Parking Lot Accidents in Fresno | Parking Garage Wreck

Car accidents do not just happen on roads or highways. Parking lots present many factors that can provide an increased risk of a vehicle collision.

When negligent actions by a driver lead to a parking lot accident in Fresno, an injured motorist can potentially file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation. If you were injured in a parking lot collision, our skilled car accident attorneys are ready to aggressively fight for your case. Call Valero Law Group today to begin discussing the specifics of your situation.

Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents

Parking lots have unique features that can increase the risk of an accident in Fresno. According to the National Safety Council, tens of thousands of accidents happen in parking lots and garages each year, which result in injuries and even death.

Heavy Traffic and Congestion

Parking lots are especially dangerous during periods of heavy congestion and traffic. For example, there is an increased risk of a parking lot accident during the holidays. Auto insurers have reported increased claims around Black Friday and during the Christmas season.

Limited Visibility and Road Conditions

Other conditions outside of a driver’s control that can increase the risk of a parking lot accident include poor road conditions, such as potholes, and poor lighting, which can significantly inhibit a driver’s visibility.

Distracted Driving

Negligent behavior by other drivers—distracted driving in particular—can also increase the risk of a parking lot accident. Since parking lots generally have lower speed limits than roads, many drivers believe that it is safe to use their cell phones or electronic wireless devices while driving. Texting, talking on the phone, using social media, taking photos or videos, or using a GPS system are just examples of distractions that can lead to an accident.

Additionally, since parking lots typically have more people walking to and from their vehicles, these situations increase the chances that the accident involves hitting a pedestrian.

Legal Liability for a Parking Lot Accident

Many state laws applicable to roads and highways also apply when driving in a parking lot. When drivers fail to obey these rules and causes a parking lot wreck in Fresno, they can be found negligent and legally responsible for the resulting damages.

In general, drivers are legally liable when their failure to use reasonable care leads to property damage or injuries for another person, according to Cal. Civ. Code § 1714. Proving that a driver was negligent will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident.

Some common negligent actions that can lead to a parking lot accident include:

Driving at excessive speeds
Engaging in reckless driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol
Failing to yield or stop at a sign or signal
Exiting a parking space without checking for other drivers

An attorney can help establish negligence by gathering all available relevant evidence, including police reports, witness statements, expert testimony, and any video or photographic evidence. Learn more about the steps you can take to help preserve this evidence after a crash by speaking with a member of our team.

When Multiple Parties Contribute Negligence

Many parking garage accidents in Fresno happen because more than one party is negligent. An injured pedestrian or motorist (plaintiff) can still recover damages despite their own negligence contributing to the wreck.

When a defendant claims that the plaintiff was also at fault as a defense, the state follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence as established in Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 532 P.2d 1226 (1975). The pure comparative negligence doctrine does not prevent an at-fault plaintiff from recovering damages. However, the rule requires that the court reduce the plaintiff’s recoverable damages in proportion with their percentage of fault. For example, a plaintiff found 60 percent at fault can recover up to 40 percent of the damages sought.

Importantly, the rule allows a plaintiff to recover even when they contributed a majority of the negligence that led to the accident. Reach out to our team to learn more about shared fault.

Let a Fresno Lawyer Help After a Parking Lot Collision

If you were injured in a parking lot accident in Fresno, you should speak with an attorney soon. If you are injured and unable to travel, we can come to you or arrange for transportation.

At Valero Law Group, our lawyers are not afraid to litigate tough cases. We are here to aggressively fight on your behalf while you focus on healing and only get paid if you win. Call our office today to learn more about your legal options.