There are some significant differences between most parking lot accidents and wrecks that occur on a Palm Harbor roadway. Most collisions occur at low speeds, and many involve vehicles that are backing up instead of moving forward. Because traveling in reverse provides a limited field of view, it is not uncommon for accidents to occur. Even low-speed collisions have the potential for severe injury.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motor vehicle collision, a car crash attorney could help you seek compensation for your damages. A Palm Harbor parking lot accident lawyer could collect evidence to help you prove your case in and out of court.
Reasons for Parking Lot Accidents
A parking lot accident could look a lot like any other type of vehicle crash. However, due to the nature of parking lots, these accidents often share some similar characteristics. A seasoned Palm Harbor parking lot accident lawyer will review the circumstances surround a new case to identify the cause of the crash. Some common causes of parking crashes include:
- Failing to keep a lookout for pedestrians when backing out of a space
- Pulling too far into a parking space and striking a vehicle
- Turning wide in the aisle and striking an oncoming vehicle
- Driving too fast to avoid a car backing out of a space
- Traveling the wrong way in a one-way lane
- Failing to yield
- Parking in areas not designated for parking
Proving Negligence for a Car Crash
Determining fault in a parking lot crash presents unique challenges to a Palm Harbor parking lot accident attorney. The traffic laws that govern streets and highways do not apply in a parking lot. Also, police officers will often not appear at an accident in a parking lot on private property.
When it comes to proving liability in a parking lot accident, the plaintiff’s lawyer must prove that the other driver was negligent. Negligence includes four elements:
- The duty of care
- Breach of the duty of care
- Causation
- Damages
The Duty of Care
First, the plaintiff’s attorney must establish that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care. If a defendant did not owe the plaintiff a duty, the plaintiff’s claim for damages is not viable. However, drivers have a duty to each other to drive safely.
Breach of the Duty of Care
Once a plaintiff establishes that a duty exists, they must also show that the plaintiff violated that duty. Proving a breach of the duty of care in a parking lot case can involve evidence that the other driver was inattentive, careless, or reckless.
Causation and Damages
The final two elements of negligence, causation, and damages are related to each other. To recover compensation, a plaintiff must show not only that they suffered damages but that the damages resulted from the defendant’s breached duty of care.
Seek Help from a Palm Harbor Parking Lot Accident Attorney
While parking lot accidents have earned a reputation of a simple annoyance, these accidents can lead to severe injuries in the wrong situation. However, prevailing in a parking lot case can be challenging. A Palm Harbor parking lot accident lawyer could investigate your case, collect evidence, and speak to witnesses to help prove your case. Call today to get started on your claim.
