Liability In NJ Parking Lot Accidents

While the majority of car accidents may come from accidents on the road, a large percentage of them do occur in parking lots. Drivers are less likely to pay attention in parking lots.

Additionally, it’s not always easy to determine who’s liable when a parking lot accident occurs, as there are often numerous factors involved.

Common Causes of Parking Lot Accident

Here are some of the most common causes of parking lot accidents:

• Reversing without paying attention
• Distracted driving
• Parking lots that aren’t properly maintained or repaired
• Failing to follow driving laws, like stopping at stop signs

These are just a few of the most common causes of parking lot accidents. For some reason, drivers don’t always follow the same laws when in a parking lot as they do on the road. They may not come to a complete stop at stop signs or look out for other drivers when reversing. This can lead to a high rate of accidents.

Fortunately, parking lot accidents tend to be less severe than other types of accidents. This is mostly due to the fact that drivers do tend to go slower in parking lots. However, the risk to pedestrians may be the same. Pedestrians still lack access to safety features and may suffer severe injuries. Parking lot accidents can lead to broken bones, head injuries, internal bleeding, and neck injuries. It can also lead to expensive property damages.

How to Avoid Parking Lot Accidents

While many of the same precautions that you take on the road can help to prevent parking lot accidents, drivers and pedestrians may need to take additional safety steps. Avoiding distractions is especially important in parking lots, for both passenger vehicle drivers and pedestrians. A driver who is paying attention to their smartphone may not notice a pedestrian walking between parked cars. A pedestrian may not feel like there is any harm in using their smartphone while walking, but they may not notice a car in front of them pulling out. Lowering your speed is also important in preventing severe accidents.

Determining Liability in a Parking Lot Accident

It’s not always easy to determine who’s at fault when a parking lot accident occurs. It almost always comes down to a right of way issue. Most people would agree that pedestrians have a legal right of way, but it can get more confusing to navigate when two or more vehicles are involved in the accident.

Additionally, in some cases, it may be the fault of the parking lot owner. The person who owns, or manages, the parking lot must maintain a safe lot for everyone. If they fail to make repairs or remove ice in a timely manner, it’s possible that they may be liable. The best way to find out who is responsible for a parking lot accident is to discuss your case with a lawyer. 

A personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate the details of the case and determine if someone’s negligence led to your injuries. Keep in mind, New Jersey has a time limit of just two years from the date of the injury, so consider your options as soon as possible.

Contact a Woodbridge Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Parking Lot Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. represent clients injured because of a parking lot injury in Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, Middletown, Howell, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 906-1500 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1862 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820, as well as offices in Brick, Freehold, and Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.