While most people do not think of parking lots as dangerous places, there are a surprisingly large number of parking lot accidents in Austin. Because most vehicles in parking lots travel at low speeds, many of these accidents turn out to be minor fender benders that do not result in significant personal injuries. Unfortunately, however, some parking lot crashes cause serious bodily harm, especially those involving pedestrians.
If you sustained severe physical or emotional harm from a parking lot collision, you could be entitled to receive financial compensation from the driver of the car that struck you. A local car crash attorney could help guide you through the process of filing a civil lawsuit so you can maximize your chances of success.
Common Causes of Local Parking Lot Crashes
Most parking lot crashes occur because one or more drivers are distracted. There is usually a lot of activity in parking lots, with people leaving and entering parking spaces and buildings. Drivers need to pay extra attention to their driving duties to avoid hitting other cars or pedestrians. Because they are generally driving slowly in parking lots, drivers may feel that they can safely change their radio station, check their texts, or program their GPS.
When leaving a parking space, drivers may be in a rush and fail to take a thorough look behind them. Similarly, after searching for a parking spot, a driver may rush to claim that spot before somebody else can take it, crashing into another car or passerby as a result. Our knowledgeable Austin attorneys could help a claimant investigate their parking lot accident to determine who bears legal responsibility under state law for the claimant's injuries.
Injuries Commonly Associated with Austin Parking Lot Collisions
When two cars collide in a parking lot, most of the time, the occupants of the vehicles walk away with very few injuries because the vehicles are traveling at only a few miles per hour. Some people sustain whiplash and other minor neck or spinal cord injuries from the sudden stop. However, if treatment is not administered for these whiplash injuries in a timely manner, they could turn into persistent, painful problems.
On the other hand, when cars collide with pedestrians in parking lots, those on foot can suffer devastating or even fatal injuries. Some of the most common physical injuries sustained by pedestrians in local parking lot crashes are as follows:
- Broken bones, both from the impact of the car and from falling onto the ground
- Back and neck injuries, including herniated discs, whiplash, and paralysis
- Severe head trauma
- Lacerations, cuts, and bruising
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Internal injuries
In addition to physical injuries, many survivors of parking lot accidents also experience debilitating emotional injuries. They may experience depression, anxiety, anger, sadness, and post-traumatic stress as they learn to adjust to their physical injuries and/or relive the trauma of car accidents in parking lots.
If their injuries prevent them from holding a steady job, they may also be worried about paying for their treatments or supporting their families. A comprehensive civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver would account for all of the past and future losses someone might experience after a parking lot auto collision.
Ask an Austin Lawyer about Litigating Parking Lot Accidents
If you sustained injuries in a parking lot incident, you could face a lengthy and challenging recovery. Let a local attorney who has experience with cases involving parking lot accidents in Austin help you. Let our team handle the legal details while you focus on healing. Call today.