At Maison Law, we understand how vital it is for you to have options after you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Tulare. It is understandable that you are feeling overwhelmed, especially because the injuries and other damages that stem from pedestrian accidents tend to be especially severe. Contact a Tulare pedestrian accident lawyer today for more options on your future recovery.
Tulare is home to various large stores and shopping centers such as Walmart, Target, and even the Tulare Outlet Mall. These shopping centers can offer hours of recreational fun and provide many goods to consumers, but their large parking lots can create many dangers for pedestrians. You may not think about a parking lot being a dangerous place for pedestrians but drivers sometimes travel at high speeds or engage in other reckless acts in these areas that put pedestrians at risk.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Parking Lots
Just like any other type of accident involving pedestrians, those that occur in parking lots can happen within seconds due to a negligent driver. Here are some of the most common reasons why these accidents occur:
Distracted Driving: When somebody is traveling along in a parking lot, they are more likely to become distracted. Even when a driver is looking down at their radio or phone for a few seconds, a traumatic accident involving a pedestrian can occur.
Failure to Look: Looking before you put a vehicle into reverse is one of the most basic things that a driver should do in a parking lot. However, a driver can easily become preoccupied with other things and might back out of a space without looking first. This can lead to devastating consequences for a pedestrian.
Focused on Parking Spaces: When a driver is in too much of a hurry to find the best parking spot, they might become oblivious to what is happening around them. This means that an accident involving a pedestrian can occur within seconds.
Pressing Gas Instead of Brake: A driver might become focused on other tasks and accidentally press the gas instead of the brakes. The vehicle could then propel forward into a pedestrian at dangerous speeds.
Speeding: Drivers are supposed to reduce their speed when they are in a parking lot. However, some drivers still speed in these areas and accidents sometimes result. At high speeds, pedestrian-related accidents can lead to significant injuries and fatal trauma.
As a result of any of these factors, a pedestrian accident in a parking lot can lead to severe injuries. These can range anywhere from a bruise to a broken bone or even fatality in the worst cases.
Determining Liability in a Pedestrian-Related Parking Lot Accident
Liability can become a complex matter when talking about pedestrian accidents involving parking lots. Of course, your first thought might generally be that the driver is always to blame for one of these accidents due to distracted driving, speeding, or any other variety of related reasons.
However, more than just the driver could be at fault for one of these accidents. Property owners and major companies could be liable for a parking lot accident involving a pedestrian accident as well. Perhaps the property was not properly maintained or there were inadequate traffic signs in the area that led to the accident. In these cases, a property owner could also be liable for an accident involving an injured pedestrian.
Damages in a Tulare Pedestrian Accident Claim
If you have been injured in a Tulare pedestrian accident in a parking lot, you may find that you are eligible for substantial financial recovery. If you bring a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover for the following damages:
- Medical expenses that you have incurred relating to your injuries
- Future medical expenses, prescription, and medical equipment
- Lost wages and future lost income due to missing work
- Pain and suffering
There are many types of damages that you can claim in a personal injury case. You want to ensure that all of your damages for the present and future are covered, which is why speaking with a Tulare pedestrian accident lawyer may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I am a pedestrian injured in a parking lot accident but I am partially liable for my own accident?
California follows comparative negligence laws, which means that you can still recover if you are partially liable for your pedestrian accident. Your percentage of fault will be determined and lessened from the number of damages that you receive based on this.
What if the driver of my parking lot accident fled the scene after the collision?
If you were struck by a hit-and-run driver, you still have options for recovery. If the driver is apprehended by police, you can recover damages through a personal injury claim and their insurance. If they are not caught, however, you can still file for damages through your own uninsured motorist coverage.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Tulare?
The statute of limitations in California is two years from the time you discover your injuries for filing a personal injury claim. You want to act quickly because, if you wait too long, you could be barred from bringing a claim.
Contact a Tulare Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Following a Parking Lot Accident
If you have sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident in a Tulare parking lot, you have options getting back on your feet. As you focus on the physical recovery associated with your accident, you should not have to worry about the bills that continue piling up. It can be stressful to deal with the aspects of a personal injury claim but legal help can help you significantly.
At Maison Law, our trustworthy and knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyers in Tulare and beyond are dedicated to every aspect of your personal injury claim. We want to ensure that your rights are being protected and that you have the resources necessary to deal with the California legal system. Contact us for a confidential and completely free case consultation.
