Parking Lot Accident Liability
Car crashes and collisions between pedestrians and motorists are an unfortunately common occurrence, both in Charleston and throughout the Palmetto State. While many of these accidents happen on busy streets and in intersections, an alarming number occur in residential and commercial lots, resulting in parking lot accident liability. While generally resulting in only minor damages to drivers, these types of car accidents can cause severe and potentially life-threatening injuries to pedestrians. A recent North Charleston accident involving a child who was struck by a motorist emphasizes the dangers of these accidents and what you can do when these types of accidents occur.
Pedestrian Parking Lot Accident Injuries
Raycom Media’s Live at Five News reported a pedestrian parking lot accident that occurred in late September, 2017, on Fairwind Drive in North Charleston. The driver of a box truck was attempting to back into a space, when a small child suddenly ran out and reached under the vehicle, attempting to retrieve a lost ball. Fortunately, the child suffered only minor injuries, but in other cases involving pedestrian parking lot accident injuries, victims are not nearly so lucky.
In such cases, you should take your case to a truck accident attorney Florence for an evaluation. Even in a parking lot, an accident with a truck can lead to major injuries and life-impairing conditions. After reviewing your medical records, witness testimonies, parking lot cameras, and other reports/documents, your lawyer will start building a case for you. Most of the time, it translates into initiating settlement negotiations with the at-fault party, so you receive the just compensation you deserve. You might be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, and your attorney will do everything for you to recover and return to a normal life.
According to a November 2016 EHS Today report, more than 50,000 car accidents occur in and around parking lots each year, resulting in roughly 60,000 injuries and nearly 500 deaths. Often occurring in retail, restaurant, and other public facilities, the report indicates that common causes include the following:
- Driver distractions, such as using cell phones, texting, or fiddling with car stereos and GPS systems
- Speeding and racing to get into spaces
- Disregarding parking lot stop signs
- Failure to yield to other drivers
- Not looking carefully enough before entering or exiting a space
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Pedestrian Parking Lot Accident
When these types of pedestrian accidents do occur either in public or residential setting, there are generally plenty of witnesses at the scene. Regardless of whether the accident or your injuries seem minor, make sure to take the following steps:
- Notify local law enforcement or store security
- Get the name, contact information, and driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance numbers for the driver involved
- Get contact information for anyone who may have seen the accident occur
- Seek medical care immediately, regardless of your symptoms
These types of accidents can result in serious and potentially disabling injuries, in which the effects are not felt until days or even weeks after the accident. Getting yourself checked by a medical provider and following their instructions regarding treatment and work or activity restrictions can help protect your rights in a parking lot accident liability claim.
Reach Out to Us Today for Help
Even seemingly minor accidents can result in injuries that have a major impact on your future health and financial security. When these types of injuries occur, get the professional legal guidance you need in pursuing your parking lot accident liability claim by contacting Anastopoulo Law Firm right away. Request a free consultation with our South Carolina auto/pedestrian accident attorney in our Charleston office, one of our locations throughout the Lowcountry, or in the Upstate to discuss the types of compensation you may be entitled to.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
