Colorado Springs is beautiful in the wintertime. The snow-capped mountains and sparkling city lights are a sight to behold. However, ice and snow can make roads, sidewalks, and parking garages slippery, creating a hazardous environment. According to a recent study, parking garages are the most dangerous places to park your car in the winter. In addition, the study found that most accidents in parking garages occur on the top level, where the ice and snow can build up more and make the surface slick. Take extra care if you must use a parking garage in the winter. Watch your step and look for ice and other hazards because too many negligent drivers don’t.
Why Are Parking Garages So Dangerous in the Winter?
We all love shopping for gifts and decorations and going out to eat around the holidays. Parking garages often get much busier at this time of year, so driving safely while parking is more important than ever. Unfortunately, it is easy for drivers to be distracted by the gift ideas in their head, the rush to purchase items during holiday sales, Christmas lights and decorations, and even their own clothing. When you’re bundled up for winter weather, your mobility decreases. Drivers need to be sure they take the extra time required to check their blind spots and so on, and they should never drive while wearing any type of clothing that may inhibit their eyesight, such as coats with the hoods up, bulky scarves, or festive hats.
The most dangerous aspect of parking garages during the holidays is the weather. The top levels of parking garages are sometimes uncovered, allowing the full extent of winter weather. And vehicles are often covered with snow or ice and need to be cleaned properly before they can be driven safely. Vehicles can easily track in moisture, even into the lower levels of parking garages, which can make for slippery puddles or freeze and make dangerous ice patches.
The most common serious accidents in parking garages occur when a vehicle is on the move and they do not see a pedestrian in time, either because they were in too much of a rush or because the winter elements played their role. But all of us have driven in winter weather before so we know it is possible to do so safely. There is no excuse for a reckless driver making a dangerous decision and hurting someone else. Ever.
Covering the Costs of a Winter Injury
If you suffer injuries after a parking garage accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, loss of wages, property damage and more. In some cases, you may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering or other emotional distresses.
To recover compensation after a parking garage accident, you will need to prove the negligence of the parking garage owner or vehicle operator that caused the accident. Neglect can include failing to maintain the parking garage in a safe conditions, set up warnings for hazards, or properly secure the garage.
Who Is Liable for Parking Garage Accidents?
Different parties could be held liable for icy parking garage accidents, depending on the circumstances:
- If the accident was caused by a negligent driver, the driver may also be held liable.
- If the parking garage is considered a public space, the city may be held liable for accidents on the premises.
- If the parking garage is privately owned, liability may fall on the individual who created the ice hazard—for example, they would likely be liable if someone used a hose to wash their car and left the water running, resulting in an icy patch.
- If a business owns the parking garage, the company may be liable for any accidents.
Determining liability is often a complicated process, and a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer can assess your situation to determine who may be held liable for your injuries.
Hire a Lawyer After a Parking Garage Accident
If you have been injured in a Colorado parking garage accident, you should contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case. A qualified attorney can help you gather evidence, file a claim, and negotiate with the insurance company to get the compensation you deserve. Call the Bussey Law Firm, P.C. at (719) 475-2555 to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney.