Don’t Ignore Parking Lot Accidents. Hire the Best Austin Parking Lot Accident Lawyers
While most people do not think of parking lots as dangerous places, there are a surprisingly large number of parking lot accidents in Austin. Because most vehicles in parking lots travel at low speeds, many of these accidents turn out to be minor fender benders that do not result in significant personal injuries. Unfortunately, however, some parking lot crashes cause serious bodily harm, especially those involving pedestrians.
If you sustained severe physical or emotional harm from a parking lot collision, you could be entitled to receive financial compensation from the driver of the car that struck you. A local car crash attorney could help guide you through the process of filing a civil lawsuit so you can maximize your chances of success.
Austin Parking Lots are Dangerous, Mind It!
Austin enjoys a vibrant social landscape, which means a lot of people are cruising on the roads in cars, buses, and bikes. At the same time, many people do find their way into the parking lots and the way the popular parking lots are located in Austin; they are notorious for a high tendency of accidents.
Especially during the peak hours when everybody wants to avoid rush hour traffic while finding time to grab a quick snack, some groceries, or anything else, it breeds a chaotic environment, hence the reason for accidents.
If you have been in an accident in any of the city’s parking lots, get in touch with an Austin parking lot accident attorney in Austin.
Common Causes of Local Parking Lot Crashes
Most parking lot crashes occur because one or more drivers are distracted. There is usually a lot of activity in parking lots, with people leaving and entering parking spaces and buildings. Drivers need to pay extra attention to their driving duties to avoid hitting other cars or pedestrians. Because they are generally driving slowly in parking lots, drivers may feel that they can safely change their radio station, check their texts, or program their GPS.
When leaving a parking space, drivers may be in a rush and fail to take a thorough look behind them. Similarly, after searching for a parking spot, a driver may rush to claim that spot before somebody else can take it, crashing into another car or passerby as a result. Our knowledgeable Austin attorneys could help a claimant investigate their parking lot accident to determine who bears legal responsibility under state law for the claimant's injuries.
Injuries Commonly Associated with Austin Parking Lot Collisions
When two cars collide in a parking lot, most of the time, the occupants of the vehicles walk away with very few injuries because the vehicles are traveling at only a few miles per hour. Some people sustain whiplash and other minor neck or spinal cord injuries from the sudden stop. However, if treatment is not administered for these whiplash injuries in a timely manner, they could turn into persistent, painful problems.
On the other hand, when cars collide with pedestrians in parking lots, those on foot can suffer devastating or even fatal injuries. Some of the most common physical injuries sustained by pedestrians in local parking lot crashes are as follows:
- Broken bones, both from the impact of the car and from falling onto the ground
- Back and neck injuries, including herniated discs, whiplash, and paralysis
- Severe head trauma
- Lacerations, cuts, and bruising
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Internal injuries
In addition to physical injuries, many survivors of parking lot accidents also experience debilitating emotional injuries. They may experience depression, anxiety, anger, sadness, and post-traumatic stress as they learn to adjust to their physical injuries and/or relive the trauma of car accidents in parking lots.
If their injuries prevent them from holding a steady job, they may also be worried about paying for their treatments or supporting their families. A comprehensive civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver would account for all of the past and future losses someone might experience after a parking lot auto collision.
Establishing Legal Liability and Negligence in Parking
Negligence is the cornerstone of building a fair claim and establishing liability in parking lot accidents. An Austin parking lot accident lawyer in Austin from DJC Law can find where the negligence occurred in a parking lot and how it led to an accident.
Here are some specific scenarios where the driver’s fault due to negligence or any other reason can be established by an expert Austin parking lot accident lawyer in Austin;
- Not Yielding to the Right of Way: Traffic laws mandate that drivers give right of way to oncoming traffic when exiting the parking lot, and failure to do so leads to an accident.
- Disregard for Marking and Signs in the Lot: Experiences Austin parking lot accident attorneys in Austin look for evidence where drivers failed to follow the signs and markings, which might have led to accidents.
Reckless Driving: It’s a universally accepted norm that speeds in parking lots cannot extend 10 to 15 MPH. Cutting lanes, high speed, and aggressive maneuvers in parking lots can cause accidents.
DJC Law houses the best Austin parking lot accident lawyers in Austin who are ready to help you seek your rightful claim from the at-fault driver, establishment of the parking lot, or any third-party entity.
Are Parking Lot Owners also Liable to Pay in case of an Accident?
Yes, parking lot owners are required to pay, if found at fault, according to the rules set in premises liability. Parking lot owners have to create and maintain a safe environment for everyone. Austin parking lot accident attorney in Austin also finds irregularities in the parking lot that might have led to the accident.
Here are a few scenarios where parking lot owners can be held accountable;
- Poor lighting can obscure hazards due to low visibility.
- Inadequate signage or missing information can lead to issues in traffic flow.
- Potholes, misplaced shopping carts, and barriers can cause vehicle damage and pedestrian injuries.
- Assaults and robberies can also happen in a parking lot, especially if there’s a lack of security.
If you have met with an accident, it's essential to get in touch with Austin parking lot accident lawyers in Austin immediately after you get the required first aid.
How Does the Texas Transportation Code Relate to Parking Lot Driving?
Parking lots are often private property, but that does not make them out of the purview of Texas Transportation Code. In addition to the general traffic laws we have discussed above, the following rules are applicable through the Texas Transportation Code;
- Section 545.302 outlines restrictions for stopping, standing, and parking in certain places.
- Section 545.303 outlines parking regulations concerning two-way and one-way roadways.
- Chapter 681 talks about privileged parking reserved for people with disabilities.
Similar rules and statutes are applicable, but you will need the assistance of the best Austin parking accident lawyers in Austin to pursue a legally valid claim and receive fair compensation.
Ask an Austin Lawyer about Litigating Parking Lot Accidents
If you sustained injuries in a parking lot incident, you could face a lengthy and challenging recovery. Let a local attorney who has experience with cases involving parking lot accidents in Austin help you. Let our team handle the legal details while you focus on healing. Call today.