Los Angeles Parking Lot Accident Lawyers
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Our Los Angeles Parking Lot Accident Lawyers Help Protect Your Legal Interests After An Injury
Injured in an accident at a parking lot in LA? Seek justice and compensation with Arash Law’s Los Angeles parking lot accident lawyers. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to book an initial consultation free of charge. We’re available to answer your questions about the process of filing personal injury claims.
Parking lots may appear safe, considering the low speeds at which you must drive. The slow-moving traffic in parking lots can create a false sense of safety for pedestrians and drivers. The reality, however, is that accidents can occur and cause severe injuries even in seemingly safe areas.
Have you sustained injuries in a parking lot accident in LA because of another person’s negligence? Our Los Angeles lawyers at Arash Law can explain your rights and explore legal options for seeking compensation. With decades of experience handling difficult cases, we can offer guidance and support throughout the legal process. Contact us by phone or fill out our online contact form for a free case review.
Marin v. East West Building Services (settled on 8/2/2023) – Third Party Compromise and Release settlement involving a window washer who sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma when he fell from a height. Workers’ Compensation contributed $1,325,000 as part of this global settlement.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Why Choose Our Los Angeles Parking Lot Accident Lawyers To Protect Your Rights?
Parking lot accidents may not seem as tragic as highway accidents, but don’t underestimate the effect of minor crashes. Even seemingly minor accidents can have tragic consequences, like hitting and killing pedestrians. Additionally, driving in the wrong direction in a parking lane can result in a head-on collision and severe injuries.
In such instances, a parking lot injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process. They can provide advice on your next steps and represent your interests.
Here’s what our parking accident lawyers in Los Angeles offer:
- We have handled a wide range of parking lot accident cases across California, providing knowledgeable guidance based on state and local laws.
- We evaluate the details of your case, identify liable parties, and develop a strategy tailored to your circumstances.
- Our team handles the paperwork, communications, and negotiations to help streamline the legal process for you.
- We gather evidence, review reports, and consult with qualified professionals when necessary to build a well-documented claim on your behalf.
- We’ll keep you informed at each stage of your case and involve you in key decisions.
Moreover, our Los Angeles lawyers for parking lot accidents can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and the extent of your injuries. If needed, we can collaborate with accident reconstructionists or collision reconstruction engineers to analyze the factors that may have caused your injuries, including lighting, design layout, line of sight and visibility, and signage issues.
Our attorneys also assess liability and work diligently to pursue accountability from the parties at fault. In a nutshell, our parking lot accident attorneys can handle your case and help you seek just compensation for your losses.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured In A Parking Lot In Los Angeles?
There are numerous lots and multi-level parking structures near retail and commercial areas in California. Los Angeles alone has hundreds of parking structures that accommodate thousands of vehicles. A single mistake by a driver or a hazardous situation on or near the property can result in severe injury or even death.
If you’re injured in a parking lot in Los Angeles, here’s what you can do:
- Seek medical help immediately. Your safety should always be your priority. Reach out to your doctor or visit the emergency room to document your injuries and symptoms. This documentation is essential in establishing the severity of your injuries. Also, remember to record all your medical appointments and follow-ups.
- Notify the property owner or management of the accident. Request them to create an incident report. Additionally, if any security cameras have recorded the accident, request the preservation of such records.
- Contact the authorities. Inform them with a detailed account of the incident, including the time, location, and parties involved.
- Take photos and physical evidence. Capture pictures of the exact spot of the accident, the surrounding area, and any cuts or bruises you sustained. Anything that shows your accident resulted from the property owner’s, manager’s, or another driver’s negligence can support your claim.
- Reach out to witnesses. Request their names, addresses, and contact details. Their accounts of the accident can serve as evidence.
- Avoid making statements or signing any documents. Do not admit fault or provide statements to insurance companies without legal guidance, as this could affect your ability to seek compensation.
- Contact parking lot accident lawyers in Los Angeles. An accident attorney can answer your questions, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.
