Parking Lot Accidents in Oakwood

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Parking lot accidents are more common than many people realize, and these crashes can result in serious injuries. Regardless of the severity of the accident, a parking lot collision can be overwhelming.

The committed car accident attorneys at Smith Hulsey Law have extensive experience representing individuals injured in parking lot accidents in Oakwood. They could help you establish liability in a claim and seek all available forms of compensation.

Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents

Parking lots can be dangerous for numerous reasons. Drivers often become distracted while trying to find a space, causing them to neglect other vehicles in the lot. Sometimes, frustrated drivers may engage in reckless behavior, such as attempting to beat another vehicle to an empty space or rushing to exit the lot when it is not safe to do so.

Additionally, traffic patterns in parking lots can be unpredictable and are not always clearly marked. Some lanes may be able to accommodate two-way traffic, while others are designed for only one-way. Parking lot collisions in Oakwood often occur when a car enters a lane going the wrong way, causing a wreck with another car pulling out of a space. This typically happens because the driver of the parked car was expecting oncoming traffic to be coming from the opposite direction.

Most parking lots do not offer pedestrian pathways. People must share traffic lanes with vehicles searching for parking or pulling out of spaces. Many preventable accidents occur because a driver does not see a pedestrian in time to avoid a wreck.

Partial Liability in Parking Lot Collisions

Many people do not drive cautiously in parking lots. Therefore, it is common for both drivers to be at fault in a parking lot accident.

According to Georgia Code Annotated § 51-12-33, someone who was partially responsible for an accident may only collect compensation if they are less than 50 percent responsible for the incident. This is why car insurance companies and potentially at-fault drivers will negotiate the distribution of fault.

This negotiation is critical because even when an injured person is less than 50 percent at fault for an accident, the award they can receive is reduced by their degree of fault. For example, someone who is 30 percent to blame for an accident may receive only 70 percent of their losses. The Oakwood attorneys at Smith Hulsey Law are skilled at negotiating fault allocations in parking lot crashes, preserving injured people’s right to recover damages.

Identifying Additional Liability

An at-fault driver may not always have sufficient coverage to fully cover a claimant’s losses. If a claimant has uninsured motorist coverage, their policy might at least partially address the inadequate compensation. An attorney could also investigate whether other individuals may be held liable for an accident.

Parking lot owners are often partially responsible for parking lot wrecks in Oakwood. If unclear traffic patterns, poor lighting, or inadequate maintenance contributed to the wreck, an injured person could pursue compensation from the lot owner. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a driver, vehicle manufacturer, or other individual could be held liable for an incident.

A well-practiced lawyer could diligently work to hold all responsible individuals accountable for the crash.

Call an Attorney About Parking Lot Crashes in Oakwood Today

If drivers do not exercise appropriate care in parking lots, accidents may occur. If you or a loved one has been injured in a parking lot accident, you have the right to seek compensation from those responsible.

Determining fault and assigning blame in parking lot accidents in Oakwood is often complex. Combative legal representation could protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The lawyers at Smith Hulsey offer proficient representation for individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents. Get in touch with our team today to schedule a consultation.

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