specifics depend on how the accident happened and the conditions that contributed to it.

In many cases, the driver of a vehicle may be liable if their negligent actions led to the accident. For example, a driver who was distracted, speeding, or failed to yield to a pedestrian could be held responsible for the harm they caused. Florida law requires motorists to exercise reasonable care, and that duty applies just as much in a parking lot as it does on the street.

There are also situations where the owner or operator of the parking lot may be liable. Under Florida premises liability law, property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn visitors of any dangerous conditions that are not obvious. If a pedestrian trip and fall occurred due to a pothole, uneven surface, or poor lighting, the property owner or manager could be responsible if they knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it or provide a warning.

In some cases, liability may be shared. For example, a distracted driver might hit a pedestrian in a poorly lit lot where the property owner failed to provide adequate lighting. Both the driver and the property owner could be named in a lawsuit. Florida’s comparative negligence law allows an injured person to recover damages even if they were partly at fault, although their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

At the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, we work to investigate all the facts of your case, gather evidence, and identify every party that may be responsible for your injuries. This is critical to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

How Long Do You Have to File a Parking Lot Accident Claim in Florida?

If you were injured in a parking lot accident, it is important to act promptly. Florida law sets strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. This applies to claims based on both motorist negligence and premises liability. If you wait any longer than two years to file your injury claim, you’ll most likely be permanently barred from doing so. Ultimately, the sooner you speak with a parking lot accident lawyer, the better off you’ll be.

Speak With a Miami Parking Lot Accident Lawyer Today

Our legal team at the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA understands how stressful and confusing the aftermath of a parking lot accident can be. We are here to provide guidance, handle the legal details, and fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward. Contact a skilled Miami-Dade County parking lot accident lawyer from our firm for your free initial consultation today.