In New York, parking lots see their fair share of accidents—especially in busy boroughs such as Manhattan. With packed parking spaces, unpredictable pedestrian traffic, limited visibility, and private property rules, it can be difficult to establish blame for the accident and start the process of claiming compensation