Parking Lot Accidents in Houston

Parking lot accidents can happen in business, public, or private parking lots or garages. They may involve two or more cars, cyclists, or pedestrians. While vehicles generally drive at low speeds, depending on the circumstances, a crash can still result in property damage, severe bodily injuries, or fatalities.

You can pursue compensation when you sustained damages and losses because of someone else’s carelessness. Call a knowledgeable car accident attorney skilled in handling cases for parking lot accidents in Houston to learn more.

Common Causes of Parking Lot Crashes

Some common causes of parking lot crashes in Houston include:

• Rear-end accidents, when one driver strikes another vehicle from behind while both are moving in the same direction, and the other slows down or stops
• Backup collisions, when one vehicle is backing out of a parking space and strikes another car or pedestrian, usually resulting from poor backup techniques
• Right-of-way crashes, resulting from a motorist failing to yield as necessary
• Door ding accidents, when someone swings their door open and strikes another car parked next to them in a lot
• Pedestrian accidents involve a car striking a person walking through the parking lot and often happen when a vehicle is reversing
• Fender benders result from vehicles driving through parking lots and misjudging the space they have to maneuver
• Hit-and-run collisions happen when a car strikes another and leaves without stopping to leave their information and often involve drivers hitting unoccupied cars

Motorists and pedestrians can adhere to the traffic laws, remain alert, and exercise caution to prevent parking lot collisions.

Determining Fault

Determining fault in Houston parking lot collisions can be challenging, requiring an investigation and evidence review. A qualified lawyer could collect evidence to determine whether a driver failed to yield or violated traffic laws. Lack of maintenance or poor design, such as unclear lane markings, flawed surfaces, and inadequate signage, can also lead to accidents.

Winning an award for damages requires proving negligence caused by the event, which could include evidence of property management liability or motorist fault, such as driver distractions, intoxication, or speeding. If available, video footage or witness statements, police officer reports, and crash scene recreation are used to determine liability. Establishing liability for parking lot crashes requires investigating and evaluating the circumstances and evidence.

Legal Duties after Car Crashes

Drivers involved in car crashes must adhere to state laws, such as stopping to exchange information and reporting requirements. Under the Texas Traffic Code §  550.021, following a parking lot incident that causes bodily harm, motorists must stop immediately or as close to the scene as possible to assess damages, determine if anyone requires first aid, and exchange contact and insurance information.

Time Limit for Filing Claims

Those seeking compensation for damages caused by vehicle collisions must file the claim within the allowable time frame of the statute of limitations. State laws require the individual to file the claim within two years of the crash.

Call a Knowledgeable Attorney to Learn About Houston Parking Lot Accidents

Unfortunately, parking lot accidents in Houston are common and may result in relatively minor damage. However, some can be severe, leaving you with property damage and painful injuries, requiring medical care and missing time off work.

You may be eligible for a payout from the at-fault party if you were in a parking lot crash because of negligence. Call today and schedule a consultation to review your case.