Parking Lot Accidents in Massachusetts

Car Crash Attorneys Assisting Victims in the Boston Area

Many motorists would be surprised to learn about the high number of car accidents that happen in parking lots each year. Although these crashes happen at low impact they can still result in debilitating and painful injuries for victims. Some of the most common injuries that result from parking lot accidents include broken bones and chronic back pain. While parking lot accidents may seem straightforward, it can be difficult to establish fault, and there may be other factors at play, such as poor lighting or damaged roadways. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our Boston car accident lawyers have aided numerous victims with understanding and asserting their right to compensation following an unexpected parking lot accident.

Establishing Liability After a Parking Lot Accident

One of the questions that motorists may have regarding a parking lot accident is whether to contact the police. There are many different approaches that police departments take to addressing parking lot accidents. Even if the police are unable to respond to the accident, the phone call can help establish a record for the accident. This is especially helpful if your insurer requires a police report or some kind of police contact in order to file a claim. It can also prevent you from being accused of leaving the scene of the accident and can help determine whether the other driver was driving while intoxicated.

If you decide to pursue compensation from the driver who caused your injuries, an attorney can help you file a negligence claim against them. In this type of lawsuit, you must show that the defendant failed to use reasonable care and skill when operating a vehicle. In general, reasonable care and skill involves being aware of your surroundings, yielding the right of way when appropriate, not using excessive speed, and avoiding distracted driving activities such as texting while driving. Some of the most common ways that parking lot accidents occur include rear-end accidents, side swipe accidents, head-on crashes, and backing accidents. Parking lot accidents also often occur due to improper design of the walking areas that pedestrians use to walk safely to and from their cars.

The next step in a personal injury case requires the plaintiff to show that the defendant’s negligent driving was the direct cause of the injuries. When it comes to causes of car accidents in parking lots, some of the most common factors include failing to use turn signals, failing to look before making turns, misjudging parking space sizes, and road rage. Some parking lot accidents also result from intoxicated driving. If the defendant can show that you were also driving negligently at the time of the crash, however, they will be allowed to offer this evidence at trial for the jury to consider. The jury can assign a percentage of fault to the plaintiff, which will then be used to reduce any award of compensation.

Finally, the plaintiff will be asked to offer evidence supporting the amount of damages that they are seeking from the defendant. There are many categories of damages that a plaintiff can seek in a personal injury lawsuit. One category involves medical expenses associated with the accident, such as ambulance fees, hospital bills, and physical therapy. If the plaintiff suffers injuries that result in long-term physical disabilities, they can seek compensation for their ongoing and future medical care costs. Other recoverable items include lost wages, pain and suffering, and reduced earning capacity. A dedicated Massachusetts trial attorney can help you ensure that you pursue the full amount of compensation that you are entitled to receive.

Retain a Knowledgeable Lawyer in Boston or Elsewhere in Massachusetts

If you have been injured in a parking lot accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our team of legal professionals treats each client with the attention and compassion that they deserve. We understand how stressful this is for you, and we will ensure that your legal rights are asserted to the fullest extent. Our Massachusetts attorneys proudly serve clients in Boston, Cambridge, Waltham, Lowell, Newton, Somerville, Quincy, Dedham, Norwood, Brookline, Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Plymouth, Worcester, Lawrence, and Springfield. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your next steps, call us now at 1-800-379-1244 or contact us online.