Fort Lupton Parking Lot Accident Lawyer
When driving through a parking lot, drivers are encouraged to exercise caution since there are many pedestrians and cars backing out of tight spaces. However, not all drivers operate their vehicles in a safe manner, and accidents could occur as a result. Since collisions occurring in garages are difficult to litigate, it may be worth investigating how a legal professional might help.
A successful financial judgment against the driver of the car that hurt you may help. Reach out to a Fort Lupton parking lot accident lawyer today to find out more information regarding your eligibility for recovering damages.
Why do Car Accidents Occur So Frequently in Parking Lots in Fort Lupton?
Car accidents occur so frequently in parking lots because people are often in a rush. When motorists hurry to get to their next destinations, they can become distracted. Parking lot car accidents often occur:
- When two drivers back out of their parking spots at the same time and hit each other
- When one driver pulls out of their parking space and hits a car or a pedestrian
- When a driver turns the wrong way and collides with another car
- When a driver parks poorly and hits a parked car while parking
- When a driver does not stop for crossing pedestrians
Common Personal Injuries that Occur in a Parking Lot Accident
Most cars travel at very low rates of speed in parking lots, so when two cars hit each other in a parking lot, the occupants of the cars do not suffer serious injuries. Generally, other than property damage to their vehicle, at most, they may suffer from whiplash injuries resulting from the sudden stop. On the other hand, when a car hits a pedestrian in a parking lot, even if the car is traveling very slowly, that pedestrian can be seriously injured or even killed. Pedestrians in parking lot car accident may suffer from:
- Broken bones
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Facial disfigurement
Proving Negligence in a Parking Lot Accident
Most civil suits involving parking lot accidents involve negligence claims against the person responsible for the accident. In a negligence claim, a claimant will need to show that:
- The defendant had a duty of care
- The defendant breached that duty of care
- The breach of that duty of care caused injuries to the claimant
- Those injuries resulted in damages.
A skilled Fort Lupton parking lot accident lawyer can examine the evidence and help present a strong case for negligence.
Duty of Care and Breach of That Duty
Every driver owes a duty of care to operate their car with reasonable care and skill. A claimant will need to show that the defendant failed to use reasonable care and skill in the parking lot. One possible example of a failure to exercise a reasonable duty of care would be to show that the defendant was speeding at the time of the accident.
Causation and Damages
A claimant will need to prove that the defendant’s negligent driving directly caused the accident, which led to the claimant’s injuries. A claimant will also need to demonstrate what kind of damages they have suffered as a direct result of the accident. A claimant can pursue reimbursement for their actual expenses, such as for their medical bills and lost wages, and can also seek limited non-economic damages for their pain and suffering.
Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-21-111 allows a court to weigh the degree of fault of both parties when determining damages. The defendant will be allowed to reduce or even eliminate their damages if they can prove that the claimant was also acting negligently.
Call a Fort Lupton Parking Lot Accident Attorney Today
Recovering from a car accident is never easy, but a Fort Lupton parking lot accident lawyer can help. A qualified local attorney can work to make sure that you get the maximum amount of recovery to help you heal from your injuries. In addition, a lawyer could provide you with professional representation during any settlement negotiation or trial processes. To get started on building a convincing claim, be sure to schedule a consultation today.
