While parking lots may not seem like particularly risky environments for motorists, car accidents in parking lots are relatively common and are often more serious than you might expect.
Whether it is a collision between vehicles, a parked car being hit, or a pedestrian being struck, parking lot accidents in Huntsville can lead to expensive damage and painful injuries. They also raise some complicated legal questions.
How Many Crashes Happen in a Parking Lot?
Parking lot accidents are not only more common than you might imagine, but they also have significant potential for serious injury or even death. According to a CBS News report, there are over 50,000 crashes in parking lots and garages in the United States annually. In those collisions, at least 60,000 people were injured, and over 500 people died in just one year.
The actual numbers may be significantly higher, too, as parking lot crashes frequently go unreported when injuries and damage are seemingly minor. However, while low-speed parking lot collisions may not seem too serious, they often cause significant physical, emotional, and financial distress.
What Are Common Causes of Car Crashes in Parking Lots?
Parking lots often have limited visibility, distracted drivers, pedestrian traffic mixed with vehicles, and unclear right-of-way rules, which means that accidents can happen in various ways. Some of the most common include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Backing up without looking
- Aggressive or impatient driving
- Poor parking lot design or maintenance
- Pedestrian errors
Determining who is at fault in a parking lot accident requires a clear understanding of what caused the crash in the first place. Our parking lot accident lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause and establish liability.
What Injuries Are Typically Sustained in Parking Lot Accidents?
Parking lot accidents can cause all kinds of injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Joint injuries
- Cuts, burns, and bruises
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Even seemingly minor injuries can result in time out of work, mounting medical bills, long-term pain, and difficulty with daily life. Our parking lot accident attorneys can seek maximum compensation for all your injury-related losses.
Who Is at Fault in a Parking Lot Accident in Huntsville?
One thing that makes parking lot accident insurance claims challenging is determining fault. Many parking lots are privately owned, which means markings and signs designed to enforce traffic rules may be absent or unclear. That can create a lot of gray area when trying to prove negligence and show who was responsible for the collision.
In some cases, the property owner may be responsible for failing to maintain reasonably safe premises. If poor signage, potholes, blocked views, or unaddressed hazards contribute to the accident, you may have a valid premises liability claim.
Alabama is a contributory negligence state, which means that if you are found to be even 1 percent at fault, you will be unable to obtain compensation. That is why it is crucial to work with an experienced Huntsville parking lot accident attorney who can prove the other party’s responsibility.
What Damages Can a Huntsville Parking Lot Accident Attorney Pursue for You?
Compensation in parking lot accident insurance claims can cover your accident-related losses, including:
- Medical expenses – Ambulance services, ER visits, surgeries, follow-up appointments, prescription medications, medical devices, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and future medical expenses
- Lost income – Hourly wages or salary, commissions and tips, missed raises and promotions, sick days and vacation time, and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering – The physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries
- Property damage – The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal belongings damaged in the accident
What Timeline Do You Have for Filing a Claim for a Parking Lot Accident in Huntsville?
Under Alabama law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek compensation in court. While some cases have narrow exceptions, like in instances of delayed injury discovery or if the victim was a minor, you should always act quickly and contact a parking lot accident lawyer to avoid severely limiting your legal options.
Do Insurance Companies Cover Parking Lot Accidents?
Yes, parking lot accidents are generally covered by insurance. So, how do insurance companies cover parking lot accidents?
- Liability coverage – The at-fault party’s liability coverage may provide compensation to those who were injured and had their property damaged in the accident. Liability coverage could come from a motorist’s auto insurance policy or, if the property owner was at fault, a commercial general liability policy.
- Uninsured motorist coverage – When the liable party is not insured, you may have uninsured motorist coverage (UM) under your insurance policy, which can provide compensation.
- Collision coverage – Your collision coverage can help pay for damage to your vehicle, regardless of who was at fault.
Insurance companies often undervalue claims. Working with our experienced parking lot accident lawyers can help you combat insurance adjusters’ attempts to minimize your payout.
Your Legal Options with a Huntsville Parking Lot Car Accident Lawyer
Protecting your rights after a parking lot accident can require seasoned legal representation. Our Huntsville parking lot accident attorneys can help by:
- Reviewing your case for free – Our attorneys can examine the details of your case to determine whether you have a valid claim. Our law firm offers this service free of charge and in complete confidence.
- Gathering evidence – All successful cases are built on substantial evidence. Our attorneys can obtain police and incident reports, seek surveillance videos, interview witnesses, collect medical and financial records, and consult experts to build the strongest case possible.
- Calculating compensation – It is easy to leave money on the table if you do not have the experience necessary to calculate the compensation you are owed. Our attorneys can handle this aspect of your case for you.
- Negotiating and litigating – When it comes time to sit down at the negotiating table, our attorneys will advocate aggressively on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our lawyers can take your case to court.
Contact a Huntsville Parking Lot Accident Attorney Today
If you have suffered injuries in a parking lot accident caused by someone else, Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., wants to help you.
Our skilled Huntsville parking lot accident attorneys stand ready to protect your rights after you suffered injuries in a parking lot due to someone else’s negligence. We offer the compassionate support and tenacious representation you need as you continue to recover and seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for your free consultation with a Huntsville car accident lawyer at our firm.
