Parking may not be the most complex aspect of driving, but it can be dangerous. In crowded lots, unpredictable driving behaviors and poor visibility compromise the safety of careful drivers and pedestrians, causing parking lot accidents in Grand Junction. Often, when a driver hits a parked car, they attempt to leave the scene without leaving a note to the owner of the car they damaged.
Contact Veritas Injury Lawyers if you feel entitled to compensation for a parking lot collision. If the offending driver or their insurance company will not cooperate, our car accident attorneys can work to get your claim the attention it deserves.
Causes and Consequences of Parking Accidents
Most people feel safer parking than driving on the highway, but parking lots are a major source of car accidents in the U.S. Backing out of a spot is one of the chief causes. Factors such as watching for an opening, texting or making calls, or slow-moving pedestrians can cause drivers to feel angry and stressed. Additionally, badly designed parking garages or poorly maintained lots can create dangerous conditions.
Collisions in parking lots can lead to serious injuries for pedestrians and drivers in Grand Junction. Blind corners in garages and other spots with poor visibility may lead to front-end or side-impact collisions. Rear-end collisions in parking lanes can cause head trauma or whiplash-associated disorder, while collisions with pedestrians, motorcyclists, or bicycle riders can end in severe injury or death.
When a driver hits a parked car, they can leave anything from scrapes and dents to a major impact that costs thousands of dollars in repairs. Parking lot neglect can lead to damaged surfaces and potholes, which can cause tire blowouts and other costly issues.
Responsibilities Following a Parking Lot Collision
Determining who is at fault for auto-related injuries or damage that occurs in a Grand Junction parking area can be complex. Claims related to parking lot and garage environments often present unique complications, particularly when cars were crowded at the time of the incident or other conditions made it difficult to drive through.
Drivers who hit occupied vehicles—causing property damage or injury—have certain legal duties. They must get help for anyone they injure, offer their personal information and registration number, and call the police.
If a driver hits a car with no one in it, they must leave a note and report any property damage to the police, as per Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1604. Unfortunately, drivers who damage a parked car often fail to comply with the above requirements.
Why Call an Attorney for a Parking Lot Accident?
Our lawyers in Grand Junction can protect your rights, investigate the causes of your parking lot wreck, and potentially help find a driver who fled without sharing their information. Our attorneys review a range of evidence, such as accident reports, photos, and videos. They can also gather more information by consulting:
- Eyewitnesses
- Entrance and exit data
- Surveillance cameras
You should call an attorney if you are involved in an accident that results in potentially costly property damage or one that causes bodily injury. If you do not call a lawyer, you leave it to the insurance companies to investigate and analyze the incident, and insurers will be eager to find reasons not to pay.
Call Our Grand Junction Attorneys for Help After a Parking Lot Crash
Veritas Injury Lawyers has years of experience dealing with parking lot accidents in Grand Junction. Our attorneys can protect you when insurance companies unfairly pressure you to settle your claim. Call us today to schedule a free consultation following an auto collision and discuss your concerns to see how we can help.
