Not every car crash happens on the open road. Instead, many people get struck in parking lots at the grocery store, pharmacy, gym, or post office. Although these accidents might happen at low speeds, they are still serious. Some people are knocked flat on their backs and can’t get up for months.
ContactLarson & Gallivan Law after any collision, including those in parking lots. A Vermont car accident lawyer can begin the process of reviewing your case. Where appropriate, we can bring a claim for financial compensation for all your damages.
Types of Parking Lot Accidents
People are injured in all sorts of parking lot accidents. We can help anyone hurt in the following:
- Backing up accidents. A driver might pull out of a parking spot without checking their mirrors. Instead, they just hit the accelerator and lurch out, crashing into someone who was passing behind their vehicle.
- T-bones. Motorists must yield in parking lots like they do at intersections. It’s not a free-for-all. A driver might refuse to yield and end up crashing into the side of another car.
- Distracted driving accidents. Motorists are often distracted in their cars with crying children, pets, cell phones, and other devices. It’s not unusual to see someone backing out of a parking spot while scrolling through text messages on their phone! A distracted driver is to blame for many parking lot collisions.
- Loading area collisions. These are very hectic areas at many businesses. Several vehicles are pulling in at once, with people milling around or pushing carts. Big rigs might be parked to offload goods and end up blocking your view.
- Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians can get struck in a parking lot because a driver is paying insufficient attention.
There are many reasons for these collisions, but being in a rush is a common denominator. People are eager to pull into a parking spot or to get out and head home. They fail to yield or use their mirrors properly, which results in avoidable accidents.
In a smaller number of cases, the parking lot owner could be to blame. For example, a poorly designed loading area is a real hazard. In other situations, barriers force drivers too close together, increasing the risk of a collision. In still other cases, an unfixed pothole causes a driver to momentarily lose control, causing a crash. Whenever a defect contributes to an accident, we might sue the parking lot or store owner.
Serious Injuries
Motorists can suffer serious injuries at even slow speeds. Even a brief “jolt” can cause:
- Whiplash
- Pinched nerves
- Facial injuries
- Fractures
- Back strain
- Herniated disc
- Broken nose
- Shoulder or knee injuries
An airbag might also deploy. Surprisingly, airbags often cause injuries, because they deploy with too much force or they expel plastics or metal, which can cut a motorist’s face. Some people are burned when chemicals are extruded along with the bag.
Should You Call the Police after a Parking Lot Accident?
Yes! An officer should come to the parking lot and write an accident report. This report will play a critical role when it comes to seeking financial compensation for medical care or car damage. If you leave the scene of the accident without stopping to help anyone, you might commit a crime. Always remember to stop as required by the law.
You Can Bring a Claim for a Parking Lot Accident
Vermont requires that motorists carry liability insurance, which should cover a parking lot accident. You can make a claim to cover the cost of your medical treatments and any lost wages, if you couldn’t work. Even minor jolts to the body can lead to chronic nerve pain, forcing someone out of work for months.
Other compensation should cover pain and suffering, damage to your vehicle, and mental distress. We will review how much to request in a consultation. Low-speed accidents can also cause major car damage, which could cost $30,000 or more to fix.
You Must Report the Accident to the State
Vermont requires that you file a crash report with the Commission of Motor Vehicles using a form you can find atthis website. You must file a crash report if anyone was injured in the accident or total property damage equaled at least $3,000. You have 72 hours from the day of the accident to mail the completed form into the state.
We Can Help with a Claim
The big hurdle with a parking lot accident is convincing an insurer that you are seriously injured. Some claims adjusters assume that a crash in a parking lot is no big deal. They might demand that you visit a physician of their choice or provide endless medical records.
At the end of the process, they might offer only a small settlement, completely overlooking your pain and emotional distress.
We can help. Our job as your Vermont car accident lawyer is to build a strong claim to present to the insurance company. We’ve negotiated with all the state’s big insurers and know how they think.
For example, we can bolster your claim of serious bodily injuries by arranging for you to meet with a specialist who understands car accident injuries. We can also offer tips on how to document your emotional distress or anxiety following a crash.
Car repairs are also expensive—indeed, thecost of repairs has increased by 30% over the past few years. We may be able to help you document how much it will cost to fix your car.
Call Us after a Parking Lot Collision
In the movies, a parking lot collision usually results in a crumpled hood and some inconvenience. In the real world, many people are seriously hurt when struck by a negligent driver in a parking lot. They might even need an ambulance to give them a lift to the emergency room.
Once your condition stabilizes, call Larson & Gallivan Law today to speak with a Vermont car accident attorney. We can discuss your injuries and whether you have a winning case. Our consultations are free, and we won’t charge a fee unless we win your case.
