The average American will probably step into parking lots more than any other place in their lifetime. There are millions of parking lots across the country, and people will need to use one wherever they go—schools, workplaces, churches, and so on. This means there’s a huge chance for people to get injured in a parking lot, especially through a slip-and-fall accident. New Jersey is no stranger to parking lot accidents. Even though New Jersey is one of the most developed states in the US, parking lot accidents still happen.
If you slip and hurt yourself, you should contact a parking lot accident lawyer in New Jersey to help you file a case against the establishment. These accidents will typically fall under premises liability claims, as it’s up to the business that owns the parking lot to keep it safe for those who use it.
Why Do You Need to Be Careful in Parking Lots?
You may be wondering why parking lots are dangerous. Here are a few reasons that make them so:
Bad Lighting
If you’re visiting a store for a late-night pickup and it’s not well-lit, you could hurt yourself. An unlit parking lot means you can’t spot uneven flooring or any debris on the ground, and you could trip. These sorts of accidents are especially dangerous for the elderly, as their bones are fragile and can easily break.
Damaged Pathways
Another risk in a parking lot is damaged flooring—if there are holes in the ground or uneven pathways, there’s a risk of tripping. People don’t expect to trip and may not pay attention to the changes in leveling, leading to accidents. The owners have a responsibility to ensure the parking lot is well-maintained and can be held liable for any accidents that occur due to negligence.
Rain and Snow
The weather can also make parking lots dangerous, especially when it’s raining or snowing heavily. This can make the floor damp or wet, leading to slip-and-fall accidents. When people fall, they risk breaking their bones, tearing their muscles, and even injuring their brains. Such injuries can lead to a lifetime of inconvenience.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Parking Lot Accident?
Anyone who was responsible for maintaining the parking lot can be held liable for accidents that happen there. This could mean employees of the store or business that operates the place, the owners of the business, or contractors who run the place. They can be asked to cover the medical costs for any injuries the victim suffered, which can include the cost of surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
What Proof Do You Need?
In order to win compensation for your injuries, you will need to provide proof of the accident, which can include witness statements and medical records. You can also take photos of the environment that caused the accident, like a crack in the pavement or a wet floor. This is necessary to establish the connection between your injuries and the parking lot’s condition.
Conclusion
Parking lots are places that people visit frequently; however, they can be dangerous for a number of reasons. Poor maintenance or bad weather can lead to slip-and-fall accidents, with victims breaking their bones or even becoming paralyzed. It’s important for victims to contact a lawyer so they can cover the cost of medical care through compensation.
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