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Who Is to Blame in a Parking Lot Accident?

Published: Apr 21, 2017 in Personal Injury

Car accidents can be tricky when it comes to determining who exactly is at fault. Accidents that occur in a parking lot are no exception. Because there are so many variables involved, it’s important to have a Jersey City car accident lawyer on your side if you’re involved in a parking lot accident.

Our skilled team of personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the complex process of making a claim with an insurance company or proceeding to court after a car accident. If you have questions, contact Bhatt Law Group today at (201) 798-8000.

Types of Parking Lot Accidents

There are several common types of accidents:

  • Two drivers back into each other. In this scenario, both cars are moving backward at the same time. They may be backing out of parking spots or maneuvering through the parking lot. In this situation, either driver, or both, may be at fault.
  • A driver backs up and hits a car going with the flow of traffic. It may be difficult to see traffic while you’re backing up – especially if you’re parked next to a huge truck or SUV. However, if you back up and hit someone, you may be at fault.
  • Two cars crash as they battle for a parking space. In a busy shopping center with limited parking, it’s not uncommon for multiple cars to vie for an open space. So who’s at fault? It depends. If you had to cross traffic or turn left in order to get to the space, then you may be at fault. However, if your car was already partially in a parking space and someone crashes into your car, they are likely at fault.

Determining Liability

If you’re ever involved in a car accident, there are two ways to determine who is at fault:

  • Right of way – Determining who had the right of way may be one of the biggest factors in establishing liability. However, this can be complicated because many parking lots lack proper signage to let drivers know when to stop or yield. In general, whoever is moving forward or according to arrows or signs has the right of way in a parking lot.
  • Movement – If you were legally parked and another car hits you, the other driver is typically the one at fault. Parking lots are made for cars to be stable, so when one car is still and the other is moving, the one with movement is often found to be at fault.

Our Jersey City Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

Navigating a parking lot may seem like a simple task, but many car accidents occur in parking lots. Accidents occur due to competition for parking spaces, crowding, tight spaces, and limited visibility. Although parking lot accidents are not typically major – since the cars are traveling at low speeds – it is still important to determine liability so you know who is responsible for your injuries and property damage.

Bhatt Law Group can help you with complex parking lot accidents. If there is a dispute over liability, a Jersey City car accident lawyer can take on your case and help you recover money for damages.

Call us today at (201) 798-8000 for a consultation.