Settling liability in a parking lot accident can be tricky; however, certain common accidents occur in which liability can be easily proven.
Most drivers are cautious and drive slowly in a parking lot. However, a large number of car accidents take place in parking lots as there are too many cars moving in different directions at the same time in a cramped space. The absence of defined driving lanes in parking lots also adds to the confusion.
If you have been involved in a parking lot accident in St. Louis, it’s important to consult with a St. Louis parking lot accident attorney who can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of parking lot accidents and can provide the legal guidance you need.
This attorney is very smart, very experienced, returns phone calls and knows the answers when asked. One call and I knew this was a great law firm for auto accidents.
Response from the owner: Our law firm appreciates this. This is a comment we get from so many people who call…”none of the lawyers we called told me all the things that you did.” Whether we take a car accident case or not, helping people is a good thing.
5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
Watch this lawyer in action. Was way better than all the others. Get this lawyer for an automobile accident for sure.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the recommendation. Besides doing cases, our attorneys train for this. Hard work, case knowledge and technique is key to success in car accident litigation.
Very pleased with The Hoffmann Law Firm. Lawyers are attentive, friendly and go the distance to force the settlement you want. The TV lawyers recommend low offers. This law firm gets the maximum.
Response from the owner: We get calls from car accident victims that had to fire the TV lawyers that they hired. They give the same two reasons: 1) they never spoke to a lawyer at the Big TV law firms, only a paralegal, and 2) the paralegal recommended they accept a low offer. At our law firm, you only talk to the lawyer and if an offer is low we tell you to sue. Thanks!
Several lawyers said to call this lawyer because he is the best. You will appreciate this law firm. Helped with the injury and property claims. Attentive and knowledgeable. Great reputation in St Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
Would use this accident law firm. Best in Saint Louis. Highly rated and it shows. After one phone call, you just know this attorney is better. 5 Stars!!
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our lawyers in St Louis. There is a major difference in lawyers as you well know.
Car accident lawyers on tv are not good . Get this attorney ! He is a pro !!
Response from the owner: Thanks Nathan. TV lawyers market for car accidents, use paralegals instead of lawyers and give their employees settlement quotas hence forcing cheap settlements. At our law firm, you get a lawyer who keeps pushing forward for more.
Quality lawyer. Best law firm for a car accident. Advice was way better than other lawyers I called in St. Louis. Helped with property and injury.
Response from the owner: Thanks. The TV lawyer advertisers are just car accident settlement mills. As soon as people call a real attorney, they always tell us how much better and more helpful we were. Appreciate this.
This lawyer is big time. Smooth. The other lawyers on the other side were not nearly as good as this attorney. I recommend friends in St Louis to him for accident injuries and they all say the same thing…”that lawyer is great.”
Response from the owner: Very nice of you to say. Our lawyers work hard on auto accident cases.
Family used this car accident attorney after a crash. Located in St Louis. This lawyer answers the phone and will walk you through the process. Knows his stuff!
Response from the owner: Taking calls, going over the car accident injury and property process is important. Clients that call always say we are the only lawyers that explained everything. Much appreciated.
Tried the lawyers on TV. They were not good. Hired this car accident lawyer instead because he had great reviews. The reviews are correct. This attorney is as good as they get. He does big injury cases that need to be litigated.
Response from the owner: Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner: Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
I was in a car accident in St.Louis and hired Chris as my lawyer. He was amazing!!! He helped me every step of the way and was able to get me a great settlement!!!Highly, highly, highly recommend him!
Response from the owner: Each step is important in a car accident. Thanks for recommending us for car accidents injury claims.
When I had my accident he was very professional, honest and caring to me and my family it wasn't about the money it was about the care, he made sure me and my kids were took care of and I really appreciate it this is a gexcellant law firm also his secretary is the best,so I would like to say thank you chris for everything melinda .
Great car accident lawyer in St. Louis. This is a very good car accident lawyer in St. Lious. Takes phone calls. Listens. Experienced in injury litigation.
Response from the owner: Thanks Maddie. Our law firm brings experience to the table on car accident cases.
Although Mr. Hoffman did not represent me in my case he was willing to take the time to get me in touch with someone who specializes in the type of incident I needed legal representation with. Attorney's such as Mr. Hoffman are difficult to find. He took personal time to keep in touch with me and give me sound legal advice and guidance. I highly recommend speaking with Mr. Hoffman if you require his services. I truly believe he is the type of person who cares and will make sure the job gets done RIGHT. Do not hesitate to contact him
In an auto accident in St. Louis, the other car pulled out and hit us. The collision was very bad. We were all injured and used this attorney. He is very experienced in handling injury claims and got a great settlement after filing a lawsuit for us. 5 Stars!
Response from the owner: Thanks Ms. Santoni. Side impact car accidents are some of the worst our lawyers see. We have to file lawsuits on nearly every case because insurance companies deny almost every claim, but I am glad we got yours resolved. I appreciate you recommending our lawyers and giving us a 5 Star rating.
My daughter and I were in an car accident. We for both injured badly. After I finally got out of the hospital, I started looking for lawyers in Saint Louis and found this attorney who does accident and injury claims. It said their attorney would answer 24 hours a day. I called their law firm at 10 p.m. and a injury lawyer answered. He was polite, knowledgeable, and advised me of what needed to be done for myself and my daughter regarding the car accident. I hired them to do or auto accident case. They kept me well informed during the car accident case in Saint Louis County Court. I was well prepared for depositions. He help with everything. I got a good settlement as did my daughter for our injuries. Although the car accident was scary, it was bearable having a good helpful attorney on our side. I highly recommend this Saint Louis car accident law firm. Their attorneys and lawyers are great. Highly recommended
The Chris Hoffman law firm takesgreat care of all my legal needs. They are caring and personal and will fight for what you need. I highly recommend them. You will be very satisfied and know he got you the best deal available.
Response from the owner: Great cleints are the start to pursuing any legal case and you are the best! Thanks for the recommendation Barbara!
A true professional in terms of car accident cases. I definitely recommend this lawyer for any injury after a St. Louis accident. Very good at what these attorneys do!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for such a great review. Our attorneys work hard at providing great service. Car accident cases are fought by insurance companies from the property damage through the personal injury claim. This forces people to get local lawyers to do their claims. Missouri and Saint Louis, in particular, is known for accident claim denial even against your own insurance carrier. Thanks again!
You will not find better attorneys for a car accident in St. Louis. Very experienced. These attorneys know all the facets of an accident case and have great advice when problems come up during the injury claim.
Response from the owner: Thanks Jack. Our attorneys appreciate a great review like this. It helps car accident victims know who are the real lawyers in St. Louis who do this work versus the mere advertisers who refer victims to lawyers they have never met for a kickback. Much appreciated!
Thanks for helping with my car accident case. These lawyers are best in St. Louis.
Response from the owner: You are welcome and thanks for the review! A lot of car accident victims read these and find it helpful in choosing a lawyer for their case. Great cases always start with great clients!
great lawyer for auto accident cases . I thought this law firm did great work .Very happy with their services. I would recommend them to others.
Response from the owner: It was very nice of you to leave a review. Thanks Brenda! A good case always starts with a great client. We appreciated the recommendation. It is good to hear back from clients and have them refer us to other injury victims after a car accident. Wish you well!
This is the best choice for a car accident attorney. These lawyers get great settlements.I was recommended to them from some people I know and was happy to get a great recommendation.
Response from the owner: Our attorneys appreciate the compliment! It is great to hear we are doing well. It means a lot when you recommend our lawyers to other car accident victims. Thanks again!
Glad I switched to this auto accident lawyer. These lawyers fight hard for their injury clients. I highly recommend these lawyers.
Response from the owner: We are happy you switched as well. Good clients are the basis for a good case. Fighting to protect your rights after an accidental injury is our sole focus. Your recommendation means a lot. Thanks again for the review.
If you are injured in a car accident you should hire this attorney. This is the best legal representation. These attorneys are very professional.
Response from the owner: Thank you for reviewing our law firm and recommending our lawyers. Attorneys appreciate feedback on whether they are doing well on cases and reviews are one of the best means for this.
ST.LOUIS AUTO ACCIDENT? I RECOMMEND THIS LAWYER FOR ANY ACCIDENT CASE INVOLVING INJURIES. VERY GOOD LAWYERS!
Response from the owner: Appreciate the Good Words! SInce our law firm started focusing exclusively on car and auto accidents, the focus had increased our knowledge and the learning curve has greatly benefited out settlement results. Specializing is key for any lawyers! All benefit from this. Thanks again for the review!
Colliding with a Car While Backing Out
Drivers backing out of a parking lot are supposed to back out just a little so they can see both sides of the parking lane and check if they are clear. When it has been ascertained that both sides of the parking lane are clear of any oncoming vehicles, the driver should back out completely. A driver may fail to take this precaution and pull out without warning, causing a collision. In this scenario, the liability will rest with the vehicle backing out unless the other driver was speeding recklessly.
If a motorist pulls ahead from a parking spot and collides with a car coming down the parking lane, the car’s driver pulling out ahead may be liable for causing the accident. The rules of the road give the right of way to the vehicle proceeding straight, and the vehicle pulling out must wait for other vehicles to clear.
Rear-End Collision in a Parking Lot
A motorist in a parking lane comes to a halt suddenly, and there is a rear-end collision. A driver who rear-ends a car is generally at fault as he or she must drive at a safe distance and should be prepared to stop if the car ahead stops suddenly. Parking lots are no exception to this rule, and drivers should be even more careful in parking lots due to the movement of too many cars in a small space.
Suddenly, Turning in Front of an Oncoming Vehicle
A driver turns suddenly in front of an oncoming vehicle to get a parking space. While driving, you are not supposed to make a left turn when there is incoming traffic from the opposite direction. You are supposed to wait until the traffic is clear and then only make the left turn. The same rule applies to parking lots. A collision resulting in such a scenario is attributable to the car’s driver trying to reach a parking spot.
Two Cars Collide While Backing Out
This accident is quite common as both drivers try to make the same maneuver. The drivers may back out slightly and check that the parking lane on both sides is clear; however, they fail to check their rear and collide with each other. Both drivers are equally at fault for this accident.
Driver Distraction in St. Louis Parking Lots
Driver distraction is a pressing issue in parking lots, and the National Safety Council (NSC) is at the forefront of raising awareness about it. Their survey reveals that 66% of drivers admit to making phone calls and 56% to texting while navigating parking lots. The NSC’s emphasis on the need for heightened awareness and avoidance of distractions, especially during busy shopping, is a call to action for all of us.
Key Statistics and Insights:
Prevalence of Distraction: According to NSC data, two-thirds of drivers are distracted in parking lots.
Accident Rates: Over 50,000 parking lot accidents occur annually, causing over 60,000 injuries and approximately 500 fatalities.
Increased Risks: With rising traffic fatalities nationwide, the risks associated with parking lots are expected to grow each year.
St. Louis parking lot accident attorneys highlight that parking lots pose greater dangers than many assume, urging drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution and remain vigilant.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
It is important to note that drivers are not the only ones distracted in parking facilities; pedestrians are also. Between 2001 and 2011, around 11,000 pedestrians distracted by their cell phones suffered serious injuries in traffic accidents.
NSC has urged drivers to utilize onboard systems to prevent distractions.
The NSC poll shows that 63% of parking lot drivers use GPS systems while driving. To counter this, the drivers should program their destinations before departure.
Each year, as many as 51% of parking lot deaths happen when drivers are reversing. NSC suggests using backup cameras and taking other measures to look out for other drivers and pedestrians.
These simple steps can go a long way in preventing crashes and injuries.
Parking Lot Accidents Can Lead to Terrible Injuries
Parking lot accidents may seem uneventful initially, but they can pose many dangers. Even a minor collision can lead to severe injuries with long-term consequences. A soft tissue injury, for example, can occur when your head is forcefully and rapidly thrown back forward.
You may not have any visible injuries, and you may assume that because the collision was minor, there are no real problems. However, getting a proper diagnosis and ruling out any potential injury is important before agreeing on a settlement.
The tricky part of parking lot accidents is that they seem harmless. An experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer can guide and advise you and ensure you won’t make any mistakes that may jeopardize your claim. They will gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for fair compensation.
How to Drive Safely in a Crowded Parking Lot
If you’re driving in a parking lot, there are a few things you can do to help provide safety for everyone.
Drive Slowly. This will give you more time to react if someone suddenly walks in front of your car.
