Parking lots are a common setting for motor vehicle accidents. While drivers rarely travel at high speed, these collisions can cause severe injuries and significant property damage. The consequences are especially high when pedestrians are involved.
When you have been injured in a parking lot accident in Jackson, you deserve legal help. A dedicated automobile wreck attorney could determine who was at fault, deal with insurance companies, and even file a lawsuit on your behalf. You do not need to go through this process on your own. Let our legal team at Reaves Law Firm, PLLC, advocate for you.
Determining who is responsible for an accident in a parking lot is a different process than determining who is responsible for crashes on roads or highways in Jackson. Most state traffic laws do not apply in this scenario, given that a parking lot is not a public roadway and is most often owned by a private company.
However, vehicles must follow some general rules regarding the right-of-way. Parking lots have lanes, and vehicles traveling in these lanes have priority over cars in parking spots. If a driver backs out of a spot and strikes a vehicle established in a lane, they are generally at fault. Often, only one vehicle is moving at the time of the accident. In this scenario, that driver is usually liable for any injuries. This is true whether they struck another car or a pedestrian.
It is not enough to blame another driver for an accident. To recover a monetary award, there must be evidence of negligence. This can take different forms, but the goal is to find information establishing that another person’s carelessness led to the crash.
Often, the most readily available evidence is a video of the crash. This might come from dash camera footage, or it could be recorded by security cameras mounted by the property owner. A video allows the jury to determine for themselves who is responsible. Other valuable evidence could include witness statements, police reports, and medical records. A Jackson resident hurt in a parking lot accident is not obligated to find the proof they need on their own. The support of a dedicated attorney could be invaluable for building the strongest possible claim for compensation.
A lawsuit is possible in the aftermath of a Jackson parking lot accident. That said, the time available to bring legal action is not indefinite. Once the opportunity to file a lawsuit has passed, it will never be available again. Generally, a person must file suit three years from the crash date. If they wait until after this deadline expires, known as the statute of limitations, the chance to recover damages is lost for good. This is the case even when the evidence of negligence is overwhelming.
There are a few exceptions to this deadline that may provide an injured person with more time to bring their case. Assuming these exceptions apply is risky, so speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is helpful to avoid any issues.
When you have been hurt in a parking lot accident in Jackson, there may be viable grounds for financial compensation. Recovering damages without help can be challenging, but the right attorney could give you the best chances of success.
Our well-versed lawyers are here to guide you throughout the claims process to ensure you receive the maximum amount of available compensation. Call Reaves Law Firm, PLLC, today for a free consultation.
