Parking Lot Accidents

Atlanta Parking Lot Accident Attorneys

Every year, a considerable number of car accidents occur in parking lots. While these motor vehicle collisions typically occur at low speeds compared to highway traffic accidents, a low speed impact can still be serious enough to cause a great deal of damage to the both the cars involved and their drivers. The drivers in these accidents can sustain serious injuries which may include whiplash and other painful, as well as debilitating neck and back injuries.

Parking lot accidents can also be more complicated than other roadway crashes. Typically, there are many factors to consider in these cases, such as the liability of the parking lot owner if the accident was caused by inadequate lighting or signage, faulty striping, damaged road surfaces or other factors within the lot owner’s responsibility and control. Another important issue is the matter of each driver’s comparative negligence. Parking lot accidents often involve each driver pointing the finger at the other for causing the collision. Therefore, it is vital that you have effective legal representation to keep you from being denied a recovery for your damages.

Should You Call the Police?

Some police departments do not come out to make accident reports that occur on private property, like parking lots. However, different departments have different procedures, and they may come if available. Even if the police do not come out to make a report, calling the police helps create a record and establish the fact that the accident occurred. Sometimes, insurance companies will not want to pay a claim if there is no police report, so you want to be able to prove that you at least attempted to obtain one. Reporting the accident will also make sure you are not later criminally charged with leaving the scene of an accident. Finally, you should definitely call the police if you suspect the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if the other driver is belligerent and you fear for your safety.

Should You Call Your Insurance Company?

The other party may call their insurance company, so you want to make sure you call yours as well. In parking lot accidents, fault may be decided by the insurance companies based on the information provided to them, so you want to make sure they have your side of what occurred. However, while it is important to call your insurance company quickly, keep in mind that they have an interest in paying out as little as possible in claim money. Therefore, it’s always best to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney before providing any statement to an insurance company.

Experienced Parking Lot Car Accident Attorneys in Atlanta

At Katz Personal Injury Lawyers, F, our accident attorneys evaluate all the facts and circumstances to hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence, while making sure you are not unfairly saddled with blame. If you have been injured in a parking lot accident in Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, Roswell or the surrounding areas, contact our office today at (404) 460-0101 or by email at katzleads@thekatzlawfirm.net for a free consultation.