Suffolk County Parking Lot Accident Lawyer

Every driver has an obligation to operate their vehicle safely, even in a slow-moving space such as a parking lot. Drivers must take appropriate care to ensure they do not collide with others, just as they do on major roads.

Unfortunately, many drivers do not take this obligation seriously enough. It is not uncommon for drivers in parking lots to speed, disregard lane lines, or fail to check corners in garages. This can result in collisions that are every bit as serious as the ones that occur on major streets.

A Suffolk County parking lot accident lawyer could help after these accidents. The attorney could work to prove that a defendant was at-fault for the incident and pursue appropriate compensation for a person’s losses.

Do Parking Lots Follow the Same Traffic Laws as the Roads?

Whenever a person gets behind the wheel of a car, they assume a duty to protect other drivers on the road by driving safely. Naturally, this protection extends to motorists on public highways and streets, but it also applies to driving in parking lots and garages.

The duty that drivers assume involves taking the proper precautions not to place other people at unnecessary risk of harm. This duty requires drivers to move according to the speed limit and refrain from distractions on roads and in parking lots. Defendants could violate this duty by speeding, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, or not checking behind them before pulling out of a parking space. A Suffolk County parking lot accident attorney could provide more information about the duty drivers have in parking lots to keep others safe.

Proving Defendant Fault

The rules that govern parking lots and garages are like those that control safe street driving. According to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules §1411, courts will use a concept called pure comparative negligence to determine fault for an accident that occurs in a parking lot. As a result, pursuing compensation for these incidents involves proving the defendant was responsible.

It falls to an injured plaintiff to prove that a defendant holds the majority of the blame for an incident. A Suffolk County parking lot accident attorney could help gather evidence, such as talking to other witnesses, obtaining security camera footage, and performing an accident reconstruction study to determine the actions of all relevant parties. They could also help fight back against any allegations of comparative negligence that a defendant may raise to limit their liability.

Reach Out to a Suffolk County Parking Lot Accident Attorney to Seek Compensation

Accidents that occur in Suffolk County parking lots could be as severe as those that happen on main roads or streets. Cars, trucks, and SUVs can be dangerous at even low speeds, and collisions could inflict serious physical, mental, and financial damage. A driver has the same duty to keep others safe while in a parking lot as on the open road. As a result, a negligent driver could be liable to provide compensation for your losses.

A Suffolk County parking lot accident lawyer could explain the obligations of the defendant, protect your rights, and help you pursue your claim. They could also work to gather essential evidence and use it to build a strong case demanding fair compensation. There is a limited time following an injury to demand payments, and your time could be running out. Contact an attorney today to learn more.