Dallas Parking Lot Accident Lawyer
Parking lot accidents are not uncommon and tend to occur at shopping centers and plazas. Frequently, these involve folks backing out of spots, or people striking pedestrians, or people traveling too fast in the parking lots. What differentiates them from other car accidents is people in parking lots have different responsibilities because they should know and expect that with pedestrian traffic. There is a heightened duty for them to be alert for people walking around the parking lots.
In parking lots, pedestrians have the right of way, and motorists need to be aware of that. Private property may or may not change the analysis of the accident. If there is something defective about the property that is privately owned, such as a missing stop sign or confusing traffic control that causes or contributes to an accident or injury, then the private party may be responsible.
If you were injured in a parking lot due to the negligence of someone else, it is recommended to just reach out to an experienced car wreck lawyer. A Dallas parking lot accident lawyer could review the evidence and help you seek compensation for all of your damages.
Can An Accident Occur at Slower Speeds?
People should expect parking lots to have more pedestrians, and that is going to require people traveling at slower speeds and to have a heightened awareness, be on alert for the pedestrians. They should be traveling at slower speeds to make sure they are traveling safely in an area that has people on foot.
Response From Law Enforcement
Some people think all auto accidents are the same, even if they occur in a parking lot, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, parking lots are viewed as private property, and often police officers cannot properly investigate private property accidents.
If a parking lot has a security guard, the individual can ask them to prepare an accident report, but that’s just not the same. When involved in a parking lot accident, they should do their own investigation by taking pictures and getting names and numbers of witnesses. Also, get their driver’s license, registration and insurance information of the other drivers involved.
Knowing what steps to take following an accident could help them recover from a wreck, and among those steps, the most important is to get in touch with a parking accident lawyer who can help the individual file their claim.
How Do Insurance Companies Treat Parking Lot Accidents?
Many parking lot accident cases involve a he said she said situation, where proving who is at fault may be difficult. The injured party must prove as well as damages.
Insurance companies will require proof of both these items before agreeing to make an offer to settle the case. An experienced parking lot lawyer can help an individual gather evidence in order to prove fault and damages.
Role Of Contributory Negligence In a Parking Lot Accident Case
A parking lot accident does not have to be 100 percent one person’s fault. It could be a combination of fault between parties. For example, if the pedestrian is walking and texting and gets hit by a car, an argument could be made that it would be a combination of fault on both parties.
The car has a duty to keep a lookout for pedestrians, but pedestrians have a duty to pay attention to their own surroundings. If an injured party is partially at fault for the accident and is contributorily negligent, the amount of damages a person can recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to that person. As long as they are not more than 51 percent at fault in Texas, they can make a claim.
Retain The Services of a Dallas Parking Lot Accident Attorney
If you were involved in a parking lot accident, it is imperative that you find an experienced car accident attorney. A Dallas parking lot accident attorney could help you seek compensation for many types of damages, including pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and more. Call today to schedule a consultation to learn more about how an attorney could help your case.