Pedestrian Accidents in Parking Lots

Most large malls, superstores, and shopping centers have equally large parking lots that are often crowded with customers, some of whom are in a hurry to get their errands done. With such a concentrated group of vehicles, all with drivers trying to get somewhere or get a parking space, drivers can often neglect to take proper care to watch out for pedestrians. As a result, many pedestrians are injured in parking lots by negligent drivers. These accidents can lead to significant injuries as a person has no protection if they are hit by a vehicle. Miami pedestrian accident attorney Robert Dixon and his staff at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon represent victims who have been injured in parking lots. Injuries such as broken bones and spinal injuries can require time missed from work, surgeries, and other costly procedures. Those who are responsible for causing another’s harm should bear the burden of a victim’s expenses, as victims need to focus their energy on recovering. Our firm represents clients in South Florida, including in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties in personal injury claims arising out of pedestrian accidents in parking lots, as well as other motor vehicle collisions. If you have questions about your legal options following an injury sustained in such an incident, please contact our office today to schedule a free consultation to talk to a lawyer and learn more about how we can help.

One issue that victims of parking lot pedestrian accidents face is that police officers may not respond to the scene if there are not readily apparent injuries, as these locations are private property and not subject to the traffic laws as are roadways. When there is no police report, determining liability for an accident can be more difficult. If not done at the scene, it is important for pedestrians injured in a parking lot to seek immediate medical attention so that their injuries can be properly diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Unfortunately, nonresidential parking lots are the sites of approximately nineteen percent of all fatal back over accidents. These accidents occur when a vehicle backs over a person, many times due to the driver’s failure to look behind them. Additionally, these parking lots are also the places where fifty-two percent of all back over accidents leading to injuries occur. When considering legal action against a driver who has injured a pedestrian in a parking lot, important evidence such as security videos in the area, witness accounts, as well as photographs of the scene should be collected.

Most often, drivers who hit pedestrians in a parking lot or structure have acted negligently in causing the accident. Negligence exists when a motorist breaches his or her duty of care to another, causing injuries, and resulting in damages. All drivers owe other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would behind the wheel. Failing to look in a rear-view mirror or being distracted by a phone and then striking a pedestrian can be seen as an unreasonable and therefore negligent act. Pedestrians of course have a duty to take reasonable care to maintain their safety as well. So if a pedestrian walks in front of a car while distracted by their own phone, leading to injury, he or she can also be found negligent. However, in Florida, even if a victim is partially, or mostly, at fault for causing his or her own injuries, other negligent parties can be held responsible as well. In situations where more than one party has acted carelessly, damages are awarded in proportion to each individual’s degree of fault. Victims injured in a pedestrian parking lot accident can be compensated for past and future medical costs, diminished earning capacity, loss of income, as well as pain and suffering. When a victim loses his or her life in a tragic accident, family members may also pursue a wrongful death claim against a responsible party to recover expenses for outstanding medical costs, burial and funeral arrangements, and loss of support.

Pedestrian accident injuries are some of the most severe, as even at slow speeds, a person’s body does not offer protection against the impact of a car. Injury lawyer Robert Dixon represents victims of these serious accidents, making sure they pursue the financial support they need during their recovery. Mr. Dixon and his staff at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon communicate with clients through every stage of a claim, making sure they know and understand their legal rights during the process. If you need legal guidance following a pedestrian accident in a parking lot, please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online today to set up a free, no obligation consultation about your case. We serve clients in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.