Atlanta Parking Lot Accident Lawyer

Most Atlanta motor vehicle accidents occur on city streets and highways, but parking lot collisions are also extremely common. Parking lot crashes are frequently low-speed collisions, but they can still cause severe and, in some cases, life-threatening injuries.

Determining fault for Atlanta parking lot accidents can be very complicated. There are often disputes about who did not drive appropriately under the circumstances. One of the reasons that parking lot collisions occur is because it can be confusing in some lots to determine who had the right-of-way.

When you or a loved one are severely injured in any parking lot accident in the greater Atlanta area, you should quickly seek legal representation. An experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer will be able to help you seek the compensation you need and deserve to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C. helps residents and visitors involved in all kinds of car accidents in Atlanta. Call our Atlanta accident attorneys or contact us online to set up a free consultation. 

Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents in Atlanta

Collisions occur in parking lots for a variety of reasons. For example, two drivers who are both backing out of parking spots may have an accident involving the rear ends of both vehicles.

In other cases, a driver pulling forward out of a space may collide with another vehicle. A driver could also back out of a space into another car.

In many cases, two drivers may collide while attempting to claim the same space. Some of these collisions could occur at higher speeds in some cases.

Another commonly-reported crash in parking lots is rear-end collisions. These often involve distracted motorists who were not paying attention to the vehicles in front of them, possibly because they were talking or text messaging on cell phones.

Broadside or T-bone crashes are also common at intersections in parking lots, and sometimes involve vehicles traveling at high speeds. Crashes caused by the misapplication of the accelerator instead of the brakes can cause serious injuries even to people inside a building.

Common Injuries Caused by Low-Speed Parking Lot Accidents in Atlanta

Some parking lot accidents are minor collisions that do not result in injuries, but low-speed accidents can still cause significant harm in some cases. Every accident is different, so there may have been unique circumstances that contributed to or caused your injuries.

Some of the different kinds of injuries people may suffer in parking lot accidents include, but are not limited to:

• Neck injuries
• Whiplash
• Slipped discs
• Fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Strained muscles
• Spinal cord injuries
• Sprains

Even seemingly minor injuries can prevent a person from returning to work, as doctors may order them to stay home for many days or weeks. More severe injuries can make a person permanently unable to work again.

Who Is at Fault for a Atlanta Parking Lot Accident?

Determining who is at fault for a parking lot crash can often be contentious. Both motorists may claim the other driver was at fault.

The traditional rules of the road still apply in parking lots. It is generally assumed that drivers have the right of way in traffic lanes, through lanes, and parking lanes. When a driver is backing out of a space, other drivers are expected to allow them the room to exit the space safely.

Some parking lot accidents involve intersections with stop signs or even traffic lights where right-of-way may be clearer.

If anybody saw your accident, you should be sure to ask them for their name and phone number. These people could prove to be valuable witnesses when liability is disputed. In some cases, the business’s security monitors may capture the crash on video, which can provide valuable evidence about fault.

Does Insurance Cover Parking Lot Accidents in Atlanta?

Automobile insurance should cover a parking lot accident in Atlanta. In some cases, a person may have been involved in a collision with a driver who either did not have insurance or had a policy with limits that will not cover all of your damages.

When there are concerns about a negligent party’s ability to pay damages, a person may be able to recover damages through their uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) policy. You should not assume, however, that an insurance company is automatically on your side just because you are their customer.

All insurers have the same goal of paying as little as possible – and ideally nothing – to resolve injury claims. This is usually accomplished by either finding reasons to deny claims, possibly by proving that a claimant was at fault for their injuries or getting the victim to agree to a lump sum settlement, which is usually much less than the person is entitled to.

Speak with an Atlanta Parking Lot Accident Lawyer Today

If you are involved in a collision in a parking lot in Atlanta, you should always make sure to seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think that you were hurt at first, it is still a good idea to go to the hospital to be sure that you did not suffer an injury involving delayed symptoms.

You should also contact a local law enforcement agency to try to file a police report. Not all police departments will respond to parking lot accidents, but you should still attempt to submit a report when possible. You may also contact the security provider for the business that owns the lot or the manager.

Also, try to take as many pictures as you can of everything that was involved in your collision. Get photographs of the vehicles, the people, and all other contributing factors to your accident.

Did you or a loved one sustain injuries in a parking lot crash in Atlanta? Do not wait to seek the help of a skilled personal injury attorney.

The record of success for The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C. includes $175,000 recovered for a client who needed back surgery following a sideswipe accident. You can have our lawyers review your case when you call us or contact us online to receive a free consultation.