Andrew L. Shapiro | October 31, 2024 | Personal Injury
When you pull into a parking space, you likely don’t give much thought to the concrete parking stopper at the end of the spot. These seemingly insignificant infrastructures are designed to keep your car from overstepping its bounds. However, beneath their benign exterior lies a wealth of potential hazards. At JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand the legal issues arising from improperly maintained or poorly placed parking stoppers. In this blog, we’ll explore the dangers these objects can pose and your legal options if you’re injured by one.
Understanding Concrete Parking Stoppers
Concrete parking stoppers, also known as wheel stops, prevent vehicles from rolling too far forward in parking lots. They’re commonly used in parking garages, shopping centers, and apartment complexes. While they seem straightforward, these devices can become precarious obstacles for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Potential Hazards
Potential hazards caused by concrete parking stoppers include:
Tripping and Falling:
One of the most common accidents involving concrete parking stoppers is tripping. Suppose a stopper needs to be adequately marked or be uneven. In that case, it can easily catch the foot of a walking pedestrian, leading to falls and potential injuries. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, underscoring how severe accidents can be.
Vehicle Damage:
Concrete stoppers can also pose a risk to vehicles. Suppose a stopper needs to be lowered or better placed. In that case, it can scrape the underside of a car, potentially causing damage to the vehicle’s bumper or undercarriage. This can lead to costly repairs and insurance claims.
Visibility Issues:
Poorly maintained or faded parking stoppers can be hard to see, especially at night or in poorly lit areas. This lack of visibility increases the risk of accidental contact, whether it results in falls or vehicle damage.
Legal Implications
When accidents happen due to concrete parking stoppers, questions often arise about liability. Here’s what you need to know:
Premises Liability:
Property owners are legally responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. Suppose a parking stopper is improperly maintained, poorly marked, or placed in a dangerous location. In that case, the property owner may be liable for any injuries.
Negligence:
A personal injury claim may be based on negligence if it can be demonstrated that the property owner failed to act reasonably to prevent foreseeable harm. This includes failing to repair broken or uneven stoppers or not installing adequate lighting and signage to alert patrons to potential hazards.
Comparative Fault:
California follows a pure comparative negligence standard, which means that if it is found that the injured party was partially at fault for the accident, any compensation awarded could be reduced.
Preventive Measures
Here are a few tips to consider:
- Stay alert: As a pedestrian, always watch where you step, particularly in unfamiliar areas or poorly lit parking lots.
- Inspect the area: Drivers should take a moment to assess parking spots for odd positioning of stoppers or faded paint that might indicate a potential hazard.
- Report hazards: If you spot a damaged or poorly visible stopper, report it to the property owner or manager. This can prevent future accidents and support your case should a legal issue arise.
Awareness is critical to preventing accidents involving parking stoppers for both pedestrians and drivers.
What to Do If You’re Injured
If a concrete parking stopper injures you, ensure your immediate safety and seek medical attention. Document the scene by taking photos of the stopper and surrounding area. If possible, gather contact information from any witnesses. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your rights and potential claims; they can help navigate the complexities of premises liability and negligence laws.
At JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of experienced attorneys is here to protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve. If a concrete parking stopper has injured you or someone you know, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We’re committed to holding negligent property owners accountable and safeguarding the well-being of our community.
Contact the Encino Car Accident Lawyers of JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation today at (833) 852-3600.
Our main office is in Encino, CA, but we serve all through Los Angeles County.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers
16633 Ventura Blvd suite 1011,
Encino, CA 91436
