Parking lots are common areas where many people cluster together. Even with established rules on how pedestrians and motorists should safely co-exist in these areas, accidents still happen. Most of them fender benders, but that doesn’t rule out the many devastating accidents that can occur. For this reason, parking lot owners have a duty of fe to ensure that their premises are safe for all. Failure to follow this requirement can result in a civil lawsuit where they are the defendants.
If you were severely injured while in a parking lot due to the negligence of another party, it’s only fair that you get compensated for the losses you suffer. However, not all liable parties admit wrongdoing, therefore making the process difficult. The best way you can approach these cases is letting a seasoned car accident attorney handle your injury claim. There is no better person to do so than our proficient Harlingen parking lot accident lawyers.
Aren’t Parking Lots Supposed to be Safe?
One may be mistaken to think parking lots are safer compared to the ever-busy Texas highways, but that’s not the case. They can be dangerous, too, if the necessary safety precautions are not adhered to. For example, motorists pulling out of parking lots are supposed to yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles just like they should to emergency service vehicles like ambulances on highways or intersections. A vehicle-pedestrian accident is often catastrophic, even at low speeds. Most cases indicate that some of the drivers are involved in distracted driving.
Another common way that parking lots may be unsafe is wet and cluttered floors. Property owners must guarantee their visitor’s safety while still on their premises. You may file an injury claim based on the premise that you were not warned about the hazardous conditions or they were not dealt with beforehand by the owner or manager. A Harlingen parking lot accident lawyer will invoke the premises liability laws to establish liability and prepare a solid case.
Slip and fall accidents are often not serious, but some lead to catastrophic injuries. On top of wet and cluttered floors, they may also occur due to poor lighting, defective staircases, or shopping carts. As the plaintiff, the burden of proof to prove the claim lies with you, so you must establish and prove the elements of negligence which are:
- The defendant owed you a legal duty of care
- The duty was breached
- The breach was the direct causation of your injuries
- You suffered monetary and non-monetary losses
It’s horrible to learn that your parking lot accident was avoidable but for the negligence of another party. You may face a lengthy time undergoing treatment and difficulty adjusting to your new life. That’s why you need a focused Harlingen parking lot accident lawyer to work on your case 24/7.
For a free legal consultation with a parking lot accident lawyer serving Harlingen, call (832) 449-8230
Damages You May Recover in a Parking Lot Accident Lawsuit
The damages you may collect in a parking lot accident are the direct losses you suffer. They could be monetary or non-monetary. There is no limit to the compensation you may recover, but the damages must be tied to your accident. For example, you cannot claim for existing injuries or property damage. Some of the losses you may be compensated for are:
- Lost wages for the time spent away from work
- Loss of future earnings due to permanent disability
- Past, present, and future expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of quality of life
If your case goes to court, you may also recover punitive damages. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to make you whole again, they are awarded to punish the defendant for negligence. This way, you can recover maximum compensation.
Harlingen Parking Lot Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
How Long Do I Have to File a Parking Lot Accident Claim?
Typically, personal injury victims are only allowed a maximum of two years beginning from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. While this may seem like ages, the truth is that time goes fast, and you may not realize it before you are locked out of filing a lawsuit. To ensure continuity in your case, even as you focus on treatment, you should bestow a Harlingen parking lot accident attorney with the responsibility of handling your case.
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Speak to an Attorney Today if You Have Been Involved in a Parking Lot Accident in Harlingen
Our Harlingen parking lot accident lawyers fight for victims of negligence throughout Texas. By contacting us, you get a chance to lead a normal life after the traumatizing experience that a devastating accident can be. Get in touch with us to plan a free case evaluation.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form