Maison Law helps pedestrians injured in Panda Express parking lots across California. If you’re hurt because someone wasn’t careful, you have legal options, and our California pedestrian accident lawyers are here to assist you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Do You Even Need a Lawyer?
A parking lot of a California Panda Express has many different things happening in it. Whether it’s cars zipping in and out of parking spots or broken lights making it hard to see, there’s a number of things that can cause an accident.
In terms of your legal options, it all depends on your needs. While minor accidents might not require legal action, serious accidents with more extensive injuries probably will. At that point, reach out to our team. We can:
- Explain your options
- Investigate what happened
- Figure out who’s at-fault
- Help you gather evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Make things easier
Each pedestrian accident is unique, and that’s why we tailor our approach for your individual circumstances. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning no upfront costs for you.
Can You File a Claim After One of These Accidents?
Your main legal option after an accident in a Panda Express parking lot is being able to file an injury claim. This is true regardless of your level of injury, but generally involves either filing an insurance claim out of court or a personal injury lawsuit inside the court system. Here’s a deeper look:
- Insurance claim – Filing an insurance claim is the first step. You submit it to the responsible party’s insurance company, which will investigate and make a settlement offer. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, so our experienced team can help strengthen your claim and negotiate a fair settlement for you.
- Lawsuit – If the insurance settlement isn’t enough to cover your losses, the next step is to file a personal injury lawsuit. Our lawyers will handle the lawsuit in civil court, representing you through the legal process. This includes exchanging evidence, mediation, and possibly a trial, where a judge and jury decide the settlement. Damages you can recover may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
- Punitive damages, in some cases
It’s not always easy to go through the claims process, but it’s often the best chance you have at getting the financial support you need to recover from your injuries. That said, you have to file within California’s two-year statute of limitations for injury claims. If you don’t, you aren’t able to recover these damages. But an equally important step is figuring out who has to pay for them.
Who Pays For Your Damages in a Panda Express Parking Lot Accident?
You might think that Panda Express would have to pay for your damages when you’re injured in their parking lot straight away. However, while they’ll likely have some liability, it’s not always so straightforward. It all depends on what actually happened.
Generally speaking, Panda Express’ management has the overriding responsibility to keep its property safe for customers. This includes the parking lot, but it might not be the sole responsibility of Panda Express. Rather, everyone that’s there and involved in the accident have some level of responsibility, even yourself.
The way it works is that whoever was “negligent” is going to carry most of the legal responsibility for your damages. In legal terms, this means:
- Someone had a duty of care to keep you and others safe, failed to do so, and that caused the accident and your injuries.
This obviously brings up a lot of different scenarios in the context of a pedestrian accident in a Panda Express parking lot. Thus, many different people could be liable for the accident and have to pay for your damages:
- Panda Express as a company
- The management at the particular restaurant
- An individual employee
- The driver that hit you
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Local or state government
- The owner of the shopping center or parking area (if not Panda Express itself)
Remember, there’s also “comparative negligence,” which reduces your recovery amount based on the percentage of fault you contribute to the accident. While it doesn’t exclude you from filing a claim, it can definitely play a part in how your case plays out. As such, you need to do what you can to protect your claim.
What You Need to Do After Being in a Pedestrian Accident in a Panda Express Parking Lot
Just having the right to file an injury claim doesn’t mean you’ll automatically recover damages from Panda Express or whoever else is responsible. Rather, you have to prove your case. This means doing a few things:
- Get help – Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be apparent right away but could worsen if untreated. Ask Panda Express staff for first aid to take care of any immediate injuries.
- Report the accident to Panda Express – Inform a Panda Express employee or manager about the accident immediately. This creates an official record and alerts them to any safety concerns. Clearly describe how and where the accident occurred.
- Gather evidence and information – Take photos or videos of the accident scene and collect any relevant evidence, such as witness contact information and important documents. This will be crucial for your claim.
- Keep track of your losses – Keep a detailed record of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills and other financial losses. This documentation will be important when filing a claim for damages.
- Stay on top of your treatment – Follow the treatment plan provided by your doctor and attend all follow-up appointments. This shows your commitment to recovery and supports your claim.
These steps are essential for both your health and the strength of your claim. Taking these actions lays a solid foundation for your case, also. But remember, it can be tough to do these things if you’re hurt. In cases of serious injuries, you might not be able to do these things at all. That’s when you can turn to our team. We can use our experience and resources to help you put together a strong claim.
What Can Happen to You in These Accidents?
A lot of different things can happen to you in a Panda Express parking lot as a pedestrian, particularly during busier times. Whether it’s being hit by a driver that’s not paying attention or being the victim of an assault or robbery because there’s no cameras, you can get seriously hurt. Most of the time, though, you can expect to have to deal with the following injuries:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Joint dislocations
- Cuts and bruises
- Burns
- Emotional trauma
With any pedestrian accident, your injuries can be quite serious. And the worse your injuries are, the more challenging the claims process will be. However, with our team on your side, it can make everything easier on you and your family.
Get the Legal Support You Need After a Pedestrian Accident in a California Panda Express Parking Lot
Being in an accident in a Panda Express parking lot in California is undeniably difficult. In most cases, it was likely preventable, yet can leave you with life-changing injuries. But you don’t have to face it alone. Our California pedestrian accident lawyers at Maison Law can give you the legal support you need and walk you through the claims process. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in one of these accidents, contact us today for a free consultation.
