As anyone who has ever driven in a parking lot knows, things can get chaotic once you leave the street and enter the lot. Sometimes, it’s the driver who absolutely must get to that space before anyone else does; other times, it’s the person who appears to be completely lost and unsure what side of the aisle to drive on; in other cases, it seems as though the car is being driven by a NASCAR driver who is late for the starting line.
In any case, a significant percentage of vehicle crashes happen in parking lots. The damage is often slight, and in New York, if you carry collision insurance, it may cover your damages, any medical care you may need, and related losses. But not all parking lot crashes are minor fender-benders. In more serious cases, where your injuries are severe, you may need to file a lawsuit against the other driver to receive compensation for your pain, suffering, and recovery costs.
In some cases, the parking lot owner may also be at fault, particularly where the crash occurred due to a defect in the lot that the owner was aware of. In these situations, you may be able to sue the parking lot owner or operator as well as the other driver.
What to Do After a Parking Lot Crash
It’s important to treat parking lot crashes much like you would a crash on the road: exchange information with the other driver, including their name and address and insurance company information, and write down the model and plate number of their vehicle. It can be extremely helpful to take photos of the scene before and after you move your car. Write down exactly where the crash occurred and as much as you remember about the incident as soon as possible. This could be very helpful if you file a lawsuit to recover damages for serious injuries.
Campson & Campson Can Help With Your Parking Lot Crash
At Campson & Campson, our attorneys have years of experience helping people injured in parking lot crashes. We understand the laws in New York that apply in these situations, and we can help you recover what you are entitled to under the law. If you’ve been injured or your vehicle has been damaged in a parking lot crash, contact us today at (212) 302-1180, or use our online form to set up a confidential consultation. We’re here to listen and to help!
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