Parking lots can be a haven for unexpected accidents. With so many cars pulling in and out of spaces and distracted drivers looking for a spot, fender benders are nearly a guarantee. Pedestrians are also at high risk for injury if they are not paying attention or if a driver overlooks them before backing out.
If you or a loved one have been hurt because of a crash in a parking area, you need help understanding your options for compensation and justice. At the Shelley Leeke Law Firm, each Beaufort car accident lawyer on our team is ready to listen to your story and explain your options. Our Beaufort personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations and more than a decade of experience.
Low Speeds Can Still Cause Big Damage in Parking Lots
At any time of the day, the parking areas for places like grocery stores, clothing shops, and home improvement warehouses are full of vehicles and pedestrians. In addition to passenger cars, delivery trucks are coming and going, putting you and your automobile at risk. Whether it is you or your car that is damaged, you will need reimbursement for the harm caused by another person.
As reported by the National Safety Council (NSC), drivers in parking lots are often distracted. They found that 66% of motorists in these areas text, browse social media, or pay attention to their GPS while searching for a parking space. They can easily be blinded to people walking past or cars trying to exit a space.
When large commercial trucks pull up to unload their freight, they often block the view or travel lanes for other drivers. You may collide with someone who swerved around a beer truck to get past it. Who is legally at fault? You will need a skilled parking lot accident attorney in Beaufort to figure this out.
Pedestrians Are Not Safe in Parking Lots
When a parking lot is poorly lit, drivers find it even harder to see people walking. Although a car may not travel fast when it backs out, even a small bump can send someone to the ground or into another vehicle. Young children and the elderly are especially prone to severe injuries.
In addition to the danger from cars, if the area is not maintained properly or left unsecured, people could suffer trip-and-fall accidents or be victims of crime. Potholes, ice, wet leaves, and debris are other dangers that could cause you to break bones or suffer other medical conditions.
Choose an Attorney from Shelley Leeke Law Firm
Not every legal office has the experience, knowledge, or compassion to serve its clients the way the Shelly Leeke Law Firm does. We are dedicated to demonstrating how our proven track record makes us the smart choice for your parking lot accident. We offer a strong background in personal injury law, personal attention to every case, and professional staff with a network of experts in relevant fields.
We assess your case and give you an honest analysis of how we believe your claim will proceed. We can devise a strategy for obtaining the maximum compensation possible through insurance claims or by filing a lawsuit. Our professionals will tackle all the tasks needed to ensure your claim is handled correctly and on time.
We never want you to have the stress and confusion of figuring out your case while you are trying to recover. We take that burden off your shoulders and are with you from start to finish.
Your Lawyer Can Investigate Who Is Liable for Your Parking Lot Accident
Since so many people and vehicles are in a relatively small area, each with its own distractions and plans, it can be difficult to understand who is at fault. It may seem simple that if someone backed into your car, they are responsible. However, there may be more to the story, and it takes a careful investigation to determine liability.
Your Beaufort parking lot accident lawyer will collect evidence from every possible source to better understand what happened and how. They will rely on information such as:
- Police reports
- Photos of the damage, the scene, and your injuries
- Contact and insurance information from everyone involved
- Witness statements
- Footage from security and dash cameras, plus cellphone video
- Auto repair estimates
- Driving histories
- Expert testimony
Just because your accident happened in a parking lot and not on the road does not mean that it will be handled differently. The same laws apply as with other collisions: everyone must exchange details, call for the authorities, and remain at the scene.
The Possibility of Compensation After a Parking Lot Accident
When you suffer physical injuries and property damage in a parking lot accident, they may range from minor to severe. Getting your car dinged with a shopping cart that someone allowed to roll away may only take a little work to repair. Nonetheless, it does not mean you should have to pay for it.
Likewise, if you are hit by a car because the driver was speeding in the lot, you could suffer extreme injuries and deserve compensation for every penny of your expenses. You can pursue an insurance claim against the person responsible. However, if their policy does not provide enough for your bills, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit to ensure you have sufficient restitution.
Types of Compensation Available
Your Shelley Leeke parking lot accident lawyer in Beaufort will handle all the work necessary for any action you undertake. We can prepare forms, negotiate with insurance companies, file motions with the court, and protect your rights throughout your claims process. We are focused on helping you receive compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses you have already paid and those you expect to have as you continue treatment
- Lost wages and benefits from your job while you cannot work
- Repair or replacement for your personal property, such as your car, cellphone, clothing, or other items
- Restitution for the emotional distress, suffering, discomfort, and other changes in your life due to the accident
You do not need to take the first offer an insurance company makes to you. This is often very low and will not cover your expenses. Our team will negotiate the most advantageous settlement. If they do not meet your demands, we can take them to court. Insurance companies and defendants will often decide to settle before your case even comes to trial.
Comparative Negligence Laws May Affect Your Claim
South Carolina follows a comparative negligence model for personal injury cases. This means that if you are found to be 50% or more responsible for your parking lot accident, you cannot receive damages. Your attorney will do their best to minimize how fault is attributed to you and focus the blame on the person who hurt you.
This can complicate your case, but the team at Shelley Leeke is always on your side to create the best outcome for you.
Let a Beaufort Parking Lot Accident Attorney Help You Today
When you need the advice of a qualified, reputable Beaufort parking lot accident attorney, look no further than the Shelley Leeke Law Firm. We serve our clients with honesty, dedication, and experience. We also offer a contingency fee structure so that you pay nothing until and unless we win your case for you.
Use our convenient online form to schedule your free initial consultation today.
