If you were injured in a parking garage in Atlanta, your injury may have been preventable. Parking garages across the city—whether at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, downtown office towers, Buckhead retail centers, Midtown condos, or hospital complexes like Grady and Emory—often have safety issues that lead to accidents. Tight layouts, poor visibility, mechanical failures, and negligent property upkeep can all contribute to serious injuries.
Georgia law holds both property owners and drivers accountable when their actions—or inaction—cause harm. Below, we examine how parking garage accidents happen and what legal standards may apply if you’ve been hurt.
Poor Lighting in Enclosed Structures
Dim lighting is a serious hazard in many Atlanta parking garages, especially in older structures. Poorly lit stairwells, drive lanes, and corners reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. This increases the risk of car collisions and slip and falls.
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, property owners who invite the public onto their premises are required to keep those areas reasonably safe. That includes maintaining adequate lighting. If you were injured because you couldn’t see an obstacle—or because a driver couldn’t see you—then poor lighting may be a contributing factor under Georgia law.
Tight Spaces and Blind Corners
Garages attached to apartment complexes often have narrow lanes and blind spots caused by structural supports or ramps. In these areas, it’s common for drivers to swing wide, misjudge distances, or fail to see pedestrians emerging from stairwells or elevators.
Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241, Georgia drivers must be careful and avoid distractions when operating a vehicle. A driver who fails to watch for pedestrians in a tight or obstructed area may be found negligent, particularly if the garage’s design already requires extra caution.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
In garages near busy venues—such as State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium—drivers are often in a rush. Many ignore posted limits, assuming the risk is low in a confined structure. But speeding, even at 20 mph, can dramatically increase the chance and severity of injury.
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-180 makes it illegal to drive at speeds that are unsafe for existing conditions. In a parking garage filled with pedestrians and tight turns, what’s “reasonable and prudent” is typically far below posted limits. When drivers exceed that, they may be liable for the harm they cause.
Poor Signage and Confusing Layouts
Many downtown Atlanta garages have complex or multi-level layouts, often with one-way traffic and alternating entry/exit points. Without clear signs, confusion is inevitable. Drivers may turn the wrong way, fail to yield, or miss crosswalks.
Garage owners are expected to post clear, readable signs and directional markings. If they don’t—and that failure contributes to an accident—they may be liable under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, which requires safe conditions for invitees, including warnings and guidance where risks are not obvious.
Structural Hazards and Lack of Maintenance
Potholes, crumbling curbs, loose handrails, and broken speed bumps are common in parking structures, particularly in older buildings or public transit garages like those near MARTA stations. Some garages also suffer from pooling water due to drainage failures, which can create slippery surfaces.
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, a property owner who breaches a legal duty—such as failing to maintain walkways or fix known hazards—can be held liable when that breach causes injury. If you fell or were struck because a garage wasn’t maintained properly, that may support a claim.
Pedestrian-Vehicle Collisions
Most garages lack pedestrian walkways. Whether at Lenox Mall, Midtown offices, or medical centers, you’re likely walking in the same space cars use to drive. This overlap can be dangerous when drivers aren’t paying attention, especially in transition areas like elevator banks and payment kiosks.
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-93) requires drivers to “exercise due care” to avoid hitting pedestrians. That duty increases in garages, where pedestrian traffic is constant and expected. If a driver failed to yield or didn’t check mirrors before reversing, they may have violated that duty.
Distracted or Impaired Driving
Parking garages may feel like “off-road” zones, leading some drivers to relax their guard. That’s when distractions—like texting, adjusting music, or GPS navigation—cause accidents. In some cases, especially near Atlanta’s nightlife districts, drivers may even be impaired.
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241 prohibits distracted driving, while O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391 makes driving under the influence a criminal offense. If a distracted or impaired driver struck you in a garage, these violations can form the basis of a civil negligence claim.
Gate Malfunctions and Equipment Failure
Garages in commercial zones—like Atlantic Station or the Cobb Galleria—often use automatic gates or barriers. When these malfunction, they can trap or strike people or vehicles. Improper installation or failure to perform routine maintenance often plays a role.
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, you may have a claim if you were hurt because a gate or lift failed to function safely and the garage owner didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent it.
Security Failures in High-Crime Areas
Some garages in downtown or around public transit hubs are targets for theft, assault, or vandalism. If a garage has a history of crime but no visible security—such as cameras, patrols, or lighting—the owner may be liable for failing to prevent foreseeable criminal acts.
Georgia courts have held that under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, a property owner must take reasonable security measures if they know—or should know—there is a danger of crime. If you were attacked in a garage with a known history of violence, the owner’s lack of action may matter.
Atlanta Parking Garage Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a parking garage or parking lot in Atlanta—whether in a commercial complex, residential building, hospital, or event venue—you may have legal options. Under Georgia law, your injury may entitle you to compensation if it was caused by unsafe conditions, negligent drivers, or a property owner’s failure to act responsibly.
Contact Butler Kahn by calling (678) 940-1444 or contacting us online for a free consultation. Our Atlanta premises liability lawyers will review what happened, explain how Georgia law applies, and help you understand your next steps.
