Even though they are not main roads, parking lots have their own right-of-way rules which drivers are required to adhere to. When drivers are careless or not paying attention, serious parking lot accidents can result. If you have suffered an injury in a parking lot crash, it is imperative to contact an experienced Massachusetts injury attorney who can help. At The Law Offices of Barry Feinstein & Affiliates, P.C., we are dedicated to assisting victims of car accidents in the recovery of any damages they are rightfully owed.
Parking Lot Crashes
According to the American Automobile Association, approximately 14 percent of car accidents take place in parking lots. These wrecks can range in severity. Some are minor incidents such as fender benders, opening a car door and striking another vehicle, while others are much more severe and may involve striking someone with a car or backing into another vehicle at a relatively high speed. The risk of a parking lot accident is even higher during the holiday season when people are swarming to malls and shopping centers. In addition, with severe winters in Massachusetts, it is possible for parking lot accidents to involve snowplows.
Liability for Parking Lot Accidents
If you have been hit and injured by another driver, either while you were on foot or in your car, you may be able to recover monetary damages to help deal with your injuries and losses. In the vast majority of cases, the legal doctrine of negligence is used to establish fault. It is important to note that without establishing fault, you will not be able to recover any compensation.
A negligence claim asserts that the accident was the result of the defendant failing to use reasonable care behind the wheel. Reasonable care is defined as how an ordinarily prudent person would act under the same or similar circumstances. In order to win a negligence claim, you must not only show that the defendant failed to use reasonable care but also that this failure was a direct cause of the accident and resulting injury. For instance, if a driver causes a parking lot accident because he or she disregarded a stop sign, that driver will be liable for the accident and any resulting harm. This is because a driver using reasonable care would be vigilant of a stop sign, understanding the risk of accident associated with running it.
Contact an Experienced Massachusetts Injury Attorney
Even at low speeds, parking lot collisions can lead to serious injuries and even death. If you have been hurt in a parking lot accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At The Law Offices of Barry Feinstein & Affiliates, P.C., our reputable Massachusetts car accident attorneys understand the nuances of this area of law and can help you understand your legal options. While our goal is to settle every case in a timely manner, we will aggressively fight for your rights in the courtroom if necessary. For a free consultation regarding your accident, do not hesitate to call us today at 1-800-262-9200 or contact us online.
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