Do I Have an Accident Claim if I Tripped in a Parking Lot?
Perhaps, yes. Parking lots, while seemingly mundane, can become unexpected hazards leading to injuries if not properly maintained. If you’ve recently taken a tumble in a parking lot, you might have a legitimate claim to recover compensation for your injuries. Please contact a skilled personal injury attorney now for help.
Establishing Liability
The first step in determining whether you can file an injury claim for a trip in a parking lot is to establish liability.
Please know that property owners and managers have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for visitors. A safe environment includes a parking lot free from hazards.
If your parking lot fall was a result of negligence, such as poorly maintained surfaces, inadequate lighting, or unmarked hazards, you may have grounds for a claim.
To secure compensation, you or your personal injury attorney will have to show that the owner of the parking lot either:
- Knew of a hazardous condition and failed to reconcile it, or
- Should have known of a hazardous condition and failed to reconcile it.
If either of the above, then you can likely hold the parking lot owner responsible for your injuries. Responsibility includes having the owner compensate you for your injuries. Compensation includes payment for such things as:
- Medical bills,
- Lost wages,
- Future lost earnings,
- Property damage, and
- Pain and suffering.
Gathering Evidence
You should collect evidence of your trip and fall to bolster your case against a parking lot owner. Helpful evidence includes:
- Photographs of the parking lot,
- Photographs of the area in which you tripped,
- Photographs of your injuries,
- Statements from witnesses who saw you trip,
- Medical records, and
- Personal notes documenting the nature of your injuries.
Seeking Medical Attention
It is crucial in these cases that you seek medical attention following your accident. This is true even if your injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, and a medical professional can provide documentation linking your injuries to the incident.
Please know that your medical records following a trip and fall serve as some of the best evidence in your case. Therefore, please seek medical attention from your primary care physician, emergency department, or urgent care clinic if you tripped in a parking lot.
Consulting with an Attorney
Navigating the legal complexities of a personal injury claim can be challenging, especially when it comes to trip and fall accidents in a parking lot.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney can provide valuable insights into the strength of your case, potential damages, and the best course of action. Most attorneys offer free initial consultations, making it easier to determine if pursuing a claim is in your best interest.
Insurance Considerations
In some cases, your injury claim may involve dealing with insurance companies. If the incident occurred in a commercial parking lot, the business’s liability insurance might come into play. Your attorney can assist in communicating with the relevant insurance providers to negotiate a fair settlement.
Questions?
Contact Nelson Injury Law for Help!
If you were injured in a parking lot accident, let us shoulder the burden of your case. Your focus should be on healing from your injuries. The skilled injury attorneys at Nelson Injury Law are here to help. Please contact us now for a free consultation.
Eric S. Nelson, owner of Nelson Injury Law, is an experienced trial attorney who will provide you with wise and compassionate legal counsel and representation through each stage of your case. Remember, you pay nothing if we do not win your case.