Parking lot accident victims in South Carolina may be entitled to compensation for injuries and damages. However, seeking compensation can be complex and frustrating, especially when dealing with insurance companies, property owners, and other parties involved in the accident. Seek the advice of an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm, who can help you navigate the legal system and seek the compensation you deserve. Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers are ready to help you take the next step in getting your life back.
Recoverable Damages for South Carolina Parking Lot Accidents
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that about 20% of all vehicle accidents occur in parking lots. A parking lot accident attorney in South Carolina can help you recover compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you might be entitled to recover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property. This may include the cost of rental cars or other transportation while your property is being repaired.
- Medical Expenses: If you were injured in the accident, you might be able to recover the cost of your medical treatment, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, medications, and physical therapy. This can also include future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If you missed work due to the accident or your injuries, you might be entitled to recover the wages you lost during that time.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, or compensation for the accident’s impact on your quality of life and mental health.
- Punitive Damages: These damages may be recoverable if the other driver’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless. These damages punish the at-fault party and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
We understand that every case is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That is why we offer personalized attention and tailored legal strategies.
The Insurance Claims Process for South Carolina Parking Lot Accidents
In South Carolina, insurance claims for parking lot accidents work similarly to claims for other car accidents. The first step is to exchange information with the other party involved, including names, contact information, and insurance information. If the accident involves injury, property damage, or damage to a vehicle, you should also contact the police to report the accident.
Next, file a claim with your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In South Carolina, the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for damages and injuries caused in the accident. Their insurance company will typically be responsible for paying for damages and other expenses related to the accident.
Comparative Fault in South Carolina Parking Lot Accidents
It is important to note that South Carolina follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally to your level of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by 30%.
Seek the advice of an experienced South Carolina parking lot accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system. A parking lot accident lawyer in South Carolina can provide guidance and support throughout the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court.
Common Parking Lot Accident Injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that most parking lot accidents occur when a driver backs out of a parking spot. Parking lot accidents in South Carolina can result in various injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones and traumatic brain injuries. Here are some common injuries that can result from parking lot accidents in South Carolina:
- Whiplash: This common injury occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jolted forward and backward. This can cause damage to the soft tissues in the neck, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Head injuries: In a parking lot accident, occupants can hit their heads on the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects inside the vehicle. This can result in a concussion, skull fracture, or other traumatic brain injuries.
- Back injuries: The force of a parking lot accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in back pain, nerve damage, and other complications.
- Broken bones: The impact of a parking lot accident can also cause broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and contusions, are also common in parking lot accidents, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Seek medical attention immediately after a parking lot accident, even if you do not feel any immediate pain or discomfort. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not become apparent until hours or even days after the accident. Additionally, seeking prompt medical attention can help you document your injuries and establish a record of your medical expenses.
How to Have a Successful Parking Lot Accident Claim
In South Carolina, to have a successful claim for a parking lot accident, you must prove that another party was at fault for the accident. Common grounds for filing a claim include negligence, property owner liability, defective vehicle or equipment, or intentional wrongdoing.
Negligence can include actions such as failing to yield or driving recklessly. Property owner liability can be claimed if a dangerous condition on the property caused the accident. Defective vehicle or equipment claims can be made if a defect in the vehicle or equipment caused the accident. Intentional wrongdoing can be claimed if the other driver intentionally caused the accident.
To establish a successful claim, you must demonstrate that the other party had a duty to exercise reasonable care and that they breached that duty, resulting in the accident and your injuries. You will also need to provide evidence of the damages you suffered, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm for a South Carolina Parking Lot Accident Attorney
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we can connect you with a South Carolina parking lot accident attorney who can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case, increasing your chances of a successful claim. Contact us today.
