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How To Handle A Parking Lot Accident Lawsuit

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Owen Smith
How To Handle A Parking Lot Accident Lawsuit

If you have an accident in a parking lot and are injured, it’s important that you understand the basics of premises liability law. These car accident claims are based on the idea of negligence when someone, such as another driver or the property owner, doesn’t provide the duty of care they owe to other people or visitors.

A parking lot accident claim is a type of premises liability case that you may want to be run by the best auto accident lawyer in your town. But before you do, let’s cover the basics of these cases:

Types Of Parking Lot Accidents: Parking lot accidents happen more than some people think. It’s estimated that more than 9,000 pedestrians die in parking lot accidents every year. Of course, not all parking lot accidents are caused by drivers. Some of the most common types of parking lot accidents include:

  • Car driver negligence: Parking lots have many obstructions and distractions, so drivers cause many of these incidents. Parking lots aren’t a place to be distracted by a cell phone or conversations with passengers, and speeding is a very bad idea. All it takes is one moment of not paying attention to a serious accident with a pedestrian.
  • Pavement problems: Slip and fall accidents happen often in parking lots from uneven pavement, slippery substances, and snow and ice. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the pavement and sidewalks are in good condition.
  • Inadequate lighting: Some parking lots don’t have enough lighting and this can lead to trip and fall accidents.
  • Confusing signs: If a parking lot has poor signage or a lack of signs, this can cause drivers to go the wrong way and get into an accident.

If You’re Hurt In A Parking Lot Accident Due To Owner Negligence: If you are hurt in a parking lot due to the property owner’s negligence, you may be able to collect damages in a lawsuit.

However, the best auto accident lawyer you hire needs to prove that the store owner was negligent. It’s required that the owner watch over the property or store and ensure everything is safe.

If they didn’t know about a particular danger that injured you, they still can be held responsible. For instance, if the parking lot has ice and you fall and break your arm, lack of knowledge of the danger doesn’t absolve the property owner of responsibility.

If you are hurt in this type of accident, you should contact the store immediately and file a complaint. You also may want to contact the police and file a police report.

If You’re Hurt Due To Another Driver: If you are injured in a parking lot because of another driver, you need to determine a few things.

First, was either vehicle stationary when the accident happened? If the other car was in motion and hit yours, this usually means the other driver was at fault.

For example, if your car was parked and someone backed into it, it’s the other driver’s fault. You need to get their contact and insurance information to get your vehicle repaired. The same is true if the accident causes your personal injury.

Second, if both cars were moving, it becomes trickier to decide who was at fault. You need to determine who had right of way in the accident.

For example, if you are driving under the speed limit down a row of parked cars and someone backs into you, it’s likely the other driver is at fault. If you were speeding, however, you both could share liability.

Determining fault in car accidents can be complex and it usually is helpful to call the police, whether or not there are injuries. The police will review the accident scene and write a car accident report.

They often will note in the report who they think was at fault. You can give this information to the best auto accident lawyer and they can help you file a claim or lawsuit.

Parking lot accidents can be more complex than other cases, so it often is in your best interest to have an attorney representing you. The attorney can get you more compensation for your injuries than you can get on your own.

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Owen Smith
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