What Makes Parking Lots So Dangerous?~4 min read
Parking lots are one of the most common areas for collisions to occur. EHS Today reports that an average of fifty thousand accidents occurs in parking lots across the United States every year. While you might think that parking lot accidents are usually minor fender benders, the fact is that they can cause serious injuries and even permanent disabilities. Pedestrians, small children, and the elderly are especially susceptible to being seriously injured in a parking lot auto accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver in a parking lot, you have the legal right to be compensated for all the losses you have suffered. These losses can include medical bills, projected future medical expenses, lost wages, any decreases to your future earning potential, pain and suffering, property damage, and any other losses that were a direct result of the defendant’s negligence.
As a victim, it’s important to understand that the other driver’s insurance company will try to pay as little as possible. They might even try to deny responsibility for the accident altogether. This fact is why it is so important to hire an experienced auto accident attorney to protect your legal right to compensation.
Why are parking lots hot spots for car accidents?
There are many reasons why auto accidents are especially likely to occur in parking lots. One of the biggest problems is the hectic confusion of a parking lot. Cars are moving in different directions, pulling in and out of parking spaces, and it can be difficult to know where a driver is headed. Many drivers are not paying attention. Some fail to signal their turns and show others where they are going. All this chaos can make it difficult for drivers to avoid colliding with another vehicle, lane dividers, pedestrians, and other obstacles in the parking lot.
Another factor contributing to parking lot accidents is the design of the lot itself. Many lots have poor lighting, especially in underground or covered parking garages. They have tight turns and parking spots that are not visible from all angles. These characteristics can make it difficult for drivers to see all activity and avoid collisions. The best practice when driving in such a parking lot is to slow down. The more time you have to react to obstacles, the better options you will have for avoiding a collision with them. Slow down, keep a close eye on activity in all directions, and never assume that another driver will yield the right-of-way even if you’re sure you have it.
What should I do if I get in a parking lot accident?
The person who is legally responsible (liable) for causing a car accident also has a legal obligation to compensate victims of that accident for their injuries and losses. This fact is why insurance companies investigate accidents to determine who was “at fault.”
Liability can be assigned to either driver or apportioned between the drivers. It can even be assigned to an unknown third party. For example, if two cars collide after swerving to avoid a mattress on the highway, the accident might be found to be the fault of whoever left the mattress on the road.
Accident claims can easily become complex so it’s best to seek advice from personal injury lawyer.
Contact the Law Offices of Parnell, Michels & McKay
The attorneys at Parnell, Michels & McKay have been handling injury cases for over 40 years and bring a detailed knowledge that helps you receive the most for your injuries. Our Personal Injury Lawyers handle every type of injury case, which includes workers compensation and social security disability claims. Our practice includes auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, employment injuries, negligence, product liability, dog bites, animal bites, slip and falls, trip and falls, and other personal injury actions. We have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Call or contact us today!
At Parnell, Michels & McKay we specialize in personal injury law such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, dog bites, workers compensation, social security disability, and other injuries. We also practice family law, including divorce, post-divorce, unwed custody and property division, and collaborative divorce. We have extensive experience in bankruptcy, probate, boundary disputes, estate planning, corporate formation and other real estate litigation.
Our firm blends advocacy oriented practice with effective practical solutions for all our clients in Londonderry, N. Woodstock, and throughout New Hampshire. The attorneys at Parnell, Michels & McKay provide effective representation and counseling to assist our clients facing legal questions. We simplify the process so our clients can understand and are able to participate as partners in the resolution.
Our practice includes personal injury law such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, dog bites, workers compensation, social security disability, and other injuries.
We also practice family law, including divorce, post-divorce, unwed custody and property division, and collaborative divorce, and have extensive experience in bankruptcy, probate, boundary disputes, estate planning, corporate formation and other real estate litigation.
