A quick trip to the store should not end with flashing lights and a damaged car. Yet parking lot accidents in Cordova occur frequently and cause injuries that can be just as serious as those sustained on a highway. If you were hurt in a parking lot crash, you may be worried about doctor bills, missing work, or whether the other driver’s insurance will take responsibility.
Trying to manage these challenges without help is often overwhelming. At The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs, we can review the accident, identify who may be responsible, and explain the legal options available to you. An experienced car crash attorney can also move quickly to gather footage, organize records, and deal with insurers in a way that protects your position. While no outcome is certain, clear legal advice early can prevent mistakes that are difficult to undo.
What Rules Apply to Parking Lot Claims?
Different types of accidents can occur in parking lots, including two cars colliding while backing out, a driver striking a pedestrian, or a fall caused by broken pavement or poor lighting. Liability may rest with another motorist, a business, or, in some cases, a vehicle owner’s employer.
Tennessee law provides injured individuals with a limited time period to act. Most personal injury cases must be filed within one year, under Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-3-104. The state also applies a modified comparative fault system. This means that if an individual is found to be 50 percent or more responsible, they cannot recover compensation. If the individual’s share is less than half, their compensation is reduced by that percentage.
Compensation may include medical costs, lost income, and reduced earning capacity. State law imposes limits on various types of non-economic compensation, and punitive damages are also restricted. Insurance coverage often plays a central role. Liability coverage, medical payments benefits, and uninsured or underinsured motorist provisions may all be involved. Evidence—such as security videos, witness statements, or crash data—can help clarify what occurred in a Cordova parking lot or parking garage crash.
Steps to Take to Build a Strong Legal Claim
The actions taken in the hours and days after a crash can significantly affect a case. Medical records show how and when injuries occurred. Photos capture vehicle positions, pavement defects, or lighting issues that may later be questioned. Attorneys often send requests for businesses to preserve surveillance videos before they are erased.
Consider the following practical steps:
- Contact the police or security and request an incident report
- Take pictures of vehicles, signage, lighting, and surface conditions
- Ask the property manager to keep any camera footage
- Get prompt medical treatment and follow through with care
- Notify insurers, but wait to provide recorded statements until you have obtained legal advice
Taking these steps after an accident in a Cordova parking lot strengthens claims for medical expenses, wage loss, and non-economic compensation. They also help establish credibility with insurers and courts. When injuries need ongoing care, lawyers, such as David and Elissa, may consult experienced professionals to evaluate future costs and address any health plan liens.
Seek Legal Guidance With Your Cordova Parking Lot Injuries
After a collision in a parking lot, you deserve practical guidance and straightforward answers. The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs can explain Tennessee’s rules, help you evaluate your choices, and advise what a claim may involve.
If you have questions about parking lot accidents in Cordova, contact our office for a free consultation. A direct conversation with a lawyer can provide the clarity you need to move forward with confidence and focus on recovery.
