Parking garages are very beneficial for many cities, as they provide a safe space to park your car away from the elements while freeing up space on the street. However, accidents in these parking garages do occur. Many assume they are limited to collisions involving vehicles, but this is not always true. In fact, there are many ways in which parking garage accidents can occur. The following blog explores what you must know about these unfortunate circumstances. You will also discover why you need a Pikeville, KY premises liability lawyer to help you recover the compensation you deserve if you sustained injuries.
What Are Parking Garage Accidents in Kentucky?
Parking garage accidents refer to any injury or property damage sustained within a multi-level or enclosed parking structure. These are a distinct type of accident due to unique risks like tight driving spaces, limited visibility, poor lighting, and heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Common Types of Parking Garage Accidents
It’s important to understand that parking garage accidents are not limited to collisions between vehicles. Unfortunately, there are several different accidents that can occur at these locations due to environmental hazards, structural features, and negligence.
Accident Types
- Stairwell or elevator accidents caused by poor maintenance or mechanical defects
- Slips and falls due to hazardous conditions like uneven surfaces, weather, oil spills, or poor lighting
- Pedestrian accidents resulting from drivers failing to yield or anticipate foot traffic
- Vehicle-to-vehicle collisions as a result of blind corners, speeding, or improper backing
Why Parking Garages in Kentucky Are Especially Dangerous
Unlike open roadways or even open parking lots, parking garages confine vehicles and pedestrians in a tight space. As such, design flaws and improper maintenance can drastically increase the risk of an injury on the premises.
Due to their nature, parking garages often have sharp turns, lack clear sightlines, and rely on less than adequate lighting, all of which can contribute to serious accidents when drivers operate vehicles negligently and property owners fail to maintain the premises.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Damages?
Understanding liability is critical to recovering compensation for the damages suffered as a result of another party’s negligent actions. Generally, liability depends on who had the legal duty to prevent harm and how the accident occurred. As such, depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may face liability for injuries sustained in a Pike County parking garage.
Liability Scenarios
- Negligent drivers who fail to operate their vehicles in a safe manner
- Parking garage owners who fail to remedy known hazards or dangerous conditions on the property
- Third-party contractors who are hired to inspect, clean, or repair the facility
- Parking garage operators or management companies are responsible for maintaining the premises
What Damages Can I Recover After a Parking Garage Accident?
If you sustained injuries as the result of a negligent party in a Pike County parking garage, it’s important to understand that you may be entitled to compensationf or the damages you have suffered. This includes both the financial losses and the personal impact the injuries have had on your life. The value of your claim will depend on the severity and long-term impact of the accident and subsequent damages.
It’s also important to understand that Kentucky is a pure comparative negligence state, which means you are eligible to recover compensation for the damages you’ve suffered regardless of your percentage of fault in the incident. However, you should note that your damages will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault.
Economic Damages
- Emergency and ongoing medical
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Lost wages if you are unable to work as a result of the accident
- Reduced earning capacity
- Permanent disability
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfiguration
What Should You Do After Being Injured in a Parking Garage in KY?
Though suffering an accident in a parking garage, whether it’s a slip and fall or a car crash, can be overwhelming, the steps you take immediately after the incident can have a significant impact on not only your health and well-being, but also the outcome of your claim. As such, remaining calm and carefully navigating this situation is critical.
Post-Accident Steps
- Call 911 to report a vehicle collision and request medical assistance
- Seek treatment and document all injuries
- Report the accident to the parking garage’s ownership or management
- Take photos of the scene, hazards, and visible injuries
- Gather the names of witnesses and the contact information of the other party involved
- Keep all documents related to the accident, like repair receipts, medical bills, and communications
Contact a Pike County Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you want to pursue compensation for any injuries you’ve sustained at the hands of a negligent party, you must have adequate legal representation. Shane Hall Attorney at Law, PLLC, is ready to help you navigate the circumstances of your injury to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