Common Causes Of Parking Lot Accidents
Numerous individuals have stumbled, slipped, and fallen while strolling through parking lots because of surface hazards. Distractions are also a frequent cause of accidents, as drivers and pedestrians may momentarily divert their attention while adjusting seatbelts, using their phones, texting, or operating vehicle controls. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in a crash and serious injuries.
Apart from dangerous driving practices, the common causes of parking lot car accidents include:
Distracted Driving While Searching For A Parking Space
Accidents can happen when the driver is distracted, even in low-traffic areas like parking lots. Based on a survey from the National Safety Council, 66% of drivers claimed they would make phone calls while driving through parking lots. Sixty-three percent would program their GPS systems, whereas 56% said they would text while driving. Others would use social media, check emails, take photos, and watch videos.
Texting Or Using A Cell Phone While Driving
Texting and mobile phone use while driving can significantly increase the risk of accidents. When using a mobile phone, the driver may lose concentration, especially when using only one hand on the steering wheel. They may not notice pedestrians stepping into the path of a car or other vehicles pulling out of parking spaces. Such instances usually lead to unfortunate accidents.
Speeding In Parking Lots
Speeding in parking lots is surprisingly common, often leading to accidents. Drivers who exceed speed limits in these areas put pedestrians and other motorists at risk, potentially causing vehicle damage as well as serious injuries. The close proximity of cars and people in parking lots makes even minor speeding especially dangerous.
Improper Maintenance
If a parking lot’s key features are not well-maintained, it becomes difficult for drivers and pedestrians to move around safely. Examples of parking lot maintenance issues include cracks, potholes, ruts, and other pavement defects.
Wet And Slippery Surfaces
Parking lots are also a common location for slip-and-fall accidents. Water, ice, or other substances on a surface can make it slippery, causing people to lose their balance and fall.
Oil Spillage
Oil spills can also lead to slip-and-fall accidents in parking lots. Oil leaks from vehicles passing through a parking lot accumulate, making the area unsafe for pedestrians.
Unsanitary Conditions
Clutter, such as debris, trash, tools, and merchandise shipments, can obstruct roads for drivers and pathways for pedestrians. When unseen, they can lead to accidents and injuries.
Uneven Walkways
Uneven surfaces, often caused by loose or broken paving stones, can pose a risk to pedestrians. A pedestrian walking on uneven walkways in parking lots might trip and fall, causing severe injuries.
Common Injuries Caused By Parking Lot Accidents In Los Angeles
Some parking lot accidents happen when drivers speed through the parking lot, endangering everyone nearby. Meanwhile, pedestrians can be seriously injured or killed in a parking lot accident.
Parking lot injuries can result from various incidents, including slip-and-falls, pedestrian accidents, or criminal assaults.
Here are some common injuries that victims can sustain in parking lot accidents in Los Angeles:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that victims may experience in parking lot accidents. When a car suddenly stops or collides, the head can jerk forcefully, resulting in neck pain. It’s essential to seek medical attention immediately to treat the pain and prevent long-term complications. You may need to see an orthopedic doctor or physical therapist for treatment.
Spinal Cord Injuries
High-impact parking lot accidents can result in spinal cord injuries with devastating consequences, including partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can have a life-changing effect. Our Los Angeles lawyers for parking lot accidents are dedicated to advocating for victims who sustain such injuries. We aim to help them pursue compensation for their medical expenses, rehabilitation, and the difficulties they face in adjusting to a new way of life.
Internal Organ Damage
Parking lot accidents can also lead to internal organ damage. The blunt force trauma sustained in these incidents can result in severe health consequences. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to identify and address potential complications.
Bruising And Lacerations
Parking lot accident victims may sustain bruises and lacerations due to collisions with objects inside the vehicle or hard surfaces. The impact of seatbelt restraints, airbag deployment, or contact with interior components can result in these injuries.
