Parking Lot Accidents in Victorville

Car crashes typically invoke images of highways, speeding, and reckless driving that cause catastrophic injuries or death. In an accident on the freeway, what happened and what to do is usually clear and easy to understand. But a collision in a parking lot has much less clarity. Parking lots are generally private property and not a roadway; the accident more than likely resulted from one car backing up instead of moving forward; and sometimes, one party was not even present at the time. Regardless, a parking area collision could still result in damage to your vehicle or injuries to yourself.

The lawyers at Walter Clark Legal Group have experience dealing with parking lot accidents in Victorville. If you or your vehicle has been in a parked car collision, contact a seasoned motor vehicle crash attorney to discuss your legal options. Insurance companies aim to reach quick conclusions, but talking to an experienced lawyer could ensure that all your damages are accounted for and compensated.

First Steps to Take After a Parking Lot Collision

Parking lot crashes are unique from typical car accidents on the road because the vehicles are often moving at a much slower speed, and one of them might not even have been moving at all, which results in the classic scenario of someone returning to their parked car to find a nice big dent in the door. This is an advantage because those involved in parking area accidents can take a breath, assess the situation, and gather as much information as possible. After a parked car crash, the best things to do are:

• Take photographs of the damage
• Note the time of day, date, location, weather, and conditions of the lot
• Exchange insurance information with the other vehicle if possible
• File an insurance claim

Taking photos and noting the conditions surrounding the accident could be immensely beneficial because a dark parking lot or a dangerous blind spot could have led up to the collision. That is why it is important to do this immediately after a crash so the information is fresh in mind. A Victorville parking lot accident attorney could use this information to help come to a complete resolution of the incident.

Determining Fault for Parking Lot Crashes

Finding fault in typical roadway accidents usually comes down to negligence such as distracted driving or failing to follow traffic laws. Fault in parking lot accidents is usually more straightforward, although negligence could still play a role.

Fault is typically placed on the moving vehicle if the collision occurs with another parked vehicle, regardless of whether a driver was in the parked car. Similarly, the fault is usually on the car that is backing out of a parking space or generally moving in reverse. If a car moves forward out of a parking space and hits another car that was driving by, the fault is on the car moving out of the space because they should have made certain the coast was clear before moving.

While establishing fault for Victorville parking lot collisions is a little more clear-cut than other auto accidents, it is still dependent on the exact facts and circumstances surrounding the incident—which is why it is still helpful to have a knowledgeable lawyer review the case. Retaining a trusted legal professional could also help if the other vehicle was uninsured or underinsured. A dedicated attorney could provide legal assistance and representation in filing an uninsured motorist claim to seek full compensation.

Contact a Victorville Lawyer After a Parking Lot Accident

Parking lot accidents in Victorville are usually minor, but they occur more frequently than most people imagine. If you are involved in a parking lot collision, there are certain things you should do to protect yourself and your vehicle, such as taking photographs and exchanging insurance information.

It is also helpful to contact an attorney at Walter Clark Legal Group as soon as possible to determine your legal options. A qualified lawyer could help assess the situation, determine damages, and work towards a resolution. Call today to get started on your case.