Parking lots have less space for people to maneuver and require people to be very attentive. Despite the fact that people drive at slower speeds in parking lots, about 20% of all accidents occur in parking lots. They also cause significant injuries and can result in extensive property damage.
You might find yourself confused and shocked after a parking lot accident. Whether youโre while walking, bicycling, or driving another car, you need to gather as much information as you can following the accident. Many parking lots in Colorado are private property, which add further uncertainty to accident victims.
Itโs important to know that you can still file a claim like a normal car accident after a parking lot accident. This means you can seek damages from the at-fault driver or their insurance.
If you were injured in a parking lot accident or if there is any dispute over who is at fault for the accident, you need to call a Colorado Springs Parking Lot Injury Attorney. We can review your case to help sort out the facts and establish liability. Furthermore, we may be able to help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Examples of Colorado Parking Lot Accidents
Itโs important to know exactly how an accident happened to determine fault. Sometimes, itโs possible for more than one person to be at fault for an accident. And in other situations, itโs obvious who was at fault. For example, a driver who has the right of way and gets hit on the side is most likely not at fault or considered liable.
The best way to establish fault and liability is to have an expert Colorado Springs Parking Lot Injury Attorney assess your case. Here are some common scenarios for parking lot accidents:
A Vehicle Baking Out of a Parking Space Collides With Another Car
If a driver hits a stationary car while backing out, the driver who was backing out is liable. However, if a collision happens with an oncoming car while backing out of a spot, both parties may have some shared degree of responsibility. Both drivers had a duty to check for oncoming traffic.
However, the driver who is in the lane has the right of way, and the driver backing out should have waited for all traffic to clear before reversing. Depending on the other circumstances, the driver backing out is more likely to be found liable for the collision.
A Driver Pulls Forward Out of a Parking Spot and Crashes Into Oncoming Vehicle
In this scenario, both drivers might be partially responsible for the collision. However, drivers in the traffic lane have the right of way, so the driver pulling out of the parking space is more likely to bear more or all liability.
Two Vehicle Crash While Going for the Same Parking Spot
It may be difficult to tell who has the right of way when two cars are going for the same parking spot. The general rule of thumb is that the driver who makes a right turn into the parking space has the right of way. Or, the car who was there first has the right of way, regardless of which side they are on.
These types of accidents require thorough investigation and reviewing of evidence to find out who is at fault. An experienced A Car Rear-Ends Another Car can help you carry out an in depth investigation and gather all the evidence you need to build a strong case in your favor.
Two Vehicles Collided While Both Backing Out of a Spot
If two vehicles backing out of separate spots hit each other, they might both be liable. The fault will depend on the specific details of how the accident occurred. Was one driver distracted while driving? Or perhaps one or both drivers failed to check before backing out.
In such accidents, investigations are crucial to gathering evidence and assessing the facts.
A Moving Car Hits a Parked Car
In this scenario, the moving car is almost always at fault for the accident. This often occurs in parking lots, driveways or street parking situations. The exception to the moving car being liable is if the parked car is parked illegally; in that case, the parked car might share liability for the accident.
A Car Rear-Ends Another Car
Rear-ends are one of the most common types of collision of all traffic accidents. The rear driver is usually at fault, but again, it depends on the circumstances of the particular accident.
The Importance of Exchanging Information After A Parking Lot Accident
Most parking lots in Colorado and other states are private property. So after an accident, rather than calling the police to make an official accident report, drivers are expected to handle the situation themselves. This is why itโs so crucial to exchange information with the other driver, or all other drivers involved. Note that while police do not report to the scene, you can still go to the police station to file an official accident report.
Law enforcement will usually not respond to minor traffic accidents in parking lots since they are private property. If there is an altercation after the incident or you fear your safety, call the police immediately.
Be sure to get the other driverโs name, number, address, insurance information, and license plate number. If they are uncooperative and refuse to give you this information, they are likely doing so for a reason. Perhaps they donโt have insurance or a valid drivers license. In that case, the safest way to protect your legal rights is to file a claim against the at-fault driver.
Determining Fault in a Parking Lot Accident
Determining fault in a parking lot is far from simple. Since police and law enforcement do not get involved, itโs more challenging to determine fault; itโs a matter of he-said she-said. Insurance companies will review several factors such as where the impact occurred on the vehicles. That could help paint a picture of how the collision occurred. They may also review surveillance footage and rely on witness testimonies.
Itโs important to gather as much evidence as possible such as taking photos of all damages, including your car, their car, and any injuries you sustained. You may be able to obtain camera footage from the business owner. Try to get contact information from any nearby witnesses who might have seen the accident happen.
All of this will serve as evidence to help your Colorado Springs Parking Lot Injury Attorney build your case. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, it might be necessary to file a personal injury claim for damage recovery. A knowledgeable Colorado Springs Parking Lot Injury Attorney can advise you on the best court of action to ensure you get the best outcome and the compensation you deserve.
Parking Lot Injuries After an Accident in Colorado
Even though the police officers do not respond to the scene for parking lot accidents, you can still file an official police report. Having this documentation will be helpful later if you need to file a personal injury claim for parking lot injuries.
People still get injured in accidents that occur at slow speeds. Bicycles and pedestrians are especially vulnerable to injury if they get hit by a car in a parking lot. Common parking lot injuries that a motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian can sustain include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns, bruises, and cuts
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue damage
If you suffered any injuries in a parking lot accident, you should speak to a Colorado Springs Parking Lot Injury Attorney. You have a right to seek compensation for your injuries if they were caused by a negligent or careless driver. We will do everything we can to help you recover physically and financially.
Contact A Colorado Springs Parking Lot Injury Attorney Today
Our team of Colorado Springs Parking Lot Injury Attorneys are dedicated to their careers of helping injury victims seek justice. We specialize in parking lot injuries and know how to handle your case to ensure you get the most compensation possible. Youโve been through enough. Let us handle your case to see how we can help you so you can focus on healing.
Your initial case review is free, so you have nothing to lose by calling us now.
