Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 10/31/2011

Question
After experiencing a parking lot accident (both cars backing up), I was informed that Fl law is a "no fault parking lot accident state". My auto recieved much more damage than the other vechicle.  However after listening to the wittness of one of the two businesses sharing said parking lot, I accept that it was a "no fault accident" concerning the vehicles.  However the wittness said that she worked at the business over 5 years, and the same accidents reoccurring "all the time!"  My question is do the businesses have any liabilty for very poor visiblity and design of their parking lot, that continues to have similiar accidents?

Answer
Hi Laura,

If numerous accidents occur in the same way at the same parking lot, it is possible the business may have some liability. However, you would need to get this employee and possibly othere to be willing to testify in court against their employers. You may also need to get copies of police reports from other previous incidents in that parking lot as well as bring those parties to court to testify. Then to have to decide what you are seeking. The court can only award money. You would have to get the local law makers to force the business to re-do their parking lot.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh