When we picture a Miami car accident, what often comes to mind are fiery crashes on I-95, with multiple cars slamming into each other at high rates of speed, scattering wreckage across the interstate.
However, many car accidents are not high-speed crashes and do not happen on interstates, highways, or even residential streets. Thousands of auto accidents every year take place in parking lots.
A parking lot accident can be a very serious matter, and it can involve substantial property damage and even catastrophic injuries—especially if one or more pedestrians are involved.
If you suffered injuries in a parking lot accident, you deserve compensation from the responsible party or parties. Getting it, however, can be challenging. Because most parking lots are on private property, the rules of the road do not apply. In many jurisdictions, police officers do not respond to parking lot accidents unless there are catastrophic injuries. Even then, unless evidence exists of vehicular assault or another criminal act, they are not there to investigate the crash, only to assist with the injured persons.
That is why you need a parking lot accident lawyer in Miami, FL. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we understand the unique aspects of these cases and can fight for the fair compensation you deserve. We can protect your rights and help you get compensated for your injuries.
We offer free case evaluations for new South Florida clients injured in parking lot accidents. You can meet with our team, have your questions answered, and learn what options you have. To schedule an appointment today, call our office at 1-800-747-3733.
Why Do Parking Lot Accidents Occur?
Anytime you pack a lot of cars into a small, combined space, the chance of an accident increases. Few places have more vehicles per square foot than a typical mall or big box store parking lot.
Parking lots can also be chaotic. Cars are moving in all different directions as drivers turn in, back out, and park. Drivers are often distracted by cell phones, kids, or their latest purchases. Add difficult-to-see pedestrians to the mix, and it is easy to see why parking lots are hotbeds for accidents.
If you were in a parking lot accident, our job is to cut through the confusion, identify the responsible parties, and hold them accountable.
Who Was at Fault for My Parking Lot Crash?
The biggest challenge of a parking lot accident is proving who was at fault. There are several reasons why this is often difficult.
Police Rarely Investigate Parking Lot Accidents.
In a typical car accident, the police investigate the scene of the crash. They can often determine who was at fault for causing a wreck. That is because drivers on public roads are subject to a uniform set of rules. Police officers examine the circumstances of a crash through this framework and can see who was in violation of proper driving protocol.
Because parking lots are private property, drivers do not have to follow these same rules of the road. Police, therefore, cannot easily determine who was at fault in an accident because they lack the proper framework to do so. As a result, they do not investigate parking lot accidents unless they believe the crash involved a criminal act. This could apply in a vehicular assault case or a Miami drunk driving accident.
It Often Is Not Clear Who Caused the Accident.
Parking lot accidents tend to be less straightforward than crashes that occur on normal roadways. For instance, who is at fault if two cars are backing out of adjacent parking spaces and collide? What if a pedestrian is involved? Is it the motorist’s fault for striking the pedestrian or the pedestrian’s fault for walking in front of a moving vehicle?
These questions are difficult to answer. Without a police investigation to assist, establishing fault is even more challenging.
Our attorneys can take on these challenges. We use a systematic approach to gather evidence and build a thorough and compelling case. If another party was at fault for the crash, we will obtain the documentation we need to prove it.
In the course of our investigation, we can also determine what the other party’s attorney or insurance company might allege to undermine your case. We can anticipate these arguments and prepare to counter them.
Who Will Pay for My Damages After a Parking Lot Incident?
Florida is a no-fault state. That does not mean, however, that you cannot seek compensation from another driver.
Under Florida’s auto insurance laws, every driver must carry $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. If you suffer injuries in a crash, you file a claim first with your own insurance company, which covers your damages up to your PIP limit.
If you suffered serious injuries, you can make a car insurance claim against the at-fault party or even file a Miami personal injury lawsuit. At your free case evaluation, we will look at your accident and your injuries and determine the best way to go about winning compensation.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Miami Parking Lot Accident?
You might need a lawyer after a parking lot accident. It depends on the severity of your injuries and whether you worry about getting compensation for your medical bills, lost income, or other damages.
It never hurts to sit down with a lawyer, especially if you can do so for free, and find out more about your legal options. That is what we offer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine.
Call 1-800-747-3733 for a Free Case Evaluation.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine want to help you get the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries after a parking lot accident. To schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our team, call 1-800-747-3733.
We Can Help.
