Parking Lot Accidents in Stockton

For most drivers, parking lot accidents in Stockton are mere fender benders. They file a claim, and the damage is resolved. However, not every parking lot accident is minor. What happens when a car strikes a pedestrian or cyclist? What about the drivers who cut across a parking lot at an excessive speed? Even a minor collision may cause serious injuries that are not apparent until days later. If you are involved in a parking lot accident, contact the Valero Law Group for help. Our team of experienced auto accident attorneys can help you understand your options for moving forward.

What Causes Parking Lot Accidents?

There are many reasons a crash could occur in a parking lot. Drivers may focus more on finding a parking spot than the pedestrians or vehicles around them. Common causes of Stockton parking lot accidents include:

Distracted Driving

Many drivers do not pay as much attention in parking lots. They may use their cell phones or engage with passengers, thinking lower speeds make driving safer. Whether on the road or in a parking lot, talking and texting while driving is prohibited unless the device is hands-free.

Speeding

Although some parking lots have speed limit signs, many default to a standard five to ten miles per hour, as used by the Department of Motor Vehicles for testing. Most pedestrians, when struck by a car traveling at less than 15 mph, avoid serious injury. However, the likelihood of more severe injuries increases as the car’s speed increases. Many motorists do not follow the speed guidelines in parking lots.

Reversing

Backing out of a parking space can be dangerous, especially in crowded lots with large SUVs and trucks. When leaving a space, drivers may have limited visibility or an obstructed view because of surrounding vehicles. Drivers should check their mirrors to ensure that no other vehicle is attempting to reverse at the same time.

Poor Environmental Conditions

Unsafe driving is not always the cause of a parking lot accident. Property owners are responsible for maintaining parking lots and removing debris or fixing road conditions that can endanger customers. Poor lighting could also make it difficult to see.

Poor Design

Some parking lots may lack a safe-driving design. They may not control vehicles’ entrances and exits from an adjoining street or have adequate signage to establish right-of-ways or directions.

Every driver in a parking lot should drive defensively. They should obey all traffic signs and remain focused on their surroundings. Rather than rushing to leave, careful drivers should adhere to speed limits so they can stop quickly to avoid accidents. If someone’s negligence resulted in a parking lot accident, you should contact our team for guidance.

What Does At-Fault Mean?

California is an at-fault state that acknowledges shared responsibilities through pure comparative fault liability. Anyone injured in a parking lot accident must prove that those responsible for the injuries were at fault or negligent before they can receive compensation.

Because California is a comparative fault state, multiple parties may be legally liable for an accident. Each party is assigned a percentage of fault, which may lower the available compensation. For example, driver A is 65 percent responsible for a parking lot accident, and driver B is 35 percent. With a settlement amount of $100,000, driver B only receives $65,000.

Stockton drivers are not the only ones responsible for parking lot collisions. If property owners or businesses do not maintain parking lots in a reasonably safe condition, they may be found liable for all or part of the resulting damage. A knowledgeable car accident attorney from Valero Law Group can help injured motorists identify possible responsible parties to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.

Contact a Stockton Attorney After a Parking Lot Accident

Parking lot accidents in Stockton might seem like minor fender benders, but they can lead to serious injuries that surface days later. Before settling with an insurance company, consult the legal team at Valero Law Group to explore your options and protect your rights.