Maison Law’s team of California pedestrian accident lawyers helps anyone that’s been injured in a Jack in the Box or any other fast food restaurant parking lot. These incidents are incredibly frustrating, but you do have legal options. To learn more about these options, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
As frustrating as these accidents are, whether or not you need a lawyer depends on the specifics. There’s a chance that your injuries will only be minor, at which point you probably don’t need to worry about taking legal action.
That said, many accidents as a pedestrian can leave you with significant injuries, even in a Jack in the Box parking lot where cars aren’t moving as fast. So, if your injuries are more serious, you should really think about reaching out to our lawyers for guidance. In our initial free consultation with you, we can:
- Look into the details of your accident to see who’s at-fault
- Explain your legal rights and options
- Let you know what to expect from the legal process
Then, if you decide you want to move forward, we will:
- Help you gather important evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Stand up for your rights throughout the legal process
Our top priority is to make this easier for you. Dealing with injuries is hard enough on its own, but when you also try to take on the legal system, it can quickly become too much. That’s where our team can step in for you.
Is Jack in the Box Liable When There’s an Accident in its Parking Lot?
Generally speaking, Jack in the Box has to keep its property safe for customers. This includes both drivers and those that are walking in and out of the restaurant. It also applies not just to the inside of the restaurant, but the outside as well. So, they have a duty to keep their parking lots safe–if they own the parking lot itself.
This is one area where liability–or legal responsibility for accidents–gets murky. Sometimes, a Jack in the Box isn’t standalone, and is located in a shopping center or some other type of setup. This reduces their liability in a parking lot accident, but it all depends on the circumstances. Liability in these types of accidents (like any other) is based on “negligence.”
So, in order to figure out who’s responsible, it means looking at what happened and what led to the accident. In most of these accidents, liability is going to fall on:
- The driver who hit you – If the driver was careless or speeding, they could be at fault, as is common in most pedestrian accidents.
- Jack in the Box management – If unsafe conditions in the parking lot, such as poor lighting, lack of markings, or potholes, caused the accident, Jack in the Box might be responsible for not maintaining a safe area.
- Owner of the parking lot or other property – If the landowner knew about hazards but didn’t fix them, they could be liable, especially if the Jack in the Box is part of a shopping center.
- Third parties – Others involved in managing or maintaining the area, like maintenance workers, outside vendors, or even the local government, could also be responsible.
Determining liability can be complicated, especially if Jack in the Box isn’t a standalone restaurant. More parties involved usually means more complexity. However, our experienced team can help navigate your claim and guide you through the process.
What is the Claims Process After a Jack in the Box Accident?
As a pedestrian injured in a Jack in the Box parking lot, you have legal options to seek compensation. You can file an injury claim to recover damages from the responsible party. Generally, you have two main routes for filing an injury claim:
- Filing an insurance claim out of court
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Both options require you to make a formal claim and provide evidence to support it. Depending on your case, you may be able to recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages, in certain cases of intentional negligence
While these damages are general, they’re still available if you want to make an injury claim. However, what you’re ultimately able to recover depends on the specifics of what happened and how well you present your claim. So then, it becomes very important to approach things in the right way.
How Do You Need to Approach an Accident in a Jack in the Box Parking Lot?
There’s certain aspects of a parking lot accident at Jack in the Box that stay the same across the many different incidents that happen. However, there’s a few things that can make your particular accident different. What doesn’t change is how you should approach the accident itself to protect your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Get medical help – For even small injuries, call an ambulance and visit a doctor to check for immediate or delayed problems. Jack in the Box should provide first aid until the ambulance arrives.
- Report the accident – Call the local police to create an official report and inform Jack in the Box employees or the manager so they can respond appropriately. This also helps your legal claim by making them aware of the incident.
- Exchange information – Collect contact and insurance details from everyone involved, including any witnesses.
- Document the scene – Take photos and videos of the accident site, showing vehicle damage, injuries, property damage, and the parking lot conditions.
- File an insurance claim – Report the accident to your insurance company so they can start a claim on their end. This will help take care of any immediate financial needs, but make sure to keep any correspondence or communication about the accident.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions – Follow your doctor’s recovery plan to show you’re serious about getting better.
What makes an accident different is the level and type of injuries that you could experience. A lot of this has to do with the conditions of the parking lot and nature of the accident. For example, being hit by a car is going to probably result in different injuries than a slip and fall on the sidewalk or pavement. Regardless, though, you could be looking at any of the following:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Joint dislocations
- Cuts and bruises
- Burns
- Emotional trauma
Dealing with injuries is just one challenge. Questions about who’s responsible and how the accident happened can complicate things further. It’s frustrating, especially if the accident could have been avoided. But addressing your injuries and regaining financial control often means taking legal action. Maison Law can help you with that.
Contact Maison Law After a Jack in the Box Parking Lot Accident in California
Getting hurt in a Jack in the Box parking lot can be overwhelming. Dealing with injuries is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Maison Law’s experienced California pedestrian accident lawyers are here to support you through the claims process and make sure you have a strong case. Contact us today for a free consultation to start the process.
