Have you suffered an injury in a parking lot accident in Atlanta? Thousands of people are injured in parking lot accidents each year, the National Safety Council reports. A car crash or slip-and-fall accident in a parking lot or garage can leave accident victims with serious injuries and a stack of unpaid medical bills. Whether you sustained injuries as a pedestrian, a driver, or a passenger, you may have the right to demand financial accountability if someone else’s negligence caused you harm.
If you have questions about seeking financial compensation after a parking deck accident, contact an Atlanta parking lot accident lawyer. The car accident attorneys at Bayuk Pratt have more than 50 years of combined legal experience and have recovered more than $300 million for our many satisfied clients. Our personal injury law firm is ready to provide the legal representation you need to move forward. Contact us today to arrange a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident lawyer.
What Are the Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents in Atlanta?
Parking lots may seem less dangerous than busy roads, but accidents happen frequently due to limited visibility, tight corners, speeding, and drivers failing to remain alert. While many parking lot accidents involve only vehicle damage, many collisions cause injuries. Driver negligence is the root cause of most car accident claims. Drivers may cause parking lot accidents by:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way when entering or exiting a parking space
- Driving aggressively in crowded lots or parking garages
- Driving distracted, such as texting or talking on the phone
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Backing out of a parking space without checking for pedestrians or other vehicles.
The actions or inaction of property owners can also create conditions that make accidents more likely. Some of the things property owners do that cause collisions include:
- Failing to maintain clear signage and proper traffic flow
- Failing to install adequate lighting or replace burned-out lights, making it difficult to see
- Neglecting to repair potholes, uneven pavement, or other trip-and-fall hazards
- Failing to provide adequate security, leading to injuries caused by assaults or robberies.
Other parties’ actions can also increase the accident risk in parking lots. For example:
- Pedestrians walking in unexpected areas or stepping out from behind a parked vehicle
- Bicyclists or scooter riders moving through parking lots unpredictably.
Our personal injury lawyers have the resources to conduct a thorough investigation and determine who is legally responsible for serious injuries in a parking lot accident.
What Injuries Occur Most Often in Atlanta Parking Lot Collisions?
Even at low speeds, parking lot accidents can cause serious injuries, especially to people on foot. The force of impact of a collision or a fall can lead to significant injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages for car accident victims. Injuries vary depending on the circumstances of the motor vehicle accident. Some typical examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial injuries, including dental damage
- Broken bones, especially hip and pelvis fractures
- Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Cuts and bruises
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Burns from vehicle fires or explosions.
Who Can Be Held at Fault for a Parking Lot Accident in Atlanta?
Determining who is at fault in a parking lot accident depends on the circumstances of the crash. Several parties may be liable, including:
- Drivers who speed, fail to yield, or drive while distracted
- Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions in parking garages or parking lots
- Businesses that fail to adequately maintain the parking lot
- Vehicle manufacturers whose defective products contributed to the accident
- Pedestrians or bicyclists whose careless actions caused a collision.
When you turn to the legal team at Bayuk Pratt to manage your Atlanta car accident claim, we’ll investigate the accident to identify all liable parties. This investigation may involve analyzing the police report, obtaining surveillance camera footage, and locating witnesses. We’ll build a strong car accident injury claim and seek to negotiate a fair settlement with the other driver’s insurance company. If the insurer denies the insurance claim and refuses to settle, our attorneys will be prepared to take your case to trial. Our law firm has experienced trial attorneys.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Involved in an Atlanta Parking Lot Accident?
Taking quick action after a parking lot accident can protect your health and strengthen your potential personal injury claim. Check for injuries and call 911 right away to report the accident. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party and document the accident scene through photos and videos. If anyone else saw the accident, get their contact details so an experienced auto accident attorney can follow up with them later.
In the period following the accident, take the following steps to preserve your right to seek compensation for your injuries:
- Seek medical attention to establish a record of your injuries and begin treatment.
- Follow your treatment plan and retain medical records and copies of medical bills.
- Report the accident to your insurance company. However, you should avoid giving a recorded statement until you have consulted an attorney.
- Document your related expenses, lost wages, and how the injury affects your daily life
- Preserve any physical or written evidence related to the auto accident.
- Request a free consultation with an Atlanta car accident lawyer to learn about your legal rights and determine whether you have a valid car accident case.
What Types of Damages Could I Recover from a Parking Lot Accident Lawsuit?
The types of compensation you may seek after a parking lot car accident in Atlanta will depend on the specific facts of the collision, the severity of your injuries, and the insurance coverage available. More serious injuries require extensive medical treatment and may keep you from working for a lengthy period. You may be eligible to demand compensation for the following:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Lost income, including loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Property damage.
What Is the Georgia Statute of Limitations for a Parking Lot Accident Claim?
Georgia law limits the amount of time injured car accident victims have to file a car accident lawsuit and pursue compensation. Typically, you have just two years from the injury date to file a lawsuit to seek compensation. For this reason, you need to contact an Atlanta auto accident attorney as soon as possible to evaluate your case, begin collecting evidence, and prepare your personal injury case.
Get Help from an Atlanta Parking Lot Accident Attorney Today
If you have questions about your legal options after a parking lot wreck in Atlanta, GA, contact an experienced car accident attorney at Bayuk Pratt. We understand what it takes to stand up to powerful insurance companies. Our founding partners are former insurance defense attorneys. Now, we use our insider’s knowledge of how insurance companies operate to help car crash victims seek maximum compensation. Our law firm offers free consultations and handles injury cases with a contingency fee agreement. We don’t charge a legal fee unless we secure compensation for you. Contact us right away to discuss your parking lot accident case with an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney.