Parking lot car accidents may seem minor at first glance, but they can cause serious injuries and costly property damage for victims. These collisions happen every day across Chicago, Illinois, and determining fault can be difficult because multiple parties might share legal responsibility.
If you were injured in a parking lot accident, you may be entitled to compensation under Illinois law for your economic and non-economic damages. Learning about how these claims work can help you protect your rights and financial recovery. Make sure to speak with an experienced car accident attorney in Chicago for legal guidance and support.
Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents in Chicago, Illinois
Although vehicles in parking lots usually travel at low speeds, the risk of collisions is relatively high. At the end of the day, many of these accidents happen because of driver negligence, which essentially means the same thing as carelessness.
Overall, common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Speeding through lanes and corners
- Backing out without checking blind spots
- Poor lighting
- Inadequate signage
- Hazards on the property, such as ice
Pedestrians are also vulnerable to sustaining injuries in parking lots, as are bicyclists if they happen to be passing through.
How Does Liability Work in Chicago Parking Lot Accident Cases?
Illinois uses a “fault-based” system for car accidents, meaning the party who caused the crash can be held liable for the resulting damages. However, parking lot accidents can involve several potential defendants.
Depending on the circumstances, fault may lie with:
- Another driver who failed to follow traffic rules
- A property owner who neglected to maintain a safe environment
- A company responsible for parking lot maintenance
- A municipality, if the area is publicly owned
Victims can seek compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, Illinois also follows a modified comparative negligence law that may apply. If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
How a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer With Meyers & Flowers Can Help
Establishing liability in a parking lot collision can be challenging, as can recovering all of the compensation you may be entitled to under the law. A knowledgeable Chicago personal injury lawyer with our legal team at Meyers & Flowers can ensure your case is handled properly from start to finish.
Some of the ways our car accident attorneys can help include:
- Investigating the scene and collecting critical evidence
- Identifying all of the liable parties and applicable insurance policies
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Protecting you from allegations of shared fault
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if needed
We have over 100 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $6 billion for our deserving clients to date. We’ll fight for the best possible outcome for your case while you focus on your health and recovery.
Contact Our Chicago Parking Lot Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Parking lot accidents can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate the process without award-winning legal help on your side. Call a personal injury lawyer in Chicago from Meyers & Flowers today at (630) 232-6333 or contact us online for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we successfully handle your case. Contact us now.