Neck And Head Injuries, Including Concussions
Parking lot collisions can result in head and neck injuries, including concussions. The sudden stops or impacts can cause the head to hit surfaces with force, leading to injuries that range from mild concussions to more severe trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Parking lot accidents, particularly high-impact collisions, can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The head experiences a strong force during these accidents, which can cause severe brain trauma and affect cognitive functions and overall quality of life.
Los Angeles Parking Lot Accident Cases We Handle
Some drivers are less cautious when driving in parking lots or garages. They may assume that the slower speeds reduce the chances of getting into an accident. Several factors can cause them to become distracted, such as using a phone for calling, texting, and even browsing social media. As such, they might not be attentive to their surroundings and might not notice trip hazards, warning signs, or approaching cars. All these can lead to accidents.
The seasoned Los Angeles lawyers at Arash Law, with experience handling parking lot accidents, can assist clients in the following cases:
- Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Intersection Crashes
- Left-Turn Accidents
- Multi-vehicle Accidents
- Rear-end Crashes
- Rollover Accidents
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
Establishing Liability In Los Angeles Parking Lot Accidents
So, who is at fault in a parking lot accident in Los Angeles, California? Typically, the person responsible for the accident is held accountable for the resulting damages. However, determining liability or fault in a parking lot accident can be challenging sometimes.
In general, cars in the through lanes have the right-of-way, and drivers in the parking lanes are supposed to give way. So, if a car reversing from a parking spot collides with a car driving in a through lane, the driver backing out is usually deemed responsible.
Multiple parties could be liable if the parking lot accident involved more than one driver. Two cars can collide while reversing out of parking spaces. In such cases, both drivers are at fault for the accident.
On the other hand, rear-end collisions are usually caused by the driver who hits the car in front of them. However, other drivers might try to blame you for the accident. If you file an insurance claim, there’s also a chance it could be denied if the insurer determines you were at fault.
If you need help understanding your rights, our attorneys in Los Angeles who handle parking lot accidents are available for a consultation. We can investigate the accident and gather evidence. If needed, we can work with qualified professionals to provide insights that can help strengthen your claim.
Driving In Parking Lots Comes With A Duty Of Care
Parking lot accidents pose a significant risk, especially when drivers let their guard down once they enter parking lots. However, drivers must exercise caution and apply safety measures, as stated in California Civil Jury Instruction (CACI) Series 700. This rule also applies when entering parking lot areas.
As applied to parking lot areas, safety measures include:
- Giving way to pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Checking rear-view mirrors before reversing out of a spot.
- Driving at a suitable (most of the time, slow) speed.
- Watching out for pedestrians in the aisles.
- Avoiding cell phone use or other distractions.
Premises Liability Accidents In Parking Lots
Parking lot accidents cause numerous injuries and fatalities every year. However, parking lot incidents resulting in severe injuries may not solely be attributed to car accidents. In certain situations, an accident in a parking area could become a premises liability case. That’s because parking lot owners are legally obligated to keep a safe environment for their customers.
For example, if a parking lot is in a high-risk area, the owner is responsible for installing security cameras, providing proper lighting, and hiring security staff. Neglecting these safety measures can lead to injuries from attacks or slip-and-fall incidents, for which the property owner can be held accountable.
The owners should also maintain the parking areas in proper condition. They could be held liable for injuries caused by property defects, such as slippery stairwells, unsafe elevators, uneven walkways, and improperly installed safety barriers.
To seek damages for your injuries or any suffering, you must establish the following:
- The owner was aware, or should have been aware, of the hazardous situation and that the victim would be unable to recognize it as dangerous.
- The owner failed to secure the area and didn’t warn the victim of the dangerous condition.
- The victim was unaware of the hazardous condition or the associated risks.
Have you suffered an injury in a parking lot accident due to the property owner’s negligence in maintaining safe premises? Then, you might be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Arash Law provides legal representation to individuals who have been injured in accidents caused by unsafe premises. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t charge any attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained. Please note that case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome.
