With all of the cars, SUVs and small trucks, parking can become a quick headache for pedestrians anywhere in or around Los Angeles. Regardless of the fact that an impact in a parking lot between a vehicle and a pedestrian is likely to be at a relatively low speed, a pedestrian is exposed and vulnerable to suffering severe injuries. If that happens to you or a family member, you’ll want to contact the California pedestrian accident lawyer at Maison Law right away for a free consultation and case evaluation. You or your loved one may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and damages.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Parking Lots
The general rule in California is that pedestrians have the right-of-way, but they still must use due care and caution for their own personal safety. Here are some of the common causes for parking lot pedestrian accidents:
- Distracted drivers talking on a phone, texting or watching chldren in the back seat.
- Driving in the wrong direction in a parking lot lane of traffic.
- Disregarding stop signs or crosswalks.
- Backing out of a parking space without keeping a proper lookout.
- Rushing to get into a space before somebody else can take it.
- Searching from side to side for a space rather than looking ahead.
Common Parking Lot Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Even an impact at 5-10 mph can knock a pedestrian to the ground, especially if he or she wasn’t expecting it. Those two impacts in less than a second can cause severe and permanent injuries though like the following:
- Skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries.
- Neck fractures and spinal cord injuries.
- Leg and hip fractures
- Shoulder, arm and wrist fractures.
- Facial fractures and dental damage.
- Shoulder and knee cartilage tears.
- Abrasions and lacerations.
- Wrongful death.
What Should I Do if I’m Hit and Injured by a Car in a Parking Lot?
Without a police report, it’s unlikely that you’ll receive any compensation for your injuries and damages. Either you or somebody on your behalf should call 911 and ask that police and paramedics be dispatched to the scene. As per CVC 2008, the driver of any vehicle other than a common carrier is required to file a written report with local law enforcement authorities within 24 hours. You also have 10 days to report it to the California DMV.
That requirement includes accidents causing injuries or death on private property. Police can document the accident and paramedics can stabilize your condition. They can even take you to a nearby emergency room where medical staff can examine and treat you. Try to get a full photo of the front of the car that shows its plate number. If possible, try to obtain the contact information for any witnesses too. Then, contact our pedestrian accident lawyer here at Maison Law for that free consultation and case review. If your case involves a hit-and-run, contact us anyway. Other sources of compensation might be available, but we’ll still need that police report.
If the insurer of the person who hit you contacts you before you contact us, don’t give that insurer’s representative any type of statement. California law doesn’t require you to do that, and it will only try to use your own words against you. Whatever you say to us is confidential, including any questions that you ask us. If you retain us to represent you, we’re going to fully protect and assert your rights and interests while pursuing the maximum settlement or award that you deserve.
Contact a Los Angeles Parking Lot Accident Lawyer
No matter whose insurance company you end up facing off with, it’s important they treat you fairly after a pedestrian accident. Sometimes, insurance companies can easily rob victims and their families of compensation.
Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law of Los Angeles, has spent a career giving a voice to victims when their accidents bring them in contact with giant insurance companies. Besides, insurance tactics steal compensation from accident victims each day. Make sure a California attorney safeguards your interests.
Contact Maison Law for a free and confidential Los Angeles parking lot case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian will listen to you and help you determine the best path to earning the maximum in financial support for what you and your family have been through.
