Parking lots are among the busiest locations for vehicles in Tampa. Whether at a concert venue, a football game, or simply a popular time at the supermarket or movie theater, parking lots can often be hotspots for vehicle accidents. While some parking lot collisions are fender-benders, others can be severe incidents leading to life-altering injuries.
Who is at fault in a parking lot accident? If you suffer injuries, how can you recover compensation for losses such as medical bills and lost income? The seasoned Tampa legal team at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers has compiled this guide to help you understand your rights and options if you have been involved in a parking lot accident.
Parking Lot Accident Laws
Because parking lots tend to be separate spaces away from roads and highways, you might think that they are governed by their own laws. However, the state of Florida has no statutes specific to parking lots other than the requirement for each lot to have specially designated accessible parking spaces. Each municipality can set its own laws regarding parking lots. For example, Tampa law requires each driver to keep their vehicle within the lines of a parking space.
When it comes to laws regarding accidents and liability, the law views parking lot activity in the same manner as it views operating vehicles on roadways.
Determining Fault in Parking Lot Accidents
Determining fault in a parking lot accident can be challenging, as these incidents often occur in tight spaces with limited visibility. However, the same principles that apply to roadway accidents also apply to parking lot accidents. The driver who caused the accident by failing to exercise reasonable care will typically be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages.
Factors that can contribute to a finding of fault in a parking lot accident include:
- Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians or other vehicles
- Speeding or driving recklessly
- Failing to obey posted signs or markings
- Backing out of a parking space without checking for oncoming traffic
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
If you have been injured in a parking lot accident, it is essential to gather evidence at the scene, such as pictures of the damaged vehicles and your injuries, and speak with witnesses to support your claim of fault against the other driver.
Common Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lot accidents can take many forms, but some of the most common include:
- Rear-end collisions – These accidents often occur when one driver is following another too closely or fails to brake in time to avoid a collision.
- Backing-out accidents – Drivers who fail to check their surroundings before backing out of a parking space can easily collide with another vehicle or a pedestrian.
- Parking space accidents – Accidents can occur when two drivers attempt to pull into the same parking space simultaneously or when one driver strikes another vehicle while attempting to park.
- Pedestrian accidents – Parking lots can be dangerous for pedestrians, who are often struck by drivers who are not paying attention or who fail to yield the right of way.
Regardless of the form of the accident, if you have been seriously injured in a parking lot due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
How to Document a Parking Lot Accident
If you are involved in a parking lot accident, it is crucial to document the incident thoroughly to support your claim for compensation. Here are some steps you can take:
- Call the police – Even if the accident seems minor, it is a good idea to call the police and request an official accident report.
- Take photos – Use your smartphone to take photos of the damage to both vehicles, as well as any skid marks, debris, or other evidence at the scene.
- Gather witness information – If there were any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their names and contact information.
- Seek medical attention – If you have been injured, seek medical attention right away, and be sure to keep all records of your treatment and expenses.
- Contact an attorney – An experienced parking lot accident attorney can help you through the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
By following these steps and working with a skilled legal team, you can protect your rights and maximize your chances of a successful outcome in your parking lot accident case.
Compensation Available for Parking Lot Accident Injuries
The compensation you may receive for a successful parking lot accident injury claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and their effect on your personal and professional life. If you work with a skilled Tampa car accident attorney, you may be able to recover compensation for the following losses:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses, including any physical therapy and ongoing at-home care you might require for a long-term disability
- Lost income from missed time at work
- Reduced earning capacity if you must leave a higher-paying job for a lower-paying one due to your injuries
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Consulting an experienced lawyer can help you reach a reasonable and informed estimate of how much your case might be worth.
Contact an Experienced Tampa Parking Lot Accident Attorney Today
Suffering injuries in a parking lot accident can feel overwhelming and devastating for many reasons. The aftermath can become even more challenging if an insurance company refuses to take your claim seriously.
The experienced Tampa car accident lawyers at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers know that greedy insurers will do almost anything to avoid paying injured individuals the compensation they deserve. Our lawyers are ready to negotiate aggressively with the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster to maximize your chances of receiving a full and fair settlement. If they refuse to give you appropriate compensation, we are prepared to fight for your interests in court.
Call our Tampa offices today at (619) 233-5020 or contact us online for a free case evaluation to learn more about how we can help you get your life back on track.
