When you think of a parking lot accident, your mind may turn to annoying scratches, scraped bumpers, and minor fender-benders at worst. However, the reality is that even low-speed collisions can cause painful injuries, long-term disabilities, and even fatalities, not to mention serious damage to your vehicle.
If you were struck by a distracted or reckless driver while walking or driving through a parking lot, Cellino Law is here for you. We have helped thousands of car accident victims go against strong insurance companies to recover the compensation they deserve. Call 888-888-8888 or contact us online to set up a free case review with an experienced lawyer today.
Understanding Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lots may seem safer than the open road, but statistics tell a different story. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that there are tens of thousands of parking lot accidents across the country each year. Hundreds of people die and thousands are injured in these parking lot crashes.
The role of distracted driving
The biggest culprit is distracted driving. An NSC opinion poll found that people admitted to doing the following while driving through parking lots:
- Making phone calls – 66 percent
- Programming GPS – 63 percent
- Texting – 56 percent
- Using social media – 52 percent
- Sending or receiving emails – 50 percent
- Taking photos or watching videos – 49 percent
Parking lot accidents happen year-round, but insurance claims spike around Black Friday and continue at a higher level throughout the holiday shopping period.
Other causes of parking lot accidents
It’s not just motor vehicle drivers who are prone to getting distracted at busy times. Pedestrians who are focused on shopping are more likely to be involved in accidents due to being distracted.
Other factors that often contribute to parking lot accidents include:
- Poor visibility: Some parking lots are poorly lit and have obstructed views. This can make it harder for drivers to see approaching vehicles, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
- Weather conditions: Heavy rain, snow, and ice can make parking lots tough to navigate safely.
- Aggressive driving: People in a hurry may engage in aggressive driving to secure the spot they want, or drive too fast around the parking lot in search of a space.
Common parking lot accidents
There are many ways to get into an accident in a parking lot. Here are some of the most common scenarios auto accident attorneys see:
- Backing up accidents: When backing out of a parking space, a driver may collide with other vehicles or pedestrians
- Rear-end collisions: Driving too close to the car in front can leave insufficient time to brake if it suddenly stops or turns
- Side-impact crashes: These accidents commonly happen at intersections when one driver pulls out without checking for oncoming traffic
Whatever scenario led up to your accident, don’t think about trying to handle your claim alone with the insurance company. An experienced Cellino Law parking lot lawyer can look out for your best interests, while the insurance company only cares about its bottom line. Let our auto accident attorneys help you navigate the legal system and build a strong case for the compensation you deserve.
Proving Liability – Essential for Recovering Compensation
In any personal injury case, it is the responsibility of the injured party – or his or her lawyer – to prove the other party was liable and must pay compensation. Parking lot accidents can be complex, and you may have a better chance of securing fair compensation if you hire an experienced Cellino Law car accident attorney to build a strong case establishing liability.
Evidence in parking lot accidents
Our attorneys will gather as much evidence as possible to show who was negligent and must pay compensation. This evidence may include:
- Security camera footage: Parking lots often have security cameras, and footage can provide incontrovertible proof of what happened in your accident and who was at fault.
- Witness statements: Eyewitnesses can testify to what happened and may give evidence of aggressive driving or other forms of reckless behavior.
- Right of way: Parking lot markings show which vehicle has the right of way. Usually, drivers traveling on the main thoroughfare have the right of way over drivers reversing or driving out of parking spaces. If a car collided with you while pulling out, this could be strong evidence that the driver was at fault.
- Type of accident: In some accident scenarios, one driver is usually at fault unless something very unusual occurred. For example, rear-end collisions are usually the fault of the driver to the rear, as he or she should have allowed enough space to stop in time, regardless of what the car in front did.
- Failure to follow signage: Stop, yield, and other parking lot signage are crucial for keeping everyone safe. If your lawyer can discover evidence that the other driver ignored these signs, this could be strong evidence of negligence.
- Police reports: It is important to call the police after a parking lot accident, as they will compile an objective report of the facts of the accident. This could strengthen your case, especially if the report includes citations for the other driver or clear evidence that one party drove negligently.
When more than one party is liable
Upon reviewing the evidence, it sometimes becomes clear that more than one party was liable for the accident. State laws vary on whether you can claim compensation if you are partially liable for causing an accident.
In New York, for example, you can pursue compensation even if you were partially to blame for the parking lot accident. Under the state’s pure comparative negligence laws, you can still claim compensation even if you are up to 99 percent liable. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of liability.
So don’t conclude that you are not entitled to compensation just because you were partially at fault. A Cellino Law parking lot lawyer can clarify whether you have a strong chance of recovering compensation.
Seek Justice With Cellino Law Today
Parking lot accidents can change your life in an instant. Whether you were the victim of another person’s negligent driving or you were partially at fault, now is the time to discover your legal rights with personalized advice from a Cellino Law parking lot lawyer.
During your free consultation with our firm, our car accident attorney will listen carefully to your story and provide an honest assessment of your chances of success. Our lawyer will explain the strengths and challenges your case presents, as well as the compensation you may be able to recover.
Our legal team has supervised over $2 billion in settlements. Now is the time to discover how much your parking lot accident claim could be worth. Call 888-888-8888 or complete our contact form today to schedule a free consultation and receive the advice you need to pursue justice.