A parking lot may seem like one of the safest places to drive, but crashes still occur frequently. Cars backing out of tight spaces, drivers cutting across lanes to reach an open spot, and pedestrians walking between vehicles can all increase the risk of an accident. Parking lot accidents in Clark can cause serious injuries and leave you unsure who was at fault.
Even a low-speed collision may lead to whiplash, a concussion, or costly vehicle damage. In these cases, a car accident lawyer from our team can determine what happened and communicate with the insurance company while you focus on recovery.
How Do Parking Lot Accidents Typically Happen?
Parking lots put moving cars, backing vehicles, and pedestrians together in a cramped space with many potential distractions. Most crashes involve a driver who was not paying close enough attention. Common causes include:
- Drivers backing out without checking for traffic
- Two cars reversing into each other at the same time
- Speeding through lanes meant for slow travel
- Failing to yield at stop signs or crosswalks
- Distraction from phones or the search for a space
- Poor lighting, faded markings, or blind corners
Property owners can also contribute when a lot is poorly designed or inadequately maintained. A collision in a Clark parking lot may involve more than one negligent party, which can affect who is responsible for your losses.
Determining Fault After a Parking Lot Collision
Fault in a parking lot crash is rarely obvious. Generally, a driver in a through lane has the right of way over a driver leaving a parking space, and a driver who is backing up must yield to oncoming traffic. Even so, both drivers have a duty to stay alert and avoid a collision.
State law also makes each person’s share of blame especially important. Under New Jersey Statutes Annotated § 2A:15-5.1, you can recover damages as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible, and your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. Because insurers often try to shift blame, our Clark attorneys can gather evidence that shows what truly happened during your parking lot crash.
The Steps To Take After a Parking Lot Crash
What you do immediately after a crash can protect both your health and your claim. Even in a minor collision, it is important to:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt
- Report the crash to the police, even on private property
- Take photos of the vehicles, damage, and the scene
- Exchange contact and insurance information
- Look for witnesses and nearby security cameras
- See a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine
Prompt medical care also creates a record that ties your injuries to the crash. After you seek treatment, our Clark attorneys can handle communication with insurer and preserve the rest of the evidence in your parking lot collision case.
Contact a Clark Attorney Today About Your Parking Lot Accident
Even if a parking lot crash feels minor at first, the medical bills and insurance disputes that follow can be significant. You have the right to hold a careless driver or property owner accountable for their actions. Parking lot accidents in Clark deserve the same serious attention as any other collision.
The video and vehicle evidence from a parking lot crash can disappear quickly, so acting promptly is important. Contact Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC today for a free consultation. We offer big-firm strength backed by the close, personal attention you deserve.
