Rancho Santa Margarita Parking Lot Accident Lawyer

When people think of car accidents, they often think about high-speed crashes on highways or collisions at intersections. What could be equally as likely and dangerous, however, are parking lot accidents. An emergency hospital visit, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing psychological damages could all result from these incidents.

Therefore, if you were injured from this type of crash, you should speak to a Rancho Santa Margarita parking lot accident lawyer. Even a minor collision in a parking lot has the potential to leave you with significant medical bills. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may have the means to pursue financial compensation for these expenditures and other damages you have incurred. An experienced personal injury attorney could build a case and advocate for a more favorable resolution to your situation on your behalf.

Types of Parking Lot Accidents

Because of the multiple lanes, yields, speed bumps, and cars backing up and pulling through parking spots, there are many different potential types of accidents in parking lots. Five of the most commonly seen collisions in lots involve:

  • A driver pulling forward out of a space into a lane of traffic
  • A driver backing out of a space into an oncoming car
  • Two drivers backing into one another
  • Two vehicles vying for the same parking space and collide
  • A car rear-ends another while waiting at a sign to stop or yield

After an accident, if the plaintiff was injured and called the police per California Vehicle Code §20008, there is likely a report filed about the incident. Whether there is a police report or the plaintiff recalls the incident from memory, it is generally vital the plaintiff ensure their Rancho Santa Margarita parking lot accident attorney understands the specifics of the event. This is because, in California, it is particularly essential to determine which party was at fault for this type of case.

At-Fault Car Accidents

A plaintiff’s attorney should understand the precise details of a parking lot accident because California is an “at-fault” insurance state. In “no-fault” insurance states, both parties involved in a car accident normally turn to their own insurance companies for compensation. In an “at-fault” state like California, a plaintiff may pursue the driver who was responsible for the incident, and that driver’s insurance company for compensation.

Determining Negligence

Typically, a parking lot accident lawyer from Rancho Santa Margarita could help show fault by proving the defendant was negligent. Negligence, under California Civil Code §1714, is considered to be a lack of ordinary care that brought about an injury to another.

A typical parking lot may be full of areas where cars are required to stop, not permitted to pull through, forced to backup, and other technical maneuvers. Because of this, in order to prove the defendant was negligent, the plaintiff should seek out a skilled Rancho Santa Margarita parking lot accident attorney who has both an understanding of this area of law and who could build a case based upon their specific factual circumstance.

Consult a Rancho Santa Margarita Parking Lot Accident Attorney Now

Often in a parking lot accident, both parties may blame the other for the incident, and remember the facts surrounding the collision differently. It is advisable, therefore, that you consult with a Rancho Santa Margarita parking lot accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer could help you understand your situation better, what legal rights you may have, and a possible means to pursue compensation.

While every case is unique, it is generally wise to contact an attorney sooner rather than later. Call a local attorney today and see what could be done to help you achieve a favorable resolution to your claim.