Tampa Parking Lot Accident Lawyer
At first glance, you may not think of a parking lot as a dangerous location. Yet hundreds of people are seriously injured–even killed–each year in accidents that take place in parking lots. Consider the number of potential safety hazards, from reckless drivers to cracked pavement and even criminals looking to hurt someone.
In many of these cases, the owner of the parking lot may be held legally responsible for any injuries suffered by invited guests on the property. An experienced Tampa parking lot accident lawyer can review your case and advise you of your options in this area. Anderson & Anderson is a team of dedicated Florida personal injury lawyers with over 35 years of experience representing accident victims seeking compensation for their medical bills and other losses.
What Are Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents in Tampa?
Even when parking lots are considered private property, the same basic rules of the road apply to motor vehicles. For example, a driver pulling out of a parking spot must yield to moving traffic coming from all directions. Or if a driver crashes into a legally parked vehicle, they can be held liable for any damages to the other car.
Since Florida has a “no-fault” insurance system, most minor parking lot accidents involving vehicles are covered by the vehicle owner’s own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Only if an individual sustained a more serious injury can they file a personal injury lawsuit seeking additional compensation. No-fault rules may also not be applicable in the case of an intentional act, such as someone intentionally ramming you for “stealing” their parking space.
Beyond driver liability, however, there are also accidents where the parking lot owner may be liable. Under Florida law, all property owners must take reasonable steps to keep their premises in safe condition for invited guests. If someone is therefore injured due to, say, cracked pavement or inadequate lighting in the parking lot, that can be grounds for filing a personal injury claim. Similarly, if negligent security leads to a foreseeable criminal act in a parking lot, the owner may also be found responsible for any injuries sustained by the victim.
Contact Anderson & Anderson Today
If you have been injured in any type of parking lot accident, there are a few steps you can take to preserve your ability to seek compensation. First, report the accident to local law enforcement and the parking lot’s owner. Second, document as much as you can about the accident at the scene. For instance, use your smartphone to take pictures of where the accident occurred and the surrounding area. Third, make sure you seek out prompt medical attention to fully document any injuries you sustained in the accident.
Finally, you should speak with a qualified Tampa parking lot accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can assist you in conducting a full investigation into the circumstances leading up to your accident and identify the parties who may be legally responsible. Call Anderson & Anderson today at 813-251-0072 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.
