Parking lots are often chaotic and full of dangerous hazards. Parking areas at office buildings, apartments, and other places can have a high volume of cars and pedestrians. Motorists, in fact, may get easily distracted by limited visibility. As determining liability in parking lot accidents is difficult therefore, these cases turn out to be complicated. In such a situation, consider contacting the car accident attorneys in Lafayette at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess. Our seasoned attorneys have the experience of investigating complicated car accident claims and know what evidence is required to confirm that the other driver is at fault. If you have a valid case, we pursue every option to ensure that you obtain maximum compensation.
Causes of Car Accidents in Parking Lots
When driving in a parking lot, motorists often remain distracted. There are multiple situations when the negligence of the motorists leads to auto accidents. Fatal accidents may occur when a car driver:
- Drives while remaining focused on texting or using any electronic device
- Speeds in the parking lot when around other vehicles and pedestrians
- Backs in the parking space without looking at the approaching passengers and cars
- Makes a sudden turn without checking the blind spots
Determining Liability in Parking Lot Accidents
People injured in a parking lot car accident often believe that liability is split no matter what happens. However, there are no blanket rules in determining liability. Fault can only be determined after a thorough investigation. Here are the different types of parking lot accidents and ways to determine fault:
- One of the most common accidents in the parking lot is when a driver is backing up and strikes another vehicle. In such cases, the driver exiting the parking space is at fault with only one exception: in case two cars are backing at the same time and end up hitting each other.
- If there’s an accident when both cars are on the move, liability is determined similarly to any regular accident on the street. For instance, if you are on the wrong side of the lane or rear-end another vehicle, then you are at fault.
- In case you strike a legally parked vehicle, you are at fault for the accident
At the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess, our Lafayette car accident attorneys make a thorough investigation of the case and determine fault. We ensure to represent you on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only need to pay us if we recover compensation for you.
Understanding Right-of-the-Way in Parking Lots
When moving in a parking lot, drivers often end up getting confused in determining the right direction. One of the most trusted ways is to consider the type of lane you are in as parking lots have two types of roads: feeder lanes and thoroughfares.
A thoroughfare is a lane that exits to a particular street. These lanes tend to be wider. On the other hand, feeder lanes are narrower that begin and end in thoroughfares. Usually, motorists who are in the thoroughfare have right-of-the-way over other cars in feeder lanes. Finally, all the stop and yield signs should ideally be observed in the parking lot.
How to Avoid Parking Lot Car Accidents?
When driving in a parking area, it’s essential to remain alert and adhere to a few safety tips:
- Stay away from distractions such as cellphones or GPS
- Remain cautious and watch out for negligent and distracted drivers
- Adhere to the direction signals while driving in a parking lot
- Remember to provide enough space to other vehicles and pedestrians
How Insurance Companies Determine Fault
Just like any other auto accident, insurance companies make a thorough investigation and consider damage to determine fault. However, insurance adjusters often try to pay out the minimum possible compensation. The most suitable way to handle the insurance adjusters is to seek the assistance of seasoned attorneys. Our car accident lawyers in Lafayette are adept at tackling the tactics of insurance companies and procuring maximum compensation.
How Our Lafayette Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a parking lot accident, get in touch with us for a free case evaluation. Our car accident attorneys in Lafayette at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess have decades of experience in tackling complicated car accident cases. You may be eligible to claim compensation for emotional distress, medical costs, and other damage. We work with a core team of paralegals, clerks, and assistants to make sure that you receive a favorable recompense.
