Parking lot accidents are typically fender-benders: small accidents that happen at low speeds and that don’t cause serious damages to either party involved. But this is not always the case. In some situations, parking lot accidents can be more severe, causing significant damage to vehicles or harm to people. If you have been in a parking lot accident and are struggling to understand your rights or how to recover compensation for your harm, you need a skilled Massachusetts car accident attorney on your side. At the offices of Tetzel Law, our team can help. Give us a call today to get started during a no-cost consultation.
How Parking Lot Car Accidents Happen
Numerous factors can cause or contribute to a parking lot accident. Top causes of parking lot accidents include:
- Driving too fast
- Failing to pay attention
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive behavior
- Failure to stop for pedestrians
- Illegal parking
- Poor conditions, such as snow, ice, or poor visibility
- Impaired driving
In some cases, lack of parking lot maintenance or proper signage can also cause or contribute to parking lot accidents.
Determining Fault and Liability
Even though most parking lots in Massachusetts are private property, the rules of the road extend to these parking lots, and drivers are expected to exercise the same degree of care in them as they do on other roadways. That means that when a parking lot accident occurs, the first step is determining what or who caused the parking lot accident. This can be based on things like determining which party had the right of way, whether a driver performed an illegal maneuver, or if there was any other breach of the standard of care.
If you are found to be at fault for the accident, you may be limited to damages under your own insurance policy. However, if the other party is found to be at fault, you can seek compensation against the other driver.
Do I Need an Attorney?
Whether or not you need an attorney depends on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your damages. While many parking lot accidents are minor fender-benders that don’t cause any real harm to either party, some parking lot accidents can be severe. This is especially true when the accident involves a pedestrian. If you have suffered serious personal injuries or property damage as a result of a Massachusetts parking lot accident, you need an attorney.
Call Our Massachusetts Car Accident Attorneys Today
To learn more about your options after a parking lot accident in Massachusetts, give our attorneys at the law office of Tetzel Law a call directly today. You can reach us at (617) 742-1700 or online for your free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis.