Miami Parking Lot Assault Lawyer
Unfortunately, parking lots are spaces that invite conflict. Conflict amongst drivers vying for spots, conflict between drivers and pedestrians, and conflict—in the form of assault and sexual assault—between people. Parking lot assaults sometimes end in serious injury and even worse psychological and mental harm. As a victim of a parking lot assault, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the property or business owner, in addition to civil and criminal charges against the perpetrator of the actual assault. This is because property and business owners also have a certain degree of responsibility when it comes to assaults. The Miami parking lot assault lawyer at Spencer Morgan Law can help you seek compensation for the traumatic harm that has been caused to you.
Types of Parking Lots Assaults
Parking lots are home to some of the most serious violent crimes, of which many are perpetrated by strangers who stand a fairly high chance of getting away with their crimes due to being outside, having a relatively quick getaway option, and lack of security cameras and witnesses. Some of the most common parking lot assaults include:
- Physical assault
- Sexual assault
- Abductions
- Carjackings
- Burglary of property in vehicles
- Robbery
- Armed robbery
- Shootings
- Mass shootings
- Vehicular assault/road rage
- Intentionally hitting a pedestrian with a vehicle
- Any of the attempted aforementioned types of assault
What are Reasonable Security Features for a Parking Lot?
Property owners, business owners, and property managers owe a duty of care to those using and passing through their parking lots. This means that certain security and safety measures should be taken to reduce crime and the chance of serious injuries. Examples of reasonable security measures and assault deterrents include:
- Adequate lighting
- Fencing or another type of barrier
- Security cameras
- Security gate at the entrance
- Security guards
- Security systems such as LotGuard
Video Surveillance in Parking Lots Vs. Video Surveillance of Customers
Over the years, many big box stores, such as Walmart—which has come under the most scrutiny for doing so—and other businesses have increased camera surveillance inside in an effort to stop shoplifting, employee theft, and other small misdemeanors that go on under their own roofs, while allowing serious crimes to go undetected and unpunished out in their parking lots by either reducing video surveillance, or refusing to install cameras even after dozens of assaults of occurred in their parking lots. Failing to place security cameras in parking lots and in parking garages is one of the most egregious forms of negligent security because of the crime deterrence it provides. However, such negligence does allow victims of assault to seek damages from these property owners for their shortsighted approach to safety.
Call a Miami Parking Lot Assault Lawyer Today
Parking lots should not be a safety issue. Tragically, countless assaults occur in parking lots across the country every day. As a victim of one of these assaults, you have the right to seek damages from the property owner if they failed to provide a reasonable measure of security. Call our Miami parking lot assault lawyers at Spencer Morgan Law today at 305-423-3800 for a free consultation.