A common site in many parking lots, wheel stops are designed to prevent cars from rolling forward when parked. Although they can be helpful, if wheel stops are poorly placed or maintained, they can pose a major tripping hazard. At James Alexander Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys in central New York have successfully recovered compensation for clients in all types of premises liability cases. Here, we explain how wheel stops can be tripping hazards and what to do if you or a loved one is injured in a fall.
Why Are Wheel Stops Dangerous?
Wheel stops are often made of concrete and are gray in color. In poor lighting or inclement weather, they can be nearly impossible to see if they’re not painted with stripes or reflective paint. Although wheel stops shouldn’t be placed in areas where people walk, when parking spaces are crammed into a small lot, they may obstruct the paths of pedestrians.
Cracked or loose wheel stops pose a danger as well. Wheel stops that are crumbling or cracking may have sharp edges, or if they’re loose, they can be unstable and cause pedestrians to fall.
Our injury lawyers have seen many different scenarios in which someone can be injured in a fall caused by a wheel stop. We know how to gather relevant evidence, determine liability, and help injured victims pursue damages for their injuries and losses.
Common Injuries in Wheel Stop Accidents
Tripping over a wheel stop may not seem like a big deal, but this type of accident can actually result in injures that are quite serious. Some common injuries our pedestrian accident lawyers see include:
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprained ankles or wrists
- Fractures of the feet, knees, arms, hips, and shoulders
- Facial and dental injuries
- Cuts, lacerations, and soft tissue injuries
- Back, neck, and spine injuries
- Skull fracture and traumatic brain injury
Being injured in a fall caused by a wheel stop can result in costly medical bills, missed time from work, and chronic pain. If a property owner or business was negligent in maintaining wheel stops or they are poorly placed tripping hazards, they may be liable for your injuries.
Establishing Liability in Wheel Stop Injury Cases
Determining who is liable for a wheel stop accident can be complicated, and multiple parties may be responsible for damages. Some potential parties that could be liable include:
- Property owners
- Business owners
- Municipalities
However, just because someone gets hurt tripping over a wheel stop doesn’t mean a property owner is automatically liable. Generally, to make a case for negligence, you must prove factors like improper placement, damaged wheel stops, poor lighting, or lack of warning about a hazardous condition.
Proving Negligence
In almost any premises liability claim, you must prove that the at-fault party had a duty of care to maintain a safe environment on their property, that the breach of this duty caused your injury, and that you suffered damages as a result. A pedestrian accident attorney can evaluate your case and determine whether negligence was at play. Depending on the specific circumstances, we can help you pursue damages such as:
Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and consortium
Our experienced injury lawyers know what type of evidence to gather to prove your case, such as surveillance footage, photographs, and witness statements. We put it all together to create compelling arguments that support your claim and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
What to Do If You’re Injured by a Wheel Stop
It’s important to take action to protect your rights if you’re hurt after tripping over a wheel stop.
Document the Scene
If you can, take photos of the wheel stop, the surrounding area, and any conditions that contributed to your fall, such as broken concrete, poor lighting, etc. Save any torn or bloody clothing.
Notify the Property Owner
Make sure to notify the property or business owner right away and obtain a copy of the incident report. Ask any witnesses for contact information. Their testimony can be invaluable when proving your case.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think your injuries are minor, get checked out by a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Some injuries like concussion may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Medical records also provide vital documentation of the wheel stop accident and your injuries.
Reach Out to an Injury Lawyer in New York
If you believe negligence caused your injury, contact our central New York pedestrian accident attorneys. An experienced injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a viable claim. It’s important to take swift action, especially if you were hurt on government property, as there are strict deadlines and processes for filing a claim. We offer case evaluations at no cost, regardless of whether you move forward with your case.
How Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help
Tripping on a wheel stop may seem like a minor accident, but the long-term repercussions of your injuries can have a major impact on your health and financial security. Over the past 40 years, our injury attorneys have helped thousands of clients in central New York, the Southern Tier, and surrounding areas find justice and compensation after being hurt by someone else’s negligence.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. If your claim is successful, attorneys’ fees are deducted from any settlement or court award you receive. We have a proven record of success and know how to counter the tactics insurance companies employ to reduce payouts and deny claims. Our local, experienced law firm provides straightforward legal advice and compassionate, tenacious representation you can trust. We offer two convenient locations in East Syracuse and Rochester, NY.
Contact Our Central New York Injury Lawyers to Learn More
If you’ve been hurt in a trip and fall accident caused by a wheel stop, James Alexander Law is here to take the weight off your shoulders and help you recover the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney in central New York, contact us or call 1-800-529-1333.
