A busy parking lot can be a beehive of activity with people pulling out of parking spaces, distracted pedestrians, and narrow lanes, accidents are bound to happen. Right now, you could be a motorist who was struck by another car. You could have been traveling on foot when a car hit you. Either way, the Morris Bart law firm can help. A New Orleans parking lot accident lawyer from our practice can assess your situation and implement a plan of action that is designed to get you financial recovery for your losses.
You may be experiencing an increase in medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering as you recover from your injuries. At the Morris Bart law firm, we can hold the at-fault party responsible for your losses and seek the cost of your damages. Our team encourages you to take prompt legal action because, under Civil Code Art. 3492, you generally have one year from the collision date to file a lawsuit. Failure to act within this period forfeits your right to file a civil action against the liable party.
Call Morris Bart at (504) 613-4771 for a free case review.
Liability in a Parking Lot Accident
Who is responsible for your losses following a parking lot accident depends on the details of your situation. If you were in an accident with another driver, then liability usually rests on that party. However, if dangerous conditions in the parking lot caused your losses, then you may be able to file a lawsuit under premises liability. For example, if your accident was caused by a pothole in the parking lot that caused you to lose control of your vehicle, in this situation, you could hold the property manager responsible for negligence. You must prove that the property owner’s negligence in maintaining the parking lot contributed to your losses.
A parking lot must have basic safety features, such as:
- Marked lanes
- Sufficient lighting
- Even pavement
- Stop signs
- Crosswalks for pedestrians
- Free of obstacles to visibility
Yet, premises liability may not have been an element in your accident. This is why you may want a New Orleans personal injury lawyer involved in your case. They can take measures to establish liability based on the details of your situation.
To learn more about how our legal team can establish fault, call (504) 613-4771.
For a free legal consultation with a Parking Lot Accident lawyer serving New Orleans, call 800-537-8185
Steps to Take After a Parking Lot Accident
Parking lot accidents are not fundamentally different from other kinds of collisions. The results can leave you with injuries and medical expenses that can follow you for years to come. The steps you take following the accident will affect your case’s outcome. You will want to follow these steps to ensure you recover all of your damages.
They include:
Seeking Medical Attention
Although the injuries you sustain due to a parking lot accident may seem minor, they may develop into serious complications later on. Additionally, a medical professional can identify injuries that might not show symptoms immediately. Therefore, in an accident, emergency medical treatment should be a priority for you and any other victim.
You will also need medical reports and receipts to prove that you suffered financial and psychological losses from the accident. Without these documents, you give the insurance company the ability to question the extent of your injuries.
Involving Law Enforcement
You are legally required to file a police report in Louisiana after a collision if anyone died, was injured, or property damage exceeds $500, per Louisiana Revised Statute §32:398. If you did not, you have 24 hours to report the incident to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. Not only does this start a paper trail of your accident, but it also has the potential to link the collision to your injuries.
Taking Photos of the Accident and Your Injuries
You will need evidence to prove your case in a court of law or convince the insurance company to settle. Photos and videos can be excellent pieces of evidence.
If you have a camera or a smartphone, take shots of essential aspects of the accident scene. However, following the collision, you may not have been in a mental or physical state to collect evidence. In that case, you should take photos of your injuries, as this will be used to establish your damages.
Protecting Your Interests
You may be contacted by the other party’s insurance company asking you to provide a recorded statement recalling the crash events. Doing so may not work to your advantage. They can use this form of testimony against you and say that you caused the collision. Limit the amount of information you provide the insurance company to a minimum.
Not Accepting the Initial Insurance Settlement
On that same note, accepting a hasty offer from the insurance company will, again, probably not work to your advantage. You cannot know how much your medical bills will cost until you have completed your doctor’s recommended course of treatment. Accepting the insurance company’s initial settlement offer without understanding the extent of your damages may not be a good idea. When you work with a New Orleans car accident lawyer, they can manage all communications with the involved insurers, so you do not feel pressured into accepting anything.
Recoverable Damages in a Parking Lot Accident
If your case is successful, you may be able to recover the cost of various losses associated with the collision.
Some examples include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain, suffering, and inconvenience
You may be able to recover expenses that we have not listed here.
Click to contact our New Orleans Car Accident Attorney today
Call Morris Bart Injury and Accident Lawyers Today
At Morris Bart, we represent claimants who have been injured by others’ negligent actions. We can devote ourselves to analyzing your situation, collecting evidence, and helping you receive fair compensation.
To get started with a free case review, call (504) 613-4771.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
