If you get hurt in an auto accident in Dothan or elsewhere in Alabama due to someone else’s negligence, you can file a lawsuit against them, regardless of whether it occurred at a high speed on the interstate or a slow speed in a parking lot. The parties you could potentially sue include the driver who hit you and the parking lot owner and/or manager, among others.
The experienced car accident lawyers at Gartlan Injury Law can help you determine the cause of the crash, identify all liable parties, and work closely with you to pursue the compensation you deserve. We believe it is critical to understand the many unique aspects of parking lot accidents in Alabama.
What Are Common Types of Alabama Parking Lot Accidents?
Some of the leading types of parking lot accidents in Alabama include:
- Backing accidents – When drivers reverse out of parking spaces without checking for pedestrians or other motor vehicles
- Front-end collisions – When motorists pull forward across marked lines into empty spaces while another driver is attempting to enter
- Wrong-way accidents – When drivers ignore markings and drive through a parking lot in the wrong direction
- Distracted driving accidents – When motorists focus on finding an open parking space instead of paying attention to their driving. Distraction often leads to pedestrian accidents
- Dooring accidents – When people open their doors in the path of oncoming vehicles
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Parking Lot Accident in Alabama?
Anyone who causes a parking lot accident in Alabama can be liable for the injuries they cause. In a parking lot car accident lawsuit, the liable parties could include the following:
- Driver who failed to pay enough attention to the surrounding conditions or engaged in some other form of negligent driving
- Employer of the delivery truck or other commercial vehicle operating in the parking lot on business
- Distracted pedestrians
- Property owners who fail to maintain their parking lots adequately
- Third-party maintenance providers whose negligent work creates hazards
In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for a single accident. A skilled car accident attorney at Gartlan Injury Law can review the facts of the case to identify all potentially liable parties and evaluate whether a claim may be viable.
When Can Parking Lot Property Owners Be Liable for the Accident?
Parking lot accidents are typically the result of negligence on the part of one or more of the people directly involved in the collision. In many situations, the property owner may be liable. Parking lot accident victims may have a car accident case against a property owner if:
- Poor lighting conditions contributed to the accident.
- Bad pavement conditions caused a loss of control or a hazard that a driver could not reasonably avoid
- Faded or unclear road markings, leading to driver confusion
- Negligent security that created a foreseeable risk of injury
Any of these situations might present the opportunity to file a premises liability lawsuit in Alabama against the property owner’s commercial insurance policy.
How Is Fault Determined in an Alabama Parking Lot Accident?
Lawyers and insurance adjusters review a variety of evidence to determine fault in a parking lot accident case. Critical evidence might include:
- The police report
- Property owner incident reports
- Medical records
- Security camera footage
- Eyewitness testimony
- Post-accident vehicle inspections that identify points of impact
- Expert testimony, in some cases
In particularly complex car accident cases, lawyers might employ accident reconstruction experts to help them present a clear explanation of how the crash occurred.
Having persuasive evidence is essential in Alabama car accident claims. Under the state’s pure contributory negligence doctrine, accident victims can only recover compensation if they share no fault for the crash that injured them. Even the slightest amount of negligence can bar your recovery.
For this reason, many people turn to personal injury attorneys for help during insurance negotiations. The other driver’s insurance company will work hard to limit your recovery. Having an advocate who can develop a strategy to counter any disputes can protect your right to compensation.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Parking Lot Accident in Alabama?
The first thing you can do to protect yourself after a parking lot accident is to alert the authorities. Police and property owners can take reports at the scene that can be useful later.
Next, talk to anyone involved in the crash or who witnessed it. Get their names, contact information, and relevant insurance information, but avoid apologizing or making guesses about fault. Take photos of any injuries you suffered as well as the conditions of the parking lot.
Seek medical assistance immediately, even if you feel unharmed. Tell the doctor that you were involved in a motor vehicle accident. They can treat any injuries you may be unaware of and document the link between your injuries and the collision in your medical record.
If your car was damaged, check the notification deadline on your auto insurance policy. Many insurers require that you notify them of a crash within several days of an accident. Failing to do so within the time limits may affect your coverage.
Finally, contact a seasoned parking lot accident lawyer at Gartlan Injury Law in Alabama for guidance on how to seek fair compensation for your car accident injuries.
What Are Common Injuries in Parking Lot Collisions?
Parking lot accidents can result in serious injuries. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries, particularly from rear-end impacts
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Friction injuries like “road rash” from being dragged across the pavement
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
What Damages Can an Alabama Parking Lot Accident Victim Seek?
If someone else caused the parking lot accident that injured you, you can pursue compensation for a variety of financial and personal losses, such as:
- Past medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit for a Parking Lot Accident in Alabama?
Alabama Code § 6-2-38 gives you two years from the date of a parking lot accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. If you attempt to bring action after this deadline has passed, your auto accident claim will likely be dismissed by the court.
Some exceptions may shorten or extend the deadline. When you work with Gartlan Injury Law in your parking lot accident case, we can help you determine the relevant statute of limitations.
Get Help from an Experienced Alabama Parking Lot Accident Lawyer
Need help with a parking lot accident lawsuit in Alabama? Gartlan Injury Law is here to provide it. Here’s what you can expect from our legal professionals:
- A free initial consultation
- A lawyer who takes the time to understand your needs and explain your legal options in plain English— no legal jargon
- A legal team that will dedicate the resources to identifying all at-fault parties and pursuing maximum compensation
- No upfront costs — you only pay legal fees if we recover compensation for you
Our dedicated attorneys have recovered millions for injury victims throughout Alabama. While no lawyer can ethically guarantee a favorable outcome for your case, our team works diligently to pursue the best possible results for every client.
Here’s what past client Nick says about his experience with our law firm:
“Mr. Gartlan and the legal team was wonderful to work with. They went above and beyond to get me everything I deserved and needed. I will be recommending them to everyone I know. They are head and shoulders above everyone else in Alabama.”
Contact us today for your free case evaluation with an Alabama car accident attorney.
