While most accidents happen on roads or highways, a surprising number of these incidents occur in parking lots and structures. What’s more, this type of accident can lead to serious injuries more often than you might think—especially when pedestrians are involved.
If you were hurt in a parking lot accident in Bakersfield, you could have a valid case for compensation. The process of investigating these collisions can be different compared to wrecks that happen on the highway. You could benefit from relying on the experience of a dedicated injury attorney from Valero Law Group. Reach out today to learn more about your legal options.
Types of Parking Lot Collisions
Different factors can cause two or more vehicles to collide in a Bakersfield parking garage. Typically, these issues are acts of human error involving one or more drivers. However, a parking lot accident can also result from factors outside of the parties’ control.
Failure to Yield
The failure to yield the right-of-way is one of the most common causes of accidents in parking lots. This is largely due to the lack of clarity on which driver has the right to proceed at any given time. The rules of the road do not necessarily apply here, and there is often little in the way of clearly marked intersections or lanes.
Speeding
Driving at high speed is particularly dangerous in a parking lot. While some lots limit speeds to as little as 15 miles per hour, most structures do not list a limit at all. Due to the risk of cars reversing out of parking spots or pedestrians stepping out from behind a parked vehicle, the risk of an accident is significant for speeding drivers.
Vehicle Defects
Not every accident is the fault of one of its participants. If a vehicle’s steering or braking systems malfunction, it might be impossible to avoid a crash despite the best efforts of all involved. Under these circumstances, it is possible to seek compensation from the vehicle manufacturer.
Reach out to our team to learn more about how the cause of an accident can impact your claim for compensation.
Time Limits on Filing a Lawsuit
There is a limited amount of time to pursue legal action after being hurt in a parking garage accident in Bakersfield. Plaintiffs must comply with a legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. In general, all injury cases must be filed within two years of the date the collision occurred.
The failure to comply with the statute of limitations can have drastic and unfortunate consequences. This is true even when the facts of the case are clearly on the plaintiff’s side. A judge will typically dismiss a lawsuit with prejudice if it is filed after the deadline. A dismissal with prejudice means more than the end of a lawsuit. It also represents a permanent ban on recovering damages related to the parking lot accident. This is the worst possible outcome for the injured party.
The amount of time a person has to act could be extended with some limited exceptions. An attorney can answer questions on when they apply.
Talk to a Lawyer in Bakersfield About Your Parking Lot Accident
While the thought of a parking lot accident in Bakersfield might seem like little more than a fender bender, the reality is that these incidents can have devastating consequences. If you were hurt in a crash, now is the time to talk with an attorney who is ready to help. Reach out right away for a private consultation to discuss your legal strategy.
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