When you are hurt in an accident that was not your fault, you could find yourself facing medical bills, physical injuries and other complications that can have a long-term effect. As a victim, you may understand that you have the right to seek compensation through a civil claim. You may not know what your options are, however, if your accident took place in a parking lot.
Accidents that take place in parking lots are rather common, and often, they do not result in serious damage or injuries. However, there are times when a seemingly minor collision results in injuries that are quite serious and debilitating, especially when a car strikes a person who is walking. Inattentive drivers are the reason for many parking lot accidents, and this can be particularly dangerous for pedestrians and other motorists.
The hidden dangers of parking lots
Parking lots may not seem like dangerous places initially, but in actuality, people get hurt in incidents in parking lots every day, especially people walking back and forth to their vehicles. Distraction is one of the leading causes of car collisions on Georgia roads and highways, and parking lots are no exception. Some drivers be doing one of the following actions instead of watching for pedestrians:
- Sending a text message
- Inputting an address into a GPS
- Reading or typing emails
- Using social media
- Watching videos or taking photos
A person may think he or she can safely look at the phone while in a parking lot because of the slower speed, but that is not the case. Distraction is always dangerous and always preventable, and these negligent drivers are liable for damages. Pedestrians are vulnerable to serious injuries in an accident, even in a parking lot.
If you think you may have a case because of a distraction-related accident or incident related to poor lighting, negligent security, pot holes and other dangerous property conditions, you may find it beneficial to take quick action to learn about the legal options available to you. You could have valid grounds to move forward with a civil claim.
The recovery you deserve
You should not have to suffer due to the negligence of another driver, a store owner or other type of property owner. A civil claim may be an appropriate course of action by which you can recover your financial losses. You do not have to suffer the aftermath alone, but you can fight for the full recovery you deserve.