Parking garages may seem like low-risk areas compared to busy streets, but they’re far more dangerous than most people realize. Accidents in these confined spaces can lead to serious injuries, and understanding your rights under Colorado law is essential if you’re hurt.

At Mintz Law Firm, we handle premises liability claims involving parking garage accidents throughout Colorado. With over 300 years of combined experience and a track record of recovering approximately $20 million annually for clients since 2016, our team knows how to build strong cases against property owners who fail in their duty to maintain safe facilities.

The Prevalence of Parking Garage Accidents

According to the Colorado Judicial Branch’s guidance on premises liability, property owners in Colorado owe specific duties of care to visitors on their property. When these duties are breached and someone is injured, the property owner may be held legally responsible. This applies to parking garages, where approximately one in five car accidents occur nationwide.

Parking facilities account for an estimated 50,000 crashes annually, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries across the United States. Parking garage accidents happen more frequently than most people expect because drivers often let their guard down in these environments. Lower speed limits create a false sense of security, but the reality is that confined spaces, poor visibility, pedestrian traffic, and distracted driving combine to create genuinely hazardous conditions.

Common Causes of Parking Garage Accidents

Parking garage accidents stem from various factors that property owners may have the power to control or mitigate. Poor lighting creates visibility problems, making it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, other vehicles, or obstacles. Inadequate signage fails to direct traffic flow or warn of hazards like speed bumps, low clearances, or sharp turns.

Structural issues such as cracked pavement, potholes, or broken barriers increase the risk of trips, falls, and vehicle damage. Maintenance failures play a significant role as well. Spills left unaddressed, malfunctioning gates or elevators, and deteriorating infrastructure all create unnecessary risks for visitors using the facility.

Your Rights Under Colorado’s Premises Liability Act

Colorado’s premises liability laws, outlined in C.R.S. § 13-21-115, establish the legal framework for holding property owners accountable when dangerous conditions on their property cause injuries. Most people using parking garages are considered invitees because they’re on the property for mutual benefit, such as customers visiting a business or residents returning to their apartments.

Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care. They must use reasonable care to protect against dangers they actually knew about or should have known about through regular inspections and proper maintenance. Under the Colorado Premises Liability Act, you may recover compensation for car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, pedestrian accidents, or assaults that occur due to dangerous conditions or negligent security.

Steps to Take After a Parking Garage Accident

If you’re injured in a parking garage accident, taking immediate action protects both your health and your legal rights. Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Call the police to file an accident report, and document everything at the scene if you’re able to do so. Take photos of the area where the accident occurred, including any hazards, poor lighting, inadequate signage, or structural problems.

Report the accident to the property owner or management company as soon as possible, but limit what you say. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. Contact an experienced Colorado premises liability attorney who can evaluate your case, protect your rights, and handle communications with insurance companies and property owners on your behalf.

How Mintz Law Firm Can Help with Your Parking Garage Injury Claim

At Mintz Law Firm, we bring more than 35 years of experience to every premises liability case. Our founder, David J. Mintz, has represented injured people throughout Colorado and across the country for over three decades. Managing attorney Eric C. Staton has more than 15 years of experience helping clients with personal and work-related injuries. Our team of 12 attorneys averages 20 years of experience each, giving us the knowledge and skill to handle complex premises liability claims involving parking garage accidents.

We’ve recovered substantial settlements for clients injured due to dangerous property conditions, including a $1.2 million settlement in a premises liability case. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Contact Mintz Law Firm today to speak with one of our experienced attorneys and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve after a parking garage accident.