PARKING LOT ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
- Last Modified:
- September 18, 2023
Parking lot accidents can result in serious, life-altering injuries. Pursuing compensation can be a complex process. An experienced parking lot accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and recover fair compensation for your injuries and damages. If you need help with a parking lot accident case, our team at Brown & Crouppen can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we will fight for your rights.
- Who Is Responsible for My Parking Lot Accident?
- Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents
- What Rules Affect Parking Lot Accident Liability?
- What Laws Impact Parking Lot Accident Cases?
- How Can the Parking Lot Accident Lawyers at Brown & Crouppen Help?
- Related Car Accident Practice Areas
- Navigating Parking Lot Accidents With Help From Our Attorneys
Property owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain their parking lots in a reasonably safe condition and keep them free of hazards. However, thousands of injuries occur yearly in parking lots and parking ramps attached to malls, office complexes, retail stores, and other properties.
Parking lot accidents can occur unexpectedly, and determining who is liable is not always clear-cut. At Brown & Crouppen, we understand the challenges faced by those involved in parking lot accidents and are committed to providing the guidance and support needed to navigate the aftermath of trip and falls, slip and falls, violent crimes, and other incidents caused by negligence or unsafe conditions.
If you are involved in a parking lot accident, seek medical attention and call the authorities immediately. After that, contact our law firm to discuss your rights. The legal process of recovering compensation can be difficult and time-consuming, but with an experienced lawyer on your side, you can fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get started with a free consultation with one of our skilled Personal Injury Lawyers today.
Who Is Responsible for My Parking Lot Accident?
Determining liability in a parking lot accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. An experienced parking lot accident attorney can help determine who may be liable for your injuries.
In many cases, property owners or managers bear partial or full responsibility. For example, they may be liable if inadequate lighting, poor signage, improper security, or hazardous conditions contributed to the accident.
In addition, other drivers frequently cause accidents by failing to operate their vehicles with due care, obey the laws, observe traffic patterns, and follow posted signage.
Sometimes, more than one party is liable for an incident. A parking lot accident attorney can review the facts of your case and help determine whether you are owed compensation.
Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents
Common causes of parking lot accidents that can result in a premises liability claim include the following:
- Poorly maintained surfaces: Parking lots with potholes, cracks, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting can pose serious hazards to pedestrians and drivers alike. Trips, slips, and falls are common incidents that can result in injuries.
- Negligent snow and ice removal: In areas with winter weather, snow-and-ice accumulation can create slippery surfaces, making it challenging for pedestrians and drivers to navigate safely. Failure to remove snow and ice can result in accidents and injuries, and property owners may be liable for their negligence.
- Limited visibility: Parking lots with inadequate lighting or obstructed visibility zones can increase the risk of accidents, especially during nighttime or adverse weather conditions.
- Insufficient security measures: Parking lots that lack proper security measures may become targets for criminal activities, such as theft, vandalism, or assaults. Inadequate surveillance and a lack of security personnel can contribute to unsafe conditions.
- Inadequate signage and markings: Insufficient or confusing signage, faded lane markings, or missing traffic signs can confuse drivers and pedestrians. Lack of clear directions and traffic flow management can increase the likelihood of collisions and accidents.
Parking lot accidents can have major consequences for both individuals and property owners. As such, premises liability law plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of visitors and customers. Property owners must take reasonable measures to address potential hazards and maintain a safe environment within their parking lots.
What Rules Affect Parking Lot Accident Liability?
Parking lots pose dangers for drivers and pedestrians alike. Parking lots have fewer clear-cut rules than streets and highways, but some general guidelines exist to determine who has the right-of-way. Whether or not parties acknowledge the right-of-way and other parking lot rules can impact who is held liable in an accident.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way
Pedestrians typically have the right-of-way in parking lots. Drivers must yield to individuals walking in designated crosswalks or pedestrian pathways. Drivers are more likely to be held liable than pedestrians in car accidents and other traffic incidents.
Posted Signs
Parking lots often have signs indicating specific traffic patterns, speed limits, and right-of-way rules. It is essential to obey these signs and follow the instructions provided. For example, if you experienced a slip-and-fall accident in an area with cautionary signage, it may be difficult to prove the property owner is liable for your accident.
Maintaining Awareness
Even if property managers or other drivers are responsible for environmental hazards or unsafe conditions, it’s important to maintain awareness of your surroundings. Driving or walking in a parking lot while distracted or impaired, especially in low-visibility conditions, increases the risk of accidents and can mean you’re determined partially or fully at fault for any injuries.
What Laws Impact Parking Lot Accident Cases?
Specific laws and regulations govern parking lot accidents in St. Louis, Missouri. Understanding these laws can help determine who may be liable for your damages and guide your legal options.
Comparative Negligence
Missouri follows the comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault for the incident. However, your compensation will be reduced proportionately to your share of the fault. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault and the other party was 80 percent at fault, you can still recover up to 80 percent of your damages.
Statute of Limitations
In Missouri, the statute of limitations to file a claim for a parking lot accident is generally five years from the incident date. However, exceptions to this rule may shorten or extend the time you have to file. It is crucial to consult with a parking lot accident lawyer promptly to ensure your claim is filed on time.
How Can the Parking Lot Accident Lawyers at Brown & Crouppen Help?
At Brown & Crouppen, our parking lot accident lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience handling premises liability, government premises accident, and automobile accident cases. We are dedicated to advocating for your rights and pursuing maximum compensation. When working with a parking lot accident attorney at Brown & Crouppen, you can get help and support through every step of the legal process.
Thorough Investigation
Our skilled attorneys can investigate your parking lot accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze relevant factors to build a strong case. We use the evidence we gather to build a solid case and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
Knowledge of Local Law
We fully understand the complexities of parking lot accident laws in St. Louis and Kansas City. Our lawyers can guide you through the legal process and explain your rights and options, ensuring you’re fully informed at every step and helping you make informed decisions.
Negotiation and Settlement
Our team can negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to help you pursue a fair settlement reflecting the true extent of your damages. We aim to secure the maximum compensation available for your injuries, property damage, medical expenses, and more.
Litigation Representation
While we work hard to secure a fair settlement offer, we have no problem taking your case to court. You can count on us to advocate for you and help you fight for all the compensation you are entitled to. Look at our past case results to see how we have helped clients hold the parties that harmed them accountable.
Related Car Accident Practice Areas
At Brown & Crouppen, our experience extends beyond parking lot accidents. We handle a range of car accident practice areas, including the following:
Navigating Parking Lot Accidents With Help From Our Attorneys
The award-winning legal team at Brown & Crouppen has the experience, skill, and dedication needed to fight for your best interest at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. Our parking lot accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process, advocate for your rights, and strive to secure the maximum compensation possible.
Contact us today at (888) 795-0694 for a consultation, and let us help you navigate the complexities of your parking lot accident case.
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- Last Modified:
- September 18, 2023
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