You may think of a car crash happening while both cars are going fast down the highway. However, serious collisions are also possible when one car is parked or when pedestrians are hit while crossing through a parking lot. Being hit by a car at any speed is likely to result in serious injuries because of how vulnerable the human body is against a mass of metal.
Parking lot accidents in Spartanburg and other local communities may seem minor compared to high-speed crashes, but they can still have consequences for everyone involved. If this has happened to you or a loved one, you may be able to recover financial compensation to cover your expenses. The car crash attorneys at KD Trial Lawyers could help you understand your legal options and advise on the best path forward.
How Do Collisions Happen in a Parking Lot?
Parking lots are a perfect storm of blind spots, narrow spaces, and decreased awareness. Even backing out of a parking spot carries the risk of a collision if either driver loses concentration. This is even more true when pedestrians are present, as someone can easily be completely hidden by a corner or another parked vehicle before it is too late to avoid being struck.
Unsafe driving practices, such as going too fast or getting distracted by a text message, are also common while navigating a parking lot. Around restaurants and bars, there is also the possibility of being under the influence of alcohol while behind the wheel. Environmental factors can also affect the vehicle’s performance, even at low speeds. For instance, heavy rainfall or inadequate lighting can reduce visibility and increase the risk of hitting something. Additionally, missing signage or faded lines make it a challenge for everyone to know who has the right of way.
If you have suffered injuries due to another driver’s negligence in a parking lot, contact our dedicated Spartanburg lawyers to help you with filing a car crash claim.
Understanding the State’s Comparative Fault Law
Regardless of the cause, filing a claim for compensation after a Spartanburg parking lot accident could cover costs such as repairing your vehicle, medical treatment, and lost wages if you cannot return to work right away.
However, this depends on who was at fault for causing the collision. This can get complicated because parking lot crashes often involve multiple parties who may share some of the responsibility, including the driver and the property owner. Fault could also be shifted to you, which affects your claim.
The state has a form of modified contributory fault, under South Carolina Code § 15-38-15. Under this rule, a victim may recover compensation in a claim, but default of multiple defendants will be allocated according to the above statute. The allocation that falls between multiple defendants has changed in South Carolina recently. The new law has many nuances that can affect a case.
Contact a Spartanburg Attorney About Your Parking Lot Crash
Parking lot accidents in Spartanburg can leave you with serious injuries and property damage. The team at KD Trial Lawyers could help you recover the compensation you need. When you work with us, you get direct communication from our attorneys instead of a staff member. Call KD Trial Lawyers for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and gain skilled legal support.
