Parking lots may seem like relatively safe places, but they are the scene of thousands of accidents yearly. These areas can be particularly hazardous due to heavy foot traffic, narrow lanes, and many cars moving in different directions.
If you’ve been involved in a parking lot accident in San Antonio, our team of dedicated attorneys at Patterson Law Group is here to help you navigate the legal complexities and secure the compensation you deserve. As your San Antonio parking lot accident lawyer, we understand Texas laws and will guide you through the process step-by-step.
Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents
While parking lot accidents might not involve high speeds, they can cause serious injuries and property damage.
Some common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Whether drivers are checking their phones, adjusting their radios, or simply not paying attention, distractions are a major factor in parking lot accidents.
- Failure to yield: Parking lots often have unclear right-of-way rules, leading to confusion and accidents.
- Reversing without caution: Drivers backing out of parking spaces may fail to check for oncoming vehicles or pedestrians.
- Speeding: Although parking lot speed limits are low, some drivers may exceed them, increasing the risk of a collision.
- Poor lighting or signage: Dimly lit parking lots or unclear signage can make it difficult for drivers to navigate safely.
If you’ve been injured in a parking lot for any of these causes, contact our parking lot accident attorney in San Antonio to discuss your legal options.
Types of Injuries in Parking Lot Accidents
Injuries from parking lot accidents can range from minor to severe. Some common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries: These are common in rear-end collisions, even at low speeds.
- Broken bones: Pedestrians hit by vehicles in parking lots are particularly vulnerable to fractures.
- Head injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can occur if the head is struck during an accident.
- Back injuries: Herniated discs and other spinal injuries are common due to the sudden impact of a crash.
Regardless of the severity of your injury, it’s crucial to consult a car accident attorney in San Antonio, Texas, to ensure you receive proper compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Determining Fault in a Parking Lot Accident
Parking lots are often considered private property, which can complicate determining liability. However, Texas laws still apply, and fault can be attributed based on various factors:
- Right-of-way: In Texas, drivers in through lanes generally have the right of way, while drivers pulling out of parking spaces must yield.
- Pedestrian rights: Pedestrians in parking lots always have the right of way. If a driver strikes a pedestrian, the driver is almost always at fault.
- Reversing vehicles: A driver backing out of a parking space is typically responsible for ensuring the area is clear before proceeding.
As your San Antonio auto accident lawyer, we can help gather evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness statements, to determine fault and build a strong case on your behalf.
Texas Laws on Parking Lot Accidents
While parking lot accidents don’t typically involve public roads, Texas law still applies to these incidents. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.413, all drivers must use reasonable care when operating a vehicle, whether on a public roadway or private property. In addition, Texas is a fault-based state, meaning that the person responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages.
Another important aspect of Texas law is the proportionate responsibility rule (commonly known as comparative negligence). According to Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001, if both parties share responsibility for the accident, the compensation you can recover may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible for compensation.
Our team of experienced attorneys will thoroughly investigate the details of your accident to ensure that fault is accurately determined and that you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Parking Lot Accident Statistics
Parking lot accidents are more common than many people realize. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), tens of thousands of crashes occur in parking lots and parking garages each year, leading to over 500 deaths and more than 60,000 injuries.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) also reports that parking lot accidents account for a significant percentage of non-fatal car accidents in urban areas.
One of the most concerning trends is the increasing number of accidents caused by distracted driving. A survey conducted by the NSC found that 66% of drivers admitted to making phone calls while driving in parking lots, and 63% admitted to programming their GPS. These distractions contribute to the rising number of parking lot accidents across the country.
What to Do After a Parking Lot Accident
If you’re involved in a parking lot accident, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect your legal rights:
- Check for injuries: Your health and safety should always be the priority. If you or anyone else involved is injured, seek medical attention immediately.
- Contact the police: While parking lot accidents may not always result in a police report, it’s still a good idea to contact the authorities, especially if there are injuries or significant damage.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles, skid marks, and any signage or lighting that may have contributed to the accident.
- Exchange information: Collect the contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved and any witnesses.
- Contact a San Antonio parking lot accident lawyer: It’s crucial to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights and protect your claim.
Compensation for Parking Lot Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a parking lot accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment costs.
- Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost income.
- Pain and suffering: In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: You can seek compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
As your parking lot accident attorney in San Antonio, we will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your losses. We understand that every case is unique and will tailor our approach to meet your needs.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group?
At Patterson Law Group, we understand the complexities of parking lot accident cases. With years of experience serving clients throughout Texas, we have the knowledge and resources to handle even the most challenging cases.
Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us as your accident attorney in San Antonio:
- Personalized attention: We take the time to understand your specific situation and provide personalized legal solutions.
- Proven track record: We have a history of successfully recovering compensation for our clients.
- No fees unless we win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we secure compensation for you.
- Client-focused approach: We believe in putting our clients first. You can expect open communication and a dedicated legal team from start to finish.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a parking lot accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our team of experienced San Antonio auto accident lawyers is ready to assist you. We will guide you through the legal process, answer any questions you may have, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Patterson Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with a San Antonio, Texas, car accident attorney. Let us help you get your life back on track.
