Parking lots are often a prime location for auto accidents. Although drivers are moving relatively slowly, parking lots often contain a lot of vehicles moving in different directions and motorists’ attention may be diverted while they are looking for a parking space. Moreover, although parking lot accidents are relatively low-impact accidents, they can still result in a significant property damage and serious injuries, especially if the victim of a parking lot accident is a pedestrian.
Liability for Parking Lot Accidents
Liability for parking lot accidents depends on a number of circumstances, including speed, right-of-way, whether distracted driving was involved, and whether one car was backing out of a parking space. For instance, if one car is backing out of a parking space and collides with a car driving down the parking lane, the driver backing out is most likely liable since motorists who are backing out of a parking space have an obligation to look in both directions to make sure that it is safe to back out. Similarly, if a driver is moving forward out of a parking space and collides with a car moving down the parking lane, he or she will also likely be liable for the accident.
Collisions between two cars that are both backing out of a parking space are a little trickier, however. In these situations, additional facts about the accident may be necessary to determine liability or both drivers may be deemed equally liable for the accident.
Most rear-end collisions – including those that happen in parking lots – are deemed to be the fault of the driver who does the rear ending. If, however, there is a chain reaction of rear-end collisions, liability may involve issues of comparative negligence and multiple defendants.
Like most pedestrian accidents, the motorist will be liable if he or she hits a pedestrian in a parking lot. There may, however, be issues of comparative negligence if the pedestrian was partially responsible for the accident.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Because parking lot accidents can involve certain legal complexities regarding fault and comparative negligence, it is important to consult with a car accident lawyer who knows how to appropriately handle parking lot accident claims. At Cogan & Power, our Chicago car accident lawyers focus on representing the victims of car crashes and other motor vehicle accidents. Accordingly, we are able to communicate and negotiate effectively with insurance companies and advocate for your rights to get you maximum compensation. Moreover, we understand the importance of a comprehensive factual investigation and we work with the appropriate auto accident experts to assemble the necessary evidence for a case.
If you were involved in a parking lot accident in or around Chicago, contact our office at (312) 477-2500 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Chicago car accident lawyers.