Vehicle accidents can happen anywhere, including parking lots and garages. Driver negligence is a common cause of parking lot accidents in Olive Branch.
The risk of an accident involving a pedestrian also increases in parking lots. If you have suffered an injury in a parking lot accident, contact an experienced auto collision attorney at The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs as soon as possible.
Parking Lot Conditions Can Cause Accidents
Certain design features of parking lots can increase the chance of an accident. Drivers typically have limited room to maneuver in a parking lot, especially if there is heavy car or foot traffic in the area.
The chances of parking lot accidents can also increase during holidays, such as Black Friday or Christmas, when there is a significant increase in consumer shopping activity.
Many factors that raise the risk of crashes in Olive Branch parking areas are outside of a driver’s control, such as:
- Frequent stops by vehicles
- Minimal traffic signals or signs
- Poor visibility due to insufficient lighting
- Bad weather conditions
- Poor road conditions, such as potholes or objects in the road
- An increased presence of pedestrians
- Poor lot design
Another unique problem with parking lots is that vehicle owners may not be present during a collision. This means that someone can return to a damaged vehicle only to find that the person responsible has left the scene.
Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents
The National Safety Council has reported that tens of thousands of accidents occur each year in parking lots and garages. When car wrecks in Olive Branch parking areas result from negligent actions by a driver, David and Elissa can help injured clients pursue compensation.
Distracted driving is among the top causes of parking lot accidents. A variety of behaviors fall under the category of distracted driving, such as:
- Texting or reading electronic messages
- Talking on the phone
- Eating or drinking
- Personal grooming, such as brushing hair or putting on make-up
- Using a GPS
- Reaching for an object while driving
- Adjusting the radio or temperature controls
In addition to distracted driving, other negligent actions that can cause a parking lot accident include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Failing to yield
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Tailgating
- Driving outside the lane
Recovering Compensation for Parking Lot Accidents
Collisions in Olive Branch parking facilities can often lead to injuries. When a driver hurts someone in a parking lot accident due to negligence, the injured person can pursue a negligence lawsuit.
Drivers have a general duty to use reasonable care when operating a vehicle. When a driver causes an accident through careless actions behind the wheel, they likely breached this duty of care.
Insurance proceeds do not always adequately compensate a victim for their suffering. An injured person can pursue various forms of economic and non-economic compensation through a personal injury claim, such as:
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship with their spouse
David and Elissa can help injured victims pursue comprehensive compensation for their losses.
Contact an Olive Branch Lawyer To Discuss Parking Lot Crashes
You should speak to an attorney as soon as possible if you have suffered injuries or property damage in a parking lot accident in Olive Branch. Even minor collisions can cause serious injuries for accident victims.
If you want to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, you have limited time to file your legal claim. The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs has experience navigating the state’s complex legal system. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.