Be Aware of your surroundings at All Times. Look out for pedestrians and other cars, and be prepared to stop if necessary.
Don’t Honk Your Horn. This can startle pedestrians and cause them to walk into oncoming traffic.
Use your turn signals. This will let other drivers know when you turn or change lanes and help prevent accidents.
What Should You Do if You Get into an Accident in a Parking Lot?
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If you’re involved in a minor fender bender in a parking lot, the best thing to do is exchange insurance information with the other driver, file a police report, and consult a St. Louis parking lot accident attorney to understand your rights and options. They can guide you through the legal process and help protect your interests.
If the accident is more serious or someone gets injured, call the police and ambulance immediately. But, again, it’s important to document everything as accurately as possible so there are no problems later on.
How to Prove Parking Lot Accident Fault
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To prove fault in a parking lot accident, gather evidence such as witness statements, security camera footage, and scene photos, and analyze the traffic patterns and signage to establish which party violated traffic rules or was negligent.
Parking Lot Surveillance Footage
CCTV surveillance footage can provide a clear picture of what happened during the accident and who is to blame. It can also provide evidence of any reckless behavior that caused the accident. The footage can also help prove the speed at which the vehicles traveled, which can be used to determine fault.
However, obtaining the footage is not always easy. This is because the footage often belongs to a third party, and they may not be willing to provide it without a warranty. An experienced St. Louis car accident attorney will have the knowledge and resources to obtain and use the footage to prove fault.
The Police Report
No matter how small the accident seems or how convincing the other driver is, it’s generally advisable to call the police after an accident. When responding officers arrive at the accident scene, they will assess the situation, take statements from witnesses, and make a police report of the incident. You can use the police report to prove fault in a parking lot accident.
The police report can provide vital information about the accident, including the time, location, and other factors that may have contributed to it. In some cases, the police officer may also include a scene sketch. All this information can help determine who was at fault for the accident.
Eyewitness Statements
Parking lot accidents often happen in high-traffic buildings, which means there is a good chance that eyewitnesses were present when your accident occurred. Eyewitness statements can be a powerful tool in proving fault. These witnesses can provide a firsthand account of the events and offer details about the speed and direction of the vehicles involved.
Testimony From Accident Reconstruction Specialists
If there was no surveillance footage, witnesses, or any other form of physical evidence available to determine fault in a parking lot accident, an accident reconstruction specialist could be a valuable source of information. An accident reconstruction specialist will use their knowledge and experience to analyze the circumstances of the accident, including the vehicles’ positions, damage, speed, and other factors. They will then provide an opinion on how and why the accident occurred.
Legal Help From a St. Louis Parking Lot Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you has been injured by a distracted driver in a parking lot during this busy shopping season, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering that resulted. It is important to seek help from a St. Louis personal injury lawyer who can protect your rights and get you the full compensation you are entitled to. Call us today at (314) 361-4242 to speak to an experienced attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
Determining fault in a parking lot accident can be complex due to the private property setting and the unique traffic patterns. Generally, the driver who violated the traffic rules or was negligent (e.g., not yielding right of way, speeding, or distracted driving) is at fault. Each case requires a detailed investigation to establish liability.
What should I do if I’m involved in a parking lot accident?
If you’re involved in a parking lot accident, ensure everyone’s safety first. Call emergency services if needed. Exchange information with the other party, take photos of the scene and look for witnesses. It’s also advisable to file a police report, speak with a car accident lawyer, and notify your insurance company.
How is fault determined in accidents where one car is backing up?
In accidents involving one car backing up, the driver pulling out is usually found at fault, as they’re expected to yield to oncoming traffic. However, exceptions exist, such as if the other driver was speeding or failed to observe the surroundings. A thorough examination of the accident details is essential.
Can I claim compensation for a parking lot accident?
Yes, you may be entitled to compensation for damages and injuries. This can cover vehicle repairs, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the claims process and maximize your recovery.
Are parking lot accidents treated differently by insurance companies?
Parking lot accidents can be complex for insurance companies due to the typically low speeds and private property settings. Liability may be split, especially in collisions without a clear right of way. An attorney can help argue your case and deal with insurance adjusters.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have options through your insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. Reviewing your policy and consulting with an attorney to understand your rights and pursue the necessary compensation is crucial.
