Parking Lot Accidents: What You Need To Know
By Pyle Law, May 29 2023 4:03 pmThousands of parking lot collisions occur each year that cause many injuries and even fatalities. Many people consider parking lot crashes to be relatively minor, as they occur at much lower speeds than those on highways or roads. However, these can be serious events that result in significant losses.
Always work with a car accident attorney to sort through all of the details that caused the collision and determine who the liable party is, so you may file a claim.
Parking lot accidents can happen in different ways, including:
Overall, distracted driving is a major cause of car accidents in parking lots. When drivers are preoccupied with finding a parking spot, hurrying into the store, or their next destination after they leave the parking lot, they can lose focus on their driving. Other causes are speeding, impaired driving, failure to yield, and other traffic violations.
In most cases, drivers are to blame for parking lot crashes. However, other parties may be at fault in certain situations.
For example, a parking lot owner might be liable if the design or maintenance of the lot is unsafe. There might be badly worn pavement, insufficient lighting, or inadequate or unclear signage directing drivers.
Establishing fault can be a complicated ordeal because of the various possibilities of who might share the responsibility for your injuries.
Injuries can be serious, even if parking lot crashes happen at slower speeds. This is especially true if a car hits a pedestrian. Some common injuries include:
Always seek medical attention for your injuries. This ensures you start treatment immediately and have a record of your injuries for the purposes of an injury claim.
Yes, you should call the police if you are in any type of collision. The police can collect information and file a police report, which can be used if you want to file a claim at a later date.
Police officers can cite any drivers for violating the law and speak with witnesses to determine what happened. This information can be key evidence to prove liability for the accident to an insurance company.
At first glance, a parking lot accident might seem simple to address. However, because insurance companies tend to underestimate crash-related injuries, they can put up a fight when providing the compensation you deserve. You need an advocate negotiating with insurers on your behalf to ensure you never accept less than you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been hit by another vehicle in a parking lot, consider working with a car accident attorney today. Contact Pyle Law to set up a free consultation.
