Who Is Responsible for Parking Lot Injuries?

Causes of Parking Lot Injuries

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of parking lot accidents. Drivers who are distracted by their phones, passengers, or other factors may not be paying attention to the road, pedestrians, or other vehicles in the parking lot. This can lead to serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and head trauma.

Some common examples of distracted driving in parking lots include:

• Texting or using a cell phone while driving
• Tending to babies or young children while driving
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Putting on makeup or grooming while driving
• Navigating with GPS or using a map while driving

If you have been injured in a parking lot accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced parking lot accident attorney to discuss your case.

Common Parking Lot Hazards

Parking lots can be fraught with hazards that contribute to accidents and injuries. These hazards can range from poor lighting to uneven surfaces, each posing a unique risk to drivers and pedestrians alike.

You may associate car accidents with busy streets and major highways, but collisions can occur anywhere, even in parking lots. In these areas, drivers are often less likely to pay attention and may not follow the unique right-of-way laws that apply in these spaces. This can make identifying a liable party in a parking lot accident complex. Depending on your unique circumstances, the parking lot’s owner, a pedestrian, a driver backing out of a parking space, or a moving driver may be responsible for the accident and your injuries.

At Knowles Law Firm, we understand the challenges of parking lot accidents and establishing fault. With over 55 years of experience and multi-million dollar settlements obtained for our clients, you can trust us to build a strong claim and fight for your rights, no matter how complicated or intricate your case. Our reputation speaks for itself, and with our client-focused, personalized approach, we create nuanced and innovative strategies that help you identify the liable party and hold them accountable for their negligence.

Who May Be Liable for Parking Lot Injuries in Nebraska?

When driving in a parking lot, it is crucial to understand Nebraska’s laws regarding right-of-way and yielding to uphold your duty of care and avoid accidents. However, many drivers often ignore these laws in parking lots, causing serious harm, especially to pedestrians who do not have the same protections as drivers. Premises liability laws also apply to parking lot injuries, holding property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions.

At Knowles Law Firm, we conduct a thorough investigation and collect evidence, like medical records, police reports, video footage, and witness testimony, to identify a liable party, which may include one or more of the following: Accidents occurring on private property, such as parking garages, have different legal implications compared to public road accidents, requiring specialized legal assistance to navigate these complexities.

Property Owner

Property owners and parking lot managers are responsible for making their premises safe for everyone. This includes sufficient lighting, proper design, appropriate maintenance, and warning parking lot users of any potential dangers. Therefore, if the parking lot was poorly designed, had inadequate lighting, or was not well-maintained, the property owner or manager may be liable for accidents and injuries resulting from their negligence. In the case of slip and fall accidents, property owners have a legal obligation to ensure their premises are free from hazards and can be held accountable if they fail to do so.

Pedestrian

While pedestrians always have the right of way in a parking lot, they may be liable for a parking lot accident if they fail to check for safety when crossing, are distracted while walking, or walk behind a parked vehicle without looking both ways. Security camera footage of the parking lot, call phone records, and witness testimony can help prove if a pedestrian breached their duty of care and contributed to the accident.

An injured person in a parking lot accident has the right to seek compensation, and the degree of fault can influence the amount they may receive, especially in cases involving comparative negligence.

Driver Backing Up

In most cases, the driver backing out of a parking spot must yield the right of way to the drivers on the main thoroughfare. Therefore, if they fail to follow this rule or check both ways before pulling out of their spot, they may be liable if they crash into a moving or parked car. If two cars are backing up simultaneously and hit each other, both drivers may share a portion of the fault.

Moving Driver

While the moving driver typically has the right of way in parking lots, there may be situations in which they share responsibility for a car accident. For example, if they are not paying attention when driving in the parking lot, speeding, driving recklessly, or neglecting their duty of care to yield to pedestrians, they may be held accountable for an accident and injuries.

Discover Whose Negligence Caused Your Parking Lot Accident and Injuries With Knowles Law Firm in Nebraska

Determining responsibility in parking lot accidents can be challenging due to the various potentially liable parties and unique right-of-way laws. At Knowles Law Firm, we leverage our 55 years of experience and a proven track record of multi-million dollar settlements to help you navigate this complex process. Our team conducts thorough investigations and gathers vital evidence to identify the negligent party and build a compelling case for your claim.

It is crucial to understand the legal timeframe for filing a personal injury claim and to consult a personal injury attorney to navigate the complexities of claims and avoid settling for inadequate compensation from insurance companies.

We understand the nuances of parking lot accidents and provide personalized, innovative strategies to achieve the best possible outcome. Trust us to handle your case so you can focus on recovery. Contact us at (402) 431-9000 or visit our contact form.