From careless drivers to pedestrians obscured by parked cars, parking lots have the potential for accidents when you least expect them. When you sustain injuries in a parking lot accident in Woodland Hills, you have the right to pursue legal action. The person responsible for causing the incident could be on the hook for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. A skilled car accident attorney from our firm can help you seek justice for these damages. Call today to get started with a free consultation.
Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lots are a common location for motor vehicle accidents. The factors that can lead to a crash are numerous, with many being related to limited visibility and crowded aisles. When these accidents occur as a result of negligence, financial compensation could be available.
One of the most common factors in these collisions involves driver error. In the hunt for the perfect parking spot, many motorists fail to pay careful attention to the world around them. This can lead drivers to strike other vehicles, pedestrians, or even fixed objects like concrete pillars. Other accidents occur due to aggressive driving. While there are no set speed limits in private parking lots, driving at an unreasonably high speed can result in dangerous scenarios.
Drivers are not always to blame in these cases. Other parties could also face civil liability for a parking lot crash. For example, if a vehicle defect is to blame, the manufacturer could be sued. It is also possible for the owner of the Woodland Hills parking lot to be held liable for these accidents. This is especially true when some defect on the property leads to a crash.
Potential Injuries
There is a common misconception that these accidents do not result in serious physical injuries. While it is true that drivers often travel at lower speeds in parking lots and garages, this does not mean serious physical harm is impossible. Low-speed collisions can cause a range of harm to pedestrians and vehicle passengers alike. Some common injuries include:
- Sprains and soft tissue damage
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
The extent and type of injury play a major role in determining how much compensation an injured motorist or pedestrian could pursue. Working with a trusted attorney after a Woodland Hills parking lot accident is the best way to maximize potential damage awards.
Who Has the Right-of-Way in a Parking Lot?
A critical issue in Woodland Hills parking garage accidents is the right-of-way. Unlike collisions on a public roadway, no traffic laws govern who is entitled to occupy a specific space in the lot. However, there are general rules that apply to the right-of-way in these spaces.
For example, a motorist who is traveling through an aisle in the lot generally has the right-of-way compared to drivers backing out of a spot. At uncontrolled intersections, the first driver to arrive is allowed to proceed.
Above all else, it is important to note that pedestrians almost always have the right-of-way. While their actions could leave them partially at fault in an accident, drivers should take care to avoid them at all costs.
Talk to an Attorney About Parking Lot Accidents in Woodland Hills
The potential for severe injuries in a parking lot accident might take you by surprise. Despite this fact, the reality is these collisions can lead to serious or even life-threatening injuries.
When you are hurt in a parking lot accident in Woodland Hills, you deserve a legal team that will fight for you. Call today for a private consultation. We are always available.
