Parking lots can be chaotic and busy places, with drivers and pedestrians moving in multiple directions at the same time. Unfortunately, all this hustle and bustle can lead to accidents and serious, sometimes catastrophic, injuries – especially when drivers and pedestrians are distracted or not paying attention.

According to the National Safety Council, tens of thousands of crashes occur in parking lots and garages every year, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. During the holidays, parking lots are even more dangerous.

If you have been injured in a parking lot accident in Fort Worth, Dallas, or the surrounding area, and it’s affecting your livelihood and quality of life, it’s important to contact a Fort Worth parking lot accident lawyer as soon as possible. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

In this article, the personal injury lawyers at Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group explain parking lot accidents, the process for recovering compensation, and how our law firm can help. Our attorneys offer no-cost, no-obligation consultations – and if we take your case, we only get paid if and when we recover compensation for you.

 

Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents and Injuries

Parking lot accidents can stem from a wide variety of scenarios, including auto-pedestrian collisions, hit-and-run drivers, and premises liability claims. Here are some common causes of parking lot accidents:

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of parking lot accidents, with drivers striking other vehicles or pedestrians because they were checking their phones or engaging in other distractions behind the wheel.

Pedestrian distractions

Pedestrian distractions, such as looking at their phone, not looking both ways, or paying attention to their surroundings, can also lead to accidents. According to the National Safety Council, 9 percent of pedestrian deaths in parking lots are a result of backup incidents. In other words, drivers hitting a pedestrian while backing up.

Speeding and reckless driving

Speeding and reckless driving are also common causes of parking lot accidents, with drivers going well above a safe speed, ignoring stop signs or yield signs, failing to yield to pedestrians, driving in the wrong direction, cutting across parking lanes, and engaging in distracted driving behaviors like using a cellphone or eating while driving. Reckless driving in a parking lot can put pedestrians and other drivers at risk of injury and can result in serious accidents.

Poorly maintained parking lots

Potholes, cracks, and other hazards can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to collisions with other cars or pedestrians. Faded or missing pavement markings, as well as inadequate signage, can also increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Finally, parking lots that are not properly maintained can become slick and hazardous in wet or icy weather, making it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to maintain their footing and navigate safely.

Inadequate lighting and signage

Inadequate lighting and signage can make it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to see each other and can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Poor lighting can make it difficult for drivers to see other hazards in the parking lot.

It is important to identify the cause of the accident in order to determine liability and seek compensation. Our team will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine the cause and any contributing factors.

Liability in Parking Lot Accidents and Injuries

In Texas, as in most states, liability for parking lot accidents typically depends on the specific circumstances and the parties involved. There are several parties who could potentially be held liable for parking lot injury accidents:

1. Drivers: Drivers involved in the accident may be held liable if their negligence or recklessness caused the accident. This might include factors like speeding, failing to yield the right of way, or not paying attention to their surroundings.
2. Vehicle owners: If a driver was operating someone else’s vehicle with their permission, the owner of the vehicle might be held responsible for the accident under certain circumstances, such as if they knew the driver was incompetent or unlicensed.
3. Parking lot owners/operators: If the accident was caused by poor design, inadequate maintenance, or unsafe conditions in the parking lot, the owner or operator of the parking lot could potentially be held liable. This might include factors like poor lighting, unclear signage, or unaddressed hazards. These are considered premise liability cases, which a Fort Worth parking lot accident lawyer at our firm can discuss further.
4. Third parties: Other parties might be held liable if their actions contributed to the accident. For example, a contractor responsible for parking lot maintenance or a manufacturer of faulty vehicle parts could potentially be held responsible.

Determining liability in parking lot accidents can be complex, and it requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances and applicable laws. If you’ve been involved in a parking lot accident that caused injuries, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your legal rights and options. We can help.

What Types of Injuries Can Be Sustained in a Parking Lot Accident?

In a parking lot accident, various types of injuries can be sustained depending on the circumstances, such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the point of impact, and whether pedestrians were involved. Some common injuries that may result from a parking lot accident include:

• Soft tissue injuries: These can involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, such as sprains, strains, or bruises.
• Whiplash: A neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, often occurring in rear-end collisions.
• Fractures: Broken bones can result from the force of the impact, including fractures to the limbs, ribs, or skull.
• Head injuries: These can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-lasting or even permanent effects on cognitive function and motor skills.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
• Cuts and abrasions: Sharp edges or broken glass from a collision can cause cuts or scrapes, which can range from minor to severe.
• Internal injuries: The impact of a collision can cause damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, or spleen.
• Psychological trauma: Victims of parking lot accidents may suffer from emotional distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the accident.
• Injuries to pedestrians: Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles in parking lots may suffer from any of the above injuries or additional ones, such as dislocations or crush injuries.

It is essential for anyone involved in a parking lot accident to seek medical attention, even if they believe their injuries are minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time if left untreated.

Compensation for Parking Lot Injuries

If you were injured in a parking lot accident due to someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and medication
• Lost wages due to time off work for recovery or rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage, such as damage to your vehicle

A Fort Worth parking lot accident lawyer at our firm can help you determine what types of compensation you may be eligible for and fight on your behalf.

The Role of a Fort Worth Parking Lot Accident Lawyer

A Fort Worth parking lot accident lawyer is a personal inury lawyer who specializes in representing individuals who have been injured, either physically or emotionally, in a parking lot accident as a result of someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. Their main role is to help clients obtain compensation for their injuries and losses. Some specific tasks and responsibilities of a Fort Worth parking lot accident lawyer at Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group include:

Client consultation

A Fort Worth parking lot accident lawyer at our firm will speak with potential clients to discuss their cases, evaluate the merits of the claims, and determine whether they will accept the case.

Investigation

Our team will gather evidence, review documents, interview witnesses, and investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident or injury to build a strong case.

Legal advice

Our personal injury lawyers provide clients with legal advice and guidance on their rights, options, and potential outcomes of their cases. We are with them every step of the way.

Negotiation

In many cases, personal injury claims can be resolved through negotiations with insurance companies or other parties without going to court. We will negotiate on behalf of our clients to see if we are able to secure a fair settlement.

Litigation

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we will file a lawsuit on behalf of their client and represent them in court proceedings. We aren’t afraid of big insurance companies or going to trial.

Case management

Throughout the legal process, our team will manage your case, coordinating with other parties involved, handling paperwork, and keeping you informed of any updates or developments.

Expert collaboration

Our Fort Worth parking lot accidents lawyers frequently consult with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, or other professionals to strengthen your case and demonstrate the extent of their injuries and losses.

Maximizing compensation:

Our main goal is to obtain the maximum possible compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Ethical representation

Our lawyers must adhere to the rules of professional conduct and ethical guidelines set forth by their state’s bar association while representing their clients.

By representing the best interests of our clients and advocating for fair compensation, the personal injury lawyers at Varghese Summersett play a critical role in helping injured individuals navigate the complex legal process and obtain the justice they deserve.

What if I Can’t Afford a Fort Worth Parking Lot Accident Lawyer?

At Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group, we will never send you a bill. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain for you, and we do not charge any upfront fees. If we don’t get compensation for you, we don’t get paid. It’s that simple.

We also offer free consultations, so working with a Fort Worth parking lot accident lawyer will not cost you anything out of pocket, ever. We know that you have enough to worry about, and we will never add to that burden. Our goal is to make your life easier and get you back on track.

Call For a Free Consultation with a Fort Worth Parking Lot Accident Lawyer

At Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group, we have extensive experience and expertise in personal injury law, including parking lot accident cases. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success and are not afraid to go to trial by jury when necessary. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to fighting for justice for our clients.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a parking lot accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Varghese Summersett today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. You can reach us at (817) 207-4878 (HURT) or contact us online.

FAQS About Parking Lot Accident Personal Injury Claims