Car accidents are often associated with heavy traffic on highways, busy roads, and major streets, including intersections and freeways. However, many crashes also occur in parking lots. The good news about parking lot accidents is that they usually result in less bodily harm than those that take place on major highways and roads. This is attributed to the low speeds at which vehicles move in and out of parking lots. But even so, these types of collisions can be fatal or leave someone with permanent or debilitating injuries.
Parking lot accidents typically occur due to the negligence of a driver but may also take place due to factors beyond the driver’s control such as poor overhead lighting or poor construction of the parking lot. For this reason, determining fault may become difficult, and you may lose your claim if you fail to establish the liable party. A reputable Pearland parking lot accident lawyer will not only help you determine fault, but also see you through the litigation process and ensure that you receive the greatest possible result. Do not hesitate to get in touch with a skilled car wreck attorney to begin working on your case.
Despite being among areas where drivers are expected to drive slowly and with caution, parking lots are a common location for minor and major accidents. Unfortunately, pedestrians are at a higher risk of suffering severe injuries than any other person in cases of parking lot injuries. To help understand why these accidents occur, our experienced lawyers compiled the following reasons for injury, as witnessed in our years of civil litigation involving these kinds of parking lot accidents.
Cars in parking lots move at relatively slow speeds compared to when they drive on roads. These slow speeds allow the driver to easily and safely maneuver through other cars and pedestrians without posing a safety risk. However, not all drivers adhere to such safety rules. Negligent motorists may use their phones or be distracted by the surroundings, such that they forget to use as much caution as they should. Sadly, some end up crashing into other cars or hit pedestrians walking through the area.
Other ways in which drivers can be negligent may include:
While parking lots are designed to accommodate the maximum number of vehicles and persons at the same time, construction companies must also design them in a manner not to lead to accidents. An overlooked area of the lot can pose a risk to motorists and pedestrians. Specifically, poor lot designs may be in the form of:
A majority of parking lots and garages are found in the basements of large buildings, therefore making it difficult for natural light to penetrate through these areas. To counter this, the landowners are expected to mount sufficient lighting to provide visibility for motorists and pedestrians. Failure to do so can result in poor visibility, and drivers may ram into other cars or the walls of the garage.
Driving a car in open areas is much different from driving in parking lots. A poorly trained driver may find it difficult to maneuver through small spaces in parking lots, therefore ending up crashing other vehicles. Especially for larger commercial vehicles, drivers must understand the limited space and mobility that a parking area allows for.
To best establish fault, you must understand and prove the cause of the accident. Doing so allows your local attorney to precisely determine fault and hold the right party responsible for the parking lot collision. Based on the previously mentioned causes of accidents, you may sue:
If you suffered harm in a collision while parking or walking to your car, you may be eligible for monetary compensation for your injuries and damages to your property. A seasoned parking lot accident attorney in Pearland could recover damages such as:
To learn more about your legal rights and options, call our Pearland parking lot accident lawyers or reach out online for a free case evaluation.
