Parking Lot Accidents in Southlake
Auto accidents in parking lots are a common occurrence. Drivers are often fixated on finding a space or anxious to get out of the lot and on with their day. In either case, they may not be as careful as they should be.
You need a skilled car wreck attorney on your side when you are involved in a parking lot accident in Southlake. Determining who is at fault in these accidents can be tricky, and a mistake could cost you substantial compensation. Let our experienced lawyers take the lead.
Common Injuries in Parking Lot Accidents
Vehicles typically travel at low speeds in parking lots, reducing the chances of catastrophic or fatal injuries. However, pedestrian accidents in parking lots are common, and a pedestrian could be seriously hurt if struck by a car, even when the car is not traveling fast. People can get killed in parking lot accidents, and children and the elderly are especially vulnerable.
When cars collide in a parking lot, the occupants often suffer injuries like hyperextension of the neck, commonly called whiplash. Whiplash injuries can take a long time to heal, and they are debilitating in the meantime. However, insurance companies tend to be skeptical of whiplash claims, so it is important to have a legal professional advocating on your behalf after a parking lot crash in Southlake.
Airbag injuries are a common complaint after parking lot accidents. Airbag deployment can cause bruising to the face and even fractures of the orbit, cheekbone, and other facial bones. Depending on their position in the vehicle when the airbag is deployed, an occupant could suffer fractures to the ribs, shoulder, wrist, or neck and severe injuries to the diaphragm or heart. Friction burns from the airbag and respiratory problems from the gas released when the airbag deploys are also common among parking lot crash victims.
Determining Who Is At Fault in a Parking Lot Accident
In Texas, the at-fault driver is responsible for the harm they cause in an accident. The at-fault driver’s insurer pays claims up to the driver’s coverage limits. If the injured person’s losses exceed the coverage available, the driver is personally liable for the balance.
Figuring out who was at fault in a parking lot accident can be challenging, but the drivers almost always bear some responsibility. The lot’s owner could be responsible if designated pedestrian walkways, marked directional indicators, better lighting, or other reasonable steps could have prevented the accident. When a mechanical failure contributed to a crash, the vehicle manufacturer could be liable.
An injured person can collect compensation for only the portion of their losses that is attributable to other parties. Insurance companies and other potentially responsible parties try to shift blame onto the accident victim to limit their own liability. An experienced Southlake accident attorney is prepared for that tactic and can counter with evidence of the other parties’ negligence.
The Law Provides a Short Window for Action
It is crucial to act promptly when seeking legal help after a Southlake parking lot crash. Insurance companies often contact the people involved in an accident and can use anything the person says to reject or discount their claim. Speaking with a legal professional before accepting a call from an insurance company can make a substantial difference in the compensation an injured person receives.
An attorney could investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and identify all the potentially responsible parties. Investigations typically produce the most persuasive evidence when they happen soon after the incident, before physical evidence is lost or damaged, and while witnesses’ memories are still fresh.
Finally, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003 allows an accident victim two years to file a lawsuit. Most car accident claims settle without litigation, but the threat of a lawsuit gives an injured person leverage. Once the legal time limit has passed, the responsible party and their insurer have no incentive to offer reasonable compensation.
Discuss Your Parking Lot Accident Case With a Southlake Attorney
Determining liability for a parking lot accident can get complicated. Our experienced lawyers are here to help.
If you were injured in a parking lot accident in Southlake, give us a call. We could walk you through your options and help you get the compensation you deserve.