While they may be convenient, parking lots are often cramped, enclosed spaces. Unfortunately, these conditions often lead to accidents. If you were involved in a wreck within a parking structure due to someone else’s careless behavior, a St. Augustine parking lot accident lawyer could help you seek recovery for your damages.
The legal system that you must navigate to file a claim could be complex and overwhelming, especially if you are underrepresented. Luckily, you do not have to enter the legal arena alone. By enlisting a skilled accident attorney, you could work to file a persuasive claim for compensation.
The Obligations of Drivers in Parking Lots
The same rules of the road that govern drivers on roadways also apply in parking lots and garages. This includes the duty for drivers to remain aware of their surroundings and care for the wellbeing of all others they may encounter. This regard for safety includes other drivers, as well as any pedestrians who are walking down the aisles of a parking lot.
If a driver in a parking lot fails to fulfill their obligations to protect others, this could be the legal basis for negligence. This means that a driver breached this duty of care and that this disregard led to an accident that resulted in a claimant’s injuries. If a driver is deemed to be negligent, they may be responsible to compensate an injured individual for their losses.
For example, drivers who fail to properly check their rear-view mirrors prior to backing out of spots are a common source of accidents; so too are people that drive too quickly around corners or disregard their duty to yield. This might be especially dangerous in parking garages that have blind spots and tight angles. A dedicated attorney in St. Augustine could help to assess the facts of a case and work to determine how driver negligence might have contributed to a claimant’s parking lot accident injuries.
Damages to Recover in St. Augustine
Even at low speeds, a parking lot or garage collision could result in serious injuries. This is especially true if a vehicle collides with a pedestrian; the resulting impact might potentially cause a life-changing or life-threatening injury.
As such, any claim from an individual seeking compensation could include the payment of medical bills, compensation for lost wages, and decreased earning capacity. Beyond these economic recoveries, a claimant may also seek non-economic damages that may cover mental anguish inflicted in the incident, such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
The Statute of Limitations for Accident Claims
Florida uses a law known as the statute of limitations to restrict how long after an accident a court will hear a case. Under Florida Statute §95.11, injured people should file a claim within four years of the date of the injury. Unfortunately, this means that no matter the severity of the injury, a claimant must pursue their claims on time. Thankfully, a proactive St. Augustine parking lot attorney could help individuals properly evaluate their losses in a case and ensure their claim is pursued in a timely manner.
How a St. Augustine Parking Lot Accident Attorney Might Help
Injuries that occur in parking lots or garages are unfortunately common. If you were harmed as the result of a driver’s negligence in a garage or parking structure, you have a right to demand compensation. A seasoned St. Augustine parking lot lawyer could help navigate the legal system and seek compensation for your damages.
This could include recovery for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. By working with a compassionate injury attorney, you could properly calculate your losses and see that your action is filed in a timely manner. To discuss your case, contact an attorney today.
