Were you injured in a parking lot accident in Lakeland, FL? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
A Lakeland auto accident lawyer from Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can fight to hold the negligent party responsible. We have over 119 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Let us take care of your case while you focus on your recovery.
Contact our law office at (863) 251-6196 to schedule a free consultation.
How Winters & Yonker Can Help After A Parking Lot Accident In Lakeland, FL
After you are injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s dangerous driving, our Lakeland car accident lawyers will provide the following legal services:
- Conducting a private investigation
- Building a case using medical records, the accident report, and other evidence
- Handling negotiations with the insurance adjuster
- Litigating against the at-fault driver if a settlement can’t be reached
For decades, we have been known as “The Aggressive Attorneys” for injured victims in Lakeland, Florida. Our reputation comes from years of fighting powerful insurance companies, securing substantial compensation in settlements and verdicts, and standing by clients when they need us most.
Contact Winters & Yonker for a free consultation with a Lakeland personal injury lawyer.
Causes Of Lakeland Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lot accidents happen for many of the following reasons:
- Unsafe backing
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Disobeying lines for lanes and parking spaces
For example, a common cause of parking lot accidents occurs when drivers reverse out of parking spaces without verifying that pedestrians and vehicles are not approaching. Instead, they rely on their mirrors and only look directly backward.
Similarly, another common parking lot crash scenario happens when drivers hit pedestrians. Often, these crashes result from distracted driving when the driver is so busy looking for a parking space that they fail to see pedestrians.
These crashes can also result from other distractions. According to the National Safety Council, up to 66% of drivers admit to using their cell phones, and another 53% admit to texting when driving in parking lots.
Determining Liability For Parking Lot Crashes
Negligence determines liability for parking lot crashes. A driver is negligent when they fail to drive with reasonable caution. Their negligence may occur when they violate traffic laws, like running stop signs. However, it can also happen when drivers expose other people to unreasonable injury risks.
Establishing liability in a parking lot accident can be challenging due to the frequent absence of traffic signs, pavement markings, and even lane lines. Nevertheless, the driver whose unsafe actions caused the collision is considered liable.
Thus, you must look at which driver acted unreasonably. For example, if a driver crosses the parking lot lines, they may be liable if they hit a driver who is driving in the marked lanes. Similarly, a driver may be liable for a pedestrian accident when they back over someone because they used their mirrors instead of looking over their shoulder.
Damages Available For Parking Lot Accident Victims
After a parking lot accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, such as:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and prescription medications
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages cover your subjective losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
If you lost a loved one in a fatal parking lot accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After A Parking Accident In Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims — including those stemming from parking lot accidents — is two years from the date of the accident.
Failing to file within the applicable time frame means you could lose your right to seek compensation. To protect your rights, it’s important to speak with a Lakeland car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Our Lakeland Parking Lot Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Parking lot accidents can cause severe or fatal injuries, particularly to pedestrians. If you have been injured in an accident, we are here to support you. Contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a Lakeland parking lot accident attorney.