Many people think they're safe if they're struck at low speeds. In parking lots and parking garages, people rarely travel faster than 5 to 10 miles per hour, for example. Yet injuries still occur. This is why Charpentier Law Firm in Melbourne takes pedestrian accidents and low-speed collisions seriously.

People in vehicles can suffer from whiplash and other kinds of injuries in low-speed collisions. Since pedestrians are more vulnerable to harm than motorists, low-speed accidents can still result in serious injuries that cannot be disregarded.

Statistics on Pedestrian Accidents

Numbers from the Centers for Disease Control note the dangers that pedestrians face. In 2013, 4,735 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions. In the same year, more than 150,000 pedestrians were treated for injuries by emergency services due to harm caused by traffic crashes.

On average, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than vehicle passengers to be killed in a traffic collision.

Causes of Parking Lot and Parking Garage Accidents

There are many different causes of accidents and injuries at parking lots and parking garages:

  • Pedestrians in Blind spots – In busy parking lots, motorists must be extra-attentive, checking for pedestrians as well as other vehicles in their side and rearview mirrors.
  • Not Backing Out Cautiously Enough – While backing out of a space, a motorist may do this too quickly or without enough caution. This can accidentally lead to injuries and harm.
  • Speeding in Parking Lots – Some people decide to exceed the speed limit in the parking lot or parking garage, which can make conditions very dangerous.
  • Texting While Driving – Rather than texting while the car is stopped, some motorists decide to text while they drive. Since your eyes are off the road for seconds at a time, that is enough time for a motorist who is not paying attention to strike a pedestrian, vehicle, or other object.
  • Inattention While Driving – Other actions while behind the wheel can result in distraction and inattention, such a eating while driving or checking your makeup while driving.

Problems with Parking Lot or Garage Layout

In addition to the above matters, sometimes the parking lot or parking garage is inherently dangerous. There may be blind turns that cause motorists to put pedestrians at risk. Mirrors may not be put in place for motorists to see oncoming foot traffic. Similarly, sight lines can be obscured by signage or foliage, making the simple act of driving in and out of a lot or walking by one an unnecessary hazard.

How Our Attorneys Can Help Pedestrian Accident Victims

Given the many potential causes and parties who may be involved in these accidents, the legal cases and issues can be complex. By working with an attorney, you will be able to receive strong guidance throughout the process. While your injury lawyer examines the facts of the case and holds negligent parties accountable, you and your loved ones can focus on recovery and moving forward.

Learn More About Pedestrian Accidents and Injuries

For more information about your legal rights and options in pedestrian accidents and other kinds of collisions, be sure to contact our team of Pedestrian Accident Attorneys today by calling 321-308-8020. The lawyers at Charpentier Law Firm are here to help you in your time of legal need.

WE HAVE A HISTORY OF SUCCESS

IN BREVARD COUNTY


Over the past 40-plus years of helping Brevard County's injured and mistreated, our firm has obtained some $65 million in recoveries on behalf of our clients, highlighted by an $15.5 million product liability award.

The team at Charpentier Law Firm has the negotiation skills to reach favorable settlements in many cases, but also has the experience and perseverance to try a case to verdict whenever it is in the best interests of our clients. Our history of success illustrates our dedication to our clients and their pursuit of justice. Our personal injury attorneys in Melbourne, Titusville, and Cocoa are proud to offer superior legal representation to victims and their families throughout Brevard County and Central Florida.

WE HAVE
TWO LOCATIONS

IN BREVARD COUNTY


Melbourne Office

2290 W Eau Gallie Blvd

Ste 212

Melbourne, FL 32935

Titusville Office

719 Garden St

Titusville, FL 32796