Car Collisions in Parking Lots and Parking Garages

Parking lots and garages may not pose the same risks as major roadways like I-10 or U.S. Route 49, but that doesn’t mean they’re totally safe. Accidents happen in these places all the time, partly because many drivers don’t take the risks they pose as seriously as they should. When someone else’s negligence causes a collision that injures you, they should be held accountable.

The experienced parking lot car accident lawyers at Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC have been fighting for the rights of injured Gulfport clients for over a decade. We’ll be your fierce advocates as you seek justice and fair compensation for your parking lot collision injuries.

Call Now at (228) 872-8752

How Our Gulfport Car Accident Lawyers Help After Parking Lot Collisions

Having legal representation can take the stress and work of pursuing a parking lot injury claim off your shoulders. Our Gulfport car accident attorneys can help by:

Reviewing Your Case for Free

We believe no client should face any financial barriers when seeking justice for their injuries. We’ll sit down with you, listen to your story, review the details of your case, and inform you of your legal options free of charge.

Gathering Evidence

Establishing liability and assessing the extent of your losses requires ample evidence. We can obtain police reports, interview witnesses, seek surveillance footage, gather medical and financial records, and consult with experts to build the strongest case possible.

Offering Local Insight

We know how to handle parking lot accident claims using our deep knowledge of the areas in Gulfport where these collisions are most likely to happen, including major shopping destinations like Crossroads Center, Gulfport Premium Outlets, and Edgewater Mall. This insight can be beneficial when pursuing your case.

Negotiating and Litigating

Insurance companies will fight to protect their profits by weakening or outright denying your claim. Our parking garage accident attorneys will bring the fight back to them and advocate aggressively for maximum compensation at the negotiating table. If they refuse to offer a fair settlement, we’ll be prepared to file a lawsuit and bring the fight to the courtroom.

Parking Lot and Garage Hazards

Parking lot and parking garage accidents may involve various contributing factors, including:

• Distracted driving – Distracted driving accidents are common, and they frequently occur in parking lots and garages. Drivers often let their guard down in these areas. They may get distracted by phones, the GPS, or even just the stress of trying to get a spot or rush to their next stop, significantly raising the risk of a collision.
• Reversing vehicles – Accidents often happen when a driver is backing out of a parking space. Visibility can be blocked by other parked vehicles, and drivers don’t always take the time to check their surroundings before going.
• Speeding – You don’t need to drive very fast in a parking lot for a crash to occur because of the more limited space, unpredictability, and foot traffic.
• Failure to yield – It’s common for drivers to get confused about right-of-way rules in parking lots without clear signs or lane markings, which can easily result in a collision.
• Bad lighting or maintenance – Poorly maintained parking lots and garages may have cracked pavement, potholes, faded lines, and broken lights – all of which can contribute to accidents.
• Layout – Parking lots and garages tend to have tight spaces to maneuver large vehicles in. They may also have one-way streets where some drivers go against the flow of traffic and open spaces that drivers cut across. These conditions can make it harder to avoid collisions.

Gulfport presents a few unique risks for parking lot and garage accidents. For instance, we experience high tourist traffic around our coastal hotels and casinos and frequent slippery conditions and reduced visibility caused by our heavy rainfall. Our parking lot car accident lawyers are familiar with the special legal considerations these factors present and how to handle claims related to them.

Determining Liability in Parking Lot and Garage Accidents

Parking lot and garage accident claims can be complicated when it comes to establishing liability. For example, these incidents frequently occur on private property, so there may be confusion about which traffic laws apply and how.

Potentially at-fault parties in a parking lot or garage accident case include:

• Another driver – If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, they may be liable for the harm they caused.
• Property owners or managers – Mississippi law requires property owners and managers to maintain reasonably safe premises for all visitors. When they fail to meet those obligations and someone gets hurt, they may be responsible.
• Pedestrians or cyclists – Parking lots contain traffic of all kinds. When a cyclist or pedestrian causes a parking lot wreck, liability may fall on them.

Establishing liability is critical for any successful case. To determine who is at fault for the crash and hold them accountable, your personal injury attorney may use evidence such as:

• Police or incident reports
• Surveillance footage
• Accident scene photos
• Witness testimony
• Medical and financial records
• Expert testimony

Request a Free Consultation Now

Legal Issues Involved in Parking Lot and Garage Accidents

There are a few unique legal considerations when it comes to parking lot and garage accidents. For instance, multiple parties may be at fault for the collision. If the property owner failed to maintain the lot and another driver also acted negligently at the time of the crash, there may be two liable parties. This adds a layer of complexity and requires a more thorough investigation than some other motor vehicle accident claims.

The lack of clear lines, signage, and traffic signals in a parking lot can also muddy the waters when it comes to determining fault. Without those obvious markers, it becomes far more important to seek out witness and expert testimony to prove your claim. A skilled Gulfport personal injury attorney will know how to navigate these factors and build a solid parking lot crash case.

Talk to Our Gulfport Parking Lot Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve suffered injuries in a parking lot or garage accident in Gulfport, Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC can help. Our team has been protecting the rights of injured Gulfport clients since 2014. Although each case is different and past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, we have a history of substantial settlements and verdicts, including a $700,000 car accident settlement. We have also received countless testimonials from satisfied former clients, such as this one:

“Highly satisfied and would most definitely recommend Jonathan Franco and his office. He is understanding, caring and easy to relate to. Appreciate all your help this past year.” – Nicky O.

Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC will fight for the accountability and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us through our online form or call (228) 872-8752 today.