Chicago Parking Lot Accident Attorney

Navigating the congested streets and crowded parking lots of Chicago can be a daunting task for any driver. It’s no wonder that catastrophic car crashes in Chicago are more common than they should be. Unfortunately, this is true even in parking lots where the speeds are typically lower.

If you’ve been involved in a parking lot accident in Chicago, you may be wondering why it occurred and what steps to take next to protect your right to compensation for your crash-related losses. We advise you to consult with a Chicago parking lot accident lawyer to learn more about what constitutes a pursuable claim and what your next steps should be if you meet the requirements to file one.

Meeting with an attorney from our firm, Thomas Law Offices, won’t cost you a thing. So, get in touch with us by phone or email. Time is of the essence both in terms of being able to preserve evidence and submit a timely claim or lawsuit in auto accident cases like these.

Leading Causes of Crashes That Occur in Parking Lots

Parking lot crashes may seem like minor accidents compared to collisions on the highway. However, these wrecks can still result in significant damage to vehicles and injuries to drivers and passengers as well as pedestrians.

If you’re curious about some common causes of parking lot crashes, they include:

• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or even searching for a parking spot can lead to inattentiveness and accidents.
• Speeding: Despite lower speed limits in parking lots, some drivers may still exceed them, increasing the risk of collisions, especially in crowded areas.
• Failure To Yield: Drivers may fail to yield to pedestrians, other vehicles, or traffic signs within parking lots. This can lead to accidents at intersections and cause crashes as motorists are entering or exiting parking spaces.
• Backing Out Without Checking Blind Spots: Many parking lot accidents occur when drivers reverse out of parking spaces without adequately checking their blind spots for pedestrians or approaching vehicles. Research conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC) shows that backup incidents are responsible for 9% of pedestrian deaths in these lots.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers may hastily change lanes or directions within parking lots without signaling or checking for other vehicles, resulting in sideswipe accidents.
• Poor Visibility: Limited visibility due to poorly designed parking lots, obstructions, or adverse surface conditions can contribute to accidents, especially during the nighttime or inclement weather.
• Inadequate Signage and Markings: Confusing or missing signage, faded pavement markings, or poorly marked pedestrian crossings can lead to misunderstandings and accidents.
• Parking Lot Design Flaws: Poorly designed parking lots with narrow lanes, tight turns, insufficient lighting, or inadequate spacing between vehicles can create hazardous conditions that contribute to accidents.

By being aware of these common causes, drivers can take proactive measures to mitigate risks and enhance safety in parking lots. Vigilance, patience, and adherence to traffic rules and signage are essential for preventing parking lot accidents. The issue is that many motorists don’t take the necessary precautions to minimize their crash risks. If this recklessness resulted in you getting hurt in a parking lot, speaking with an attorney about the rights you may have to hold the liable motorist accountable is what you should consider doing next.

Determining Fault for Collisions in Car Parks

At Thomas Law Offices, we understand that it can seem complicated to determine fault for parking lot accidents. Doing so may depend on a variety of factors, including:

• Rules of the Road: Traffic laws still apply in parking lots. Violating these laws, such as failing to yield or stop at a stop sign, can establish fault.
• Right-of-Way: Determining who had the right-of-way is crucial. The driver who had the right-of-way and was obeying traffic signs or signals is less likely to be at fault.
• Driver Behavior: Reckless driving behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence can also impact fault determinations.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable insight into what happened and who was at fault.
• Evidence: Physical evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and surveillance footage can help reconstructionists recreate the accident and determine fault.
• Parking Lot Conditions: Poorly maintained parking lots, inadequate signage, or obscured visibility due to objects like trees or bushes can contribute to accidents and affect fault. If an investigation reveals that these contributed to the collision that injured you, holding a property owner liable for your injuries may be an option.

By considering these factors, attorneys, reconstruction experts, and insurance companies can establish who was at fault in a parking lot accident and determine liability accordingly. If you need assistance in making such a determination, a Chicago parking lot accident lawyer can help. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case today.

Why You Need a Parking Lot Accident Attorney in Chicago

After a wreck in a car park, you may be dealing with property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and many more damages. A parking lot lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation for your losses.

Some areas that your attorney can help include:

Assessing Liability

Determining liability in a parking lot accident can be challenging, as multiple factors may contribute to the collision. Illinois is a modified comparative negligence state, which not only means that fault can be divided among multiple parties based on their degree of negligence but also that you, as an injured party, can still recover damages, provided you’re 50% or less at fault for the parking lot crash. In this case, any settlement amount you’d be eligible to receive could potentially be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Collecting Evidence

Evidence is crucial in establishing liability and proving the extent of your damages in a parking lot accident case. This may include photos of the accident scene, witness statements, surveillance footage, police reports, and medical records documenting your injuries.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are primarily concerned with minimizing their payouts, and they may try to pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement soon after the accident.

It’s essential to remember that you’re not obligated to accept their initial offer. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.

Navigating the Legal Process

The legal process can be complex and time-consuming, especially if your case ends up going to trial. Your lawyer can help streamline the process and alleviate some of the stress of pursuing an insurance claim or civil lawsuit – like timely filing.

It’s important to act quickly if you’re considering filing a parking lot accident claim in Chicago. Illinois has a statute of limitations that restricts the time frame in which you can file civil actions. In most cases, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline could result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation.

Compensation

In a parking lot accident case, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future medical care. An attorney will assess the full extent of your losses and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Choosing the Right Lawyer To Represent You

When selecting an attorney to be your advocate, it’s essential to choose someone with experience, expertise, and a track record of success in handling similar cases.

Look for a Chicago parking lot accident lawyer who is responsive, communicative, and genuinely cares about your well-being. A reputable law firm will offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and provide honest advice about your legal options.

An auto accident in a parking lot in Chicago can disrupt your life and leave you facing significant financial burdens. However, with the help of Thomas Law Offices, we will do our best to make it easier to seek justice and fair compensation for your losses.

By understanding your rights, gathering evidence, and enlisting the assistance of a trusted attorney, you can navigate the legal process with confidence and focus on rebuilding your life.

If you’ve been involved in a parking lot accident, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free case review to get legal guidance and discuss your rights.