Savannah Parking Lot Accident Lawyers
A high percentage of accidents in Savannah happen in parking lots. People tend to believe there will be no other traffic coming and blind spots make it difficult to spot approaching vehicles. Georgia law that governs how people must drive their cars while on the roads also applies to parking lots.
People driving in lots have the same responsibilities to protect other drivers as anywhere else. Even though the collisions here will likely be at low speed, the damages can still be severe.
A Savannah parking lot accident lawyer can help people who suffered injuries in parking lots pursue their claims and obtain the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured in a parking lot, call a seasoned attorney today.
Causes of Parking Lot Wrecks
Accidents in parking lots usually result from inattentiveness. But this does not mean the at-fault driver is any less responsible for their actions. Injuries that result from accidents are usually pursued using the legal theory of negligence. For negligence to apply, the plaintiff must prove the defendant had a legal responsibility to protect them.
All drivers in public areas, including parking lots, have a duty to watch out for the well-being of other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. This means the main question in these cases is whether the defendant’s driving breached this duty.
Most parking lot accidents involve a driver backing out of a spot and not properly looking behind them prior to moving. Whenever a driver is moving backward, they have a duty to make sure they will not collide with anyone since all drivers behind them have the right-of-way. This same rule applies to all pedestrians walking behind cars.
However, there are some situations where this general rule becomes more complicated. If a pedestrian is walking between parked cars and quickly moves out into the driving area, they may assume some of the blame. Similarly, if a driver pulls forward through an empty parking spot and collides with a person backing out, the driver moving forward may take the blame.
Common Injuries
Even at low speeds, any collision between vehicles can result in serious injuries. Rear end collisions place heavy pressure on a person’s spine that can result in strains of the back and neck ligaments. More severe injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
Even worse are incidents between cars and pedestrians. A pedestrian will almost always be knocked to the ground. In severe cases, the car may drag them or even run them over. It is important to remember that no matter how seemingly minor the accident may appear, a negligent driver is responsible for all damages that result.
These damages can extend beyond the physical. A fully developed claim with the help of a parking lot accident lawyer in Savannah will include consideration for lost wages due to either a disability following the accident or from necessary medical appointments for rehabilitation. Individuals can also make claims for any mental anguish or suffering associated with the incident.
Savannah Parking Lot Accident Lawyer Can Help
Accidents that happen in parking lots can be minimized by insurance companies. They may argue the incident must have been at low speed or that the injured person somehow contributed to the accident.
A Savannah parking lot accident attorney can protect individuals from these tactics and form demand packages that outline the defendant’s negligence and the associated damages. A lawyer understands that drivers in parking lots have the same responsibility to drive safely as all other motorists.
By being thorough and firm, an attorney can bring most cases to a conclusion without needing to go to court.
