Maison Law helps people who have been hurt in pedestrian accidents across California, especially in fast food restaurant parking lots. These places often have a lot of traffic and dangers to watch out for. If you get injured because someone was careless, our team is here to explain your options. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Taco Bell parking lot, contact us today for a free consultation.
Do You Even Need a Lawyer?
When you stop in at Taco Bell, you probably don’t expect to get hurt in an accident in the parking lot. But unfortunately, this is something that happens quite regularly. The question then becomes: do you need a lawyer? The answer depends on your particular situation.
Sometimes, these accidents are only minor and don’t require legal action. However, when you’re more seriously hurt or have questions about who’s responsible, having a lawyer can make things much easier. Our team has the experience and knowledge you need in this situation. We can explain your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and guide you through the process from start to finish.
What is the Legal Process After a Taco Bell Parking Lot Accident?
Legally speaking, you have options after you’ve been hurt as a pedestrian in a Taco Bell parking lot. In fact, it’s your main legal right after one of these accidents. You get to file an injury claim to recover damages from whoever is responsible. You generally have two main options for filing an injury claim:
- Filing an insurance claim out of court
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Both options require making a formal claim and providing evidence to support it. Depending on the strength of your case, you can potentially recover:
- Medical expenses – These cover costs for things like ambulance rides, hospital stays, tests, surgery, follow-up care, and medicine.
- Future medical expenses – You can also get financial support for ongoing treatment of lasting injuries.
- Costs for medical devices – These include expenses for items like wheelchairs, canes, or artificial limbs.
- Lost income – These cover any wages you miss out on because you can’t work, or if your ability to work is permanently affected.
- Physical pain and suffering – These address the discomfort caused by the accident and injuries.
- Emotional distress – These damages cover the mental impact of the accident.
- Loss of companionship – These relate to how the accident has strained your relationship with your spouse.
- Reduced quality of life – These are for the reduced enjoyment of activities or lifestyle changes after the accident.
Your particular damages are going to depend on the facts around your case. Our experienced lawyers can help you understand your specific situation and potential damages. Remember, in California, you have two years to file a claim after an accident. If you miss this deadline, you can’t get any compensation, no matter how strong your claim is.
Who’s Responsible For Your Damages in a Taco Bell Parking Lot Accident?
A key part of your claim is determining who has to pay for your damages, known as liability. Just because an accident happens in a Taco Bell parking lot doesn’t mean Taco Bell is automatically responsible.
Liability depends on negligence. The party that was careless and caused the accident is the one who must pay for your damages. In a pedestrian accident, the specifics of what happened will determine who’s at fault. Common scenarios include:
- The driver who hit you – If the driver was careless or speeding, they could be at fault, which is common in most pedestrian accidents.
- Taco Bell management – If unsafe conditions in the parking lot, like poor lighting, lack of markings, or potholes, caused the accident, Taco Bell might be responsible for not keeping the area safe.
- Property owner – If the landowner knew about dangers but didn’t fix them, they could be liable, especially if the Taco Bell is in a shopping center.
- Other parties – Others involved in managing or maintaining the area, like maintenance workers, outside vendors, or even the local government, could also be responsible.
While determining liability is straightforward in theory, it can be complicated, especially if Taco Bell isn’t a standalone restaurant. More parties involved usually means more complexity. However, our experienced team can help navigate and guide your claim. But remember, there’s a few things you have to do after the accident to protect yourself.
What Do You Need to Do to Protect Your Claim?
Just having the ability to file an injury claim against whoever’s responsible for the accident doesn’t mean you automatically get damages. Rather, you have to put together a strong claim. While your evidence and circumstances will heavily play into that, there’s also a number of things you need to do right after the accident happens to protect your claim:
- Get medical help right away – Your health should take top priority. Call an ambulance and get first aid from someone right away to take care of any immediate injuries. It’s also a good idea to get further treatment at a hospital once you leave the scene
- Report the accident to Taco Bell – Inform a Taco Bell employee or manager about the accident right away. This lets them know of safety concerns and serves as an official record of what happened. Clearly explain how and where the accident happened in the parking lot. Taco Bell management should address any safety issues.
- Preserve your evidence – Take photos or videos of the accident scene and keep any evidence, such as witness contact information and important documents, in a safe place. This evidence is crucial for your claim.
- Track your damages – Accidents often lead to financial losses and other expenses. Keep track of these expenses. This information will be helpful when filing a claim for damages later on.
- Follow your treatment plan – Follow the treatment plan provided by your doctor and attend all follow-up appointments. This shows you are serious about recovering and helps document your injuries.
These steps are crucial for your overall case. They protect your health and safety while creating a strong foundation for your claim. Your injuries are going to vary, so it might be difficult to take some of these steps. That’s another area where our team can help you.
Guidance and Support After a Taco Bell Parking Lot Accident in California
A quick stop at Taco Bell shouldn’t leave you or a loved one injured, but sometimes it happens. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, Maison Law is here to help you. Our team will clarify your rights, guide you through the claims process, and make sure you receive the necessary support for your recovery. To get the recovery process started, contact us today for a free consultation.
