Mechanical Car Washes And Insurance Claims

Automatic car washes are a common convenience in busy cities like Orlando, allowing drivers to get their vehicles cleaned quickly without leaving the driver’s seat. But while these systems are generally safe, accidents and injuries can happen.

Following a car wash injury, know that you are not alone and support is available. From vehicle collisions inside the wash bay, slip-and-fall incidents on the property, and to mechanical malfunctions, these car washes can lead to injuries and unexpected costs. An Orlando personal injury attorney can help protect your rights after such an event.

When Can You Seek Financial Relief?

Most people don’t associate car washes with danger, but the combination of water, moving parts, and other vehicles creates a real risk. Common accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions. If a vehicle’s braking system fails or the automated track malfunctions, a car may be pushed into another, causing damage or injury. Additionally, other collisions are possible within the cleaning areas or on the larger lot.
• Sudden stops or malfunctions. A car wash system that stops suddenly or fails to keep vehicles moving in proper sequence can lead to jolts or crashes.
• Slip-and-fall injuries. Wet and slippery floors, especially near vacuums or waiting areas, can pose hazards to pedestrians.
• Mechanical injuries. Car wash equipment can sometimes cause harm if a person or part of a vehicle becomes stuck or entangled.

Even if the injuries seem minor at first, the physical and financial consequences can escalate over time, especially if medical attention, vehicle repairs, or time off work is required.

How Do I Access Compensation?

Liability in car wash accidents can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, a range of parties may be held responsible. For example, maybe the car wash operator or property owner needs to be held accountable for failing to post the appropriate signage. In other situations another driver’s negligence is to blame or an equipment manufacturer needs to pay for expenses because of a mechanical failure.

Insurance claims can be made against the at-fault party’s coverage, or in some cases, your own policy may provide relief. But while some find the process of being made whole following a car wash accident injury to be smooth, others deal with insurance companies who attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely.

If you’ve been injured in a mechanical car wash accident, contacting an Orlando personal injury attorney early in the process is critical. An attorney can investigate the accident to determine liability. Next, they will gather evidence, such as surveillance footage and witness accounts, to support your position and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Having a seasoned professional on your side ensures that all deadlines are met and paperwork is filed correctly.

Who should pay for your car wash accident expenses? If you’ve been hurt at a Florida car wash, reach out to a local injury lawyer who understands how to handle these unique claims and fight for the compensation you deserve. Connect with the dedicated lawyers at Israoui Law. Call 407-381-4529 for the personal attention you deserve.  Always speak to an experienced accident injury attorney before speaking to any insurance company.