Parking lots can be incredibly busy, particularly during rush hours and holiday seasons, as drivers search for suitable spots to park their vehicles. Unfortunately, many drivers are in a hurry and may not pay much attention to other motorists, pedestrians, and motorcycle riders when exiting the parking lot. Likewise, pedestrians often rush in and out of stores without considering the potential for serious injuries resulting from even minor vehicle collisions. Given the chaos and activity in these areas, there is always a risk of being injured or killed in a parking lot accident. Therefore, it is crucial to know what steps to take if you or your loved ones are harmed in such an incident.
According to the National Highway Transport Safety Authority, approximately 20% of annual auto accidents in the United States occur in parking lots. It is worth noting that most parking lot accidents happen at low speeds, which generally results in non-life-threatening damages when two or more vehicles are involved. However, when pedestrians are part of the equation, the likelihood of sustaining serious harm increases threefold.
Furthermore, parking lots can also be the site of other types of accidents besides vehicle collisions. Nevertheless, the parties responsible for these incidents often remain the same. Consequently, you should never have to confront the insurance companies’ frivolous defenses by yourself. Our Baytown parking lot accident lawyers are available to assist you in navigating through the intricate legal process. The skilled personal injury attorneys at our firm have considerable experience handling these types of cases.
Auto wrecks are the most frequent type of parking lot accidents. However, there are other ways in which you can sustain harm while inside stores. Common liability accidents that often lead to injuries include slip and falls, crimes, and pedestrian accidents.
Most parking lots are located in the basement of buildings or supermarkets, which limits the penetration of natural light. Consequently, shoppers are more susceptible to slip and fall accidents caused by wet and cluttered floors, uneven surfaces, or even faulty shopping carts. Although not all slip and fall accidents are catastrophic, it is always in your best interest to seek medical evaluation, particularly if you sense that something is amiss with your body. You may have sustained an injury that requires medical attention.
Due to the secluded nature of many parking lots, they often become breeding grounds for criminal activities. Shoppers may be subject to robberies while entering or exiting stores, and parked vehicles may be targets for theft. While the liability may initially seem to rest solely on the perpetrators of these crimes, property owners are responsible for the safety of everyone on their premises. They must ensure that their basements are well-lit and equipped with security cameras to prevent foreseeable crimes and injuries. If you have been robbed or injured in a parking lot, you may have grounds to file a claim against the property owner based on negligence.
Pedestrian accidents can occur not only on busy highways but also in places with slow-moving vehicles like parking lots, which can be unsafe for pedestrians. Our Baytown parking lot accident attorneys have represented injured victims in lawsuits against negligent drivers and motorists who have struck pedestrians in parking lot accidents. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in parking lots. However, it’s not always the driver who is at fault for such crashes. Pedestrians may also contribute to their own injuries by using cell phones or failing to take reasonable precautions to avoid vehicles in the lot. Nevertheless, they may still be eligible for compensation. Our legal team can provide further information about comparative negligence during your consultation.
We often encounter victims who inquire about pursuing legal action against the responsible parties for their injuries and property damages. To address the question of whether you should file a lawsuit for compensation in a parking lot accident, it is crucial to consult with an attorney, especially when the injuries suffered are severe. Minor harm such as bruises and cuts that require no medical treatment may not necessitate legal action. However, if you have sustained spinal injuries, head injuries, or broken bones in a parking lot accident, it would be beneficial to speak to our skilled lawyers to determine the best course of action.
If you have been involved in a parking lot accident, it is important to take the same steps you would in any other type of crash, which includes seeking legal guidance. Our Baytown parking lot accident lawyers have extensive experience assisting victims with the complex field of parking lot accident laws. Contact us today for a free consultation.