Available Compensation For Parking Lot Accident Cases In LA
The medical costs associated with treating injuries resulting from parking lot accidents can be substantial. Bills can pile up quickly, especially when the victim is unable to work. This is why pursuing a personal injury case can be beneficial. Apart from protecting your rights, it can provide you with an opportunity to seek financial compensation for your accident-related losses.
As a victim of a parking lot accident, you may seek compensation for your economic losses, including past and future medical expenses, lost income, property damage, loss of earning capacity, and other out-of-pocket costs related to the accident.
You may also pursue non-economic damages, including disability and disfigurement, physical pain and discomfort, emotional distress, mental trauma, and other pain and suffering you might experience.
A parking lot accident lawyer in Los Angeles can assist in documenting your losses, identifying available damages, and estimating the potential value of your claim. They can also help you pursue just compensation under California law.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits For Parking Lot Accidents
Sometimes, parking lot accidents lead to wrongful death. If another party is at fault for the victim’s death, the deceased individual’s family can pursue a lawsuit for compensation.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60, individuals who have lost a loved one due to negligence can file wrongful death lawsuits. Driving a car recklessly in a parking lot falls within this definition.
Typically, the person who experiences a personal injury has the right to pursue monetary compensation. However, if the person has passed away, the law grants authority to spouses, children, parents, and personal representatives to act as plaintiffs in such legal cases.
Has your loved one died in a parking lot accident? Our Los Angeles lawyers for parking lot accidents can help you pursue a wrongful death claim. To discuss your situation and understand the process of filing a claim, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.
April 2019: $14M settlement in a traumatic brain injury case involving a defective piece of equipment at a factory.– BRIAN BEECHER
Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Claim After A Parking Lot Accident
As per California’s statute of limitations, a personal injury lawsuit generally must be filed within two years from the accident date. One may no longer be allowed to file a lawsuit after this deadline. However, certain exceptions may extend the filing period, such as cases involving minors, government entities, or delayed discovery of injuries.
Because building a case can take time, it is important to act promptly. Our Los Angeles parking lot accident lawyers can help you understand the applicable deadline or exemption to your case and gather evidence before it becomes unavailable. They can also file the necessary paperwork within the required timeframe.
Parking Lot Accident Facts And Statistics
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), parking lots witness tens of thousands of accidents every year, leading to hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries. Among the causes of such incidents is distracted driving. And based on the poll conducted by the NSC:
- 66% of drivers nationwide confessed to making phone calls while driving through parking lots.
- 63% admitted to programming GPS systems.
- 56% reported being distracted by texting.
- 52% were using social media.
- 50% were sending or receiving emails while driving.
- 49% were taking photos or watching videos.
Is My Employer Liable For Damage To My Car In The Parking Lot?
The employer can only be held responsible for any damage caused to your car in the parking lot if they acted with intent or extreme carelessness.
Need Los Angeles Parking Lot Accident Attorneys For Legal Advice?
Pursuing compensation for parking lot accidents can be complicated. With the assistance of skilled parking lot injury lawyers in Los Angeles, we can help you pursue just compensation under the law. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, the legal team at Arash Law is ready to represent your interests in court.
You can seek legal representation without worrying about the cost of a Los Angeles parking lot injury attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay any attorney fees unless compensation is obtained. Case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. During your first consultation, our lawyers will discuss our fee arrangement and potential costs, as well as address any questions you may have.
Reach Out To Our Los Angeles Parking Lot Accident Lawyers For Your Case!
Arash Law has been representing injured victims across California for decades. We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including car and truck accidents, rideshare collisions, dog bites, and more.
If you’ve been injured in a parking area, our Los Angeles accident lawyers who focus on parking lot cases can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a complimentary case review.
We also offer our services to injured victims in these nearby areas: Lancaster, Lake Hughes, Quartz Hill, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Malibu, Torrance, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Lake Forest, Mission, Chino, San Clemente, Riverside, San Bernardino, Hesperia, and Victorville.
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