
Parking garages are designed to allow convenient access to offices, shopping centers, residential buildings, and more. Their height and structure create ample space for dozens or even hundreds of cars to park. However, they can also be the location of accidents and injuries. Parking garages often have tight spaces and high traffic, leading to various types of accidents. If you become injured in a parking garage, understanding the right steps to take is crucial to ensure your health and legal rights. Contact a Pikeville, KY personal injury lawyer for skilled representation and legal advice after your accident.
What Types of Accidents Occur in Parking Garages?
While most people assume an accident in a parking garage has to involve a car, there are many types of incidents that can occur. Consider the following.
- Vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and falls
- Elevator accidents
What Should I Do if I’m Injured in a Parking Garage?
If you have experienced any of the above accidents and sustained injury, take the following steps.
- Evaluate your physical health. Check for signs of injuries like pain, discomfort, or visible injuries.
- Call 911. If you need immediate assistance, call the police or ask someone else to. They can dispatch officers and an ambulance to the scene to medically assess your injuries and document the accident.
- Gather evidence. If you can, gather as much information as possible. Take photos of the surrounding area, your injuries, any vehicles involved, hazards that contributed to the accident, and more.
- Talk to witnesses. If anyone else saw the accident happen, ask for their contact information. Their testimony could help if you pursue legal action.
- File a report. With either the police or the parking garage management, ensure that an accident report is created and includes detailed and accurate information.
- Seek medical treatment. If an ambulance did not arrive at the scene or if your injuries are particularly severe, visit a healthcare professional to ensure you are treated and that a record of your injuries is made.
- Notify your insurance company. If your injuries require medical treatment it is important to notify your health insurance provider about the accident and discuss your coverage.
- Speak with an attorney. You may be able to file a claim or lawsuit if the accident was caused by another person or entity’s negligence or reckless behavior. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine whether or not you have a valid case.
Throughout your recovery be sure to keep detailed records of everything related to the accident. This can include medical records, bills, estimates to repair property damage, loss of income, and more. To obtain legal representation during your case, reach out to a skilled attorney at Shane Hall, Attorney at Law, PLLC.