Parking lots are an integral part of our daily lives, whether we’re running errands, shopping, or working. However, accidents can happen unexpectedly, turning a routine task into a chaotic and distressing experience. Parking lot accidents are a common occurrence in Houston, Texas. In fact, one out of every five accidents involving a vehicle occur in a parking lot. While some of these are two-car crashes, a staggering amount of pedestrians are hit or even killed by cars while in parking garages. When a parking lot accident occurs, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and seek the assistance of a Houston parking lot accident lawyer.
Types and Causes of Parking Lot Accidents in Houston
Parking lot accidents in Houston can involve various scenarios, including rear-end collisions, back-up accidents, hit-and-run incidents, and side-swipe accidents. Understanding the type of accident can assist in investigating the incident and determining fault.
Parking lot accidents can result from various factors and lead to serious injuries and property damage. Some common causes include distracted driving, reckless behavior, inadequate signage, poor lighting, and improper maintenance. Accidents in parking lots can involve collisions between vehicles, pedestrians being struck, or even slip and fall incidents. Establishing negligence on the part of the responsible party is crucial in seeking compensation.
Houston Parking Lot Accident Lawyer
What to Do After a Parking Lot Accident in Houston?
In a parking lot accident in Houston, there are steps you can take to protect your rights and potentially seek financial recovery. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to do after a parking lot accident and how you may be compensated:
- Ensure Safety: Move out of harm’s way and evaluate injuries. Check if others involved are seriously injured and assist them in reaching safety. The immediate priority is preventing further harm and providing aid to the injured.
- Contact Authorities: Call 911 if there are serious injuries; otherwise, call a non-emergency police number. Police assistance is crucial for medical care and accident investigation. The accident report can contain evidence to determine fault for potential claims.
- Seek Medical Attention: Obtain emergency treatment for severe injuries. Even if injuries seem minor or nonexistent, it is important to see a doctor. Some injuries, like brain injuries, may not present symptoms immediately. Timely diagnosis and documentation of injuries are important for establishing the extent of damage caused by the accident.
- Gather Information: Collect information from other parties involved and any witnesses. Record their names, contact information, and any details they provide. For drivers, note their vehicle, driver’s license, and insurance information. Other relevant information includes the time, date, and location of the accident, the condition of the parking lot, and any posted signage. Obtain the names and badge numbers of responding police officers.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, including the overall view, damages, and surrounding features like landscaping, signage, lighting, and pavement conditions. These pictures can serve as crucial evidence in establishing fault.
- Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident. Stick to providing only the facts you are certain about and avoid admitting blame or fault. Refrain from giving a recorded statement until you are ready to discuss the accident. Remember that insurers can use your statements against your claim.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a knowledgeable Houston parking lot accident lawyer who can provide guidance on your rights and potential claim. They can help you navigate the legal process and seek the financial recovery you may deserve.
Most Common Types of Injuries in Houston Parking Lot Accidents?
The most common injuries caused during parking lot crashes in Houston can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each accident. However, here are some potential injuries that can occur:
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and whiplash, are common in parking lot accidents. These injuries can result from the sudden impact and movement of the body during a collision.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Head injuries can occur if a person’s head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects within the vehicle. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can also happen due to a forceful jolt or impact, leading to a range of symptoms from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a parking lot crash can cause fractures and broken bones, especially in areas like the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. These injuries can result from direct impact or from being forcefully thrown against objects inside the vehicle.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Parking lot accidents can lead to back injuries, such as herniated discs, spinal fractures, or damage to the spinal cord. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on mobility and overall quality of life.
- Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations: Impacts from objects within the vehicle or contact with shattered glass can cause cuts, bruises, and lacerations. These injuries can range from minor to severe, depending on the force of the impact and the presence of sharp objects.
- Psychological and Emotional Injuries: Being involved in a parking lot accident can also result in psychological and emotional injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias related to driving or being in vehicles.
It’s important to note that the severity and type of injuries can vary greatly depending on the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, the use of seat belts, and other factors specific to each accident.
If you have been injured in a parking lot crash, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly and consult with an experienced Houston parking lot accident lawyer to understand your rights and explore options for compensation based on your specific circumstances.
Financial Recovery in A Houston Parking Lot Accident
Regarding financial recovery after a parking lot accident, it’s important to understand the concept of premises liability. Property owners and occupiers in Texas have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises, including parking lots. If a property owner’s negligence contributed to the accident, they may be held liable through a premises liability claim. Compensation for a parking lot accident can cover various damages, including:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Healthcare expenses and related costs
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Wrongful death (in severe cases)
Damages that can be claimed in parking lot accident cases include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. A skilled attorney will help you quantify and present these damages to ensure you receive fair compensation.
It’s important to note that there is generally a two-year statute of limitations for premises liability claims in Texas. Failing to initiate a claim within this timeframe may result in the loss of your right to pursue financial compensation. Consulting a Houston parking lot accident lawyer promptly is advisable to ensure you meet the necessary deadlines.
What to do If My Pre-Existing Condition Got Worsened by A Parking Lot Accident in Houston?
If you have a pre-existing condition that was aggravated or worsened by the parking lot accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. The “eggshell skull doctrine” in Texas states that a defendant must take the plaintiff as they are, including any pre-existing conditions.
As long as the condition was stable before the accident and the accident worsened the condition, you can seek rightful compensation. It is important to provide evidence to demonstrate the aggravation of your pre-existing condition due to the accident.
Consulting with an experienced Houston parking lot accident lawyer can help you navigate these complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Should You Hire a Houston Parking Lot Accident Lawyer?
A Houston parking lot accident lawyer specializes in handling cases related to parking lot accidents. Their primary responsibility is to protect the rights of accident victims and help them seek fair compensation for their injuries and damages. These lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of traffic laws, insurance regulations, and personal injury claims. By leveraging their expertise, they navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure that their clients receive the justice they deserve.
Hiring a Houston parking lot accident lawyer offers several advantages when dealing with the aftermath of an accident.
- Seasoned lawyers have experience in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that victims receive adequate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damages.
- Your attorney shall possess the necessary knowledge to assess the value of your claim accurately and fight for your rights throughout the legal process.
- By entrusting your case to a lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the complexities of the legal proceedings.
Speak with an Expert at Joel A Gordon and Associates
If you have been involved in a parking lot accident in Houston, seeking the assistance of a skilled Houston parking lot accident lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. Specialized attorneys at Joel A Gordon and Associates understand the complexities of parking lot accidents and can navigate the legal process on your behalf.
By taking the appropriate steps after an accident, hiring the right lawyer, and understanding the claims process, you can increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out for legal help and ensure your rights are protected.
Schedule your free consultation today and explore your recovery options. We are ready to fight on your behalf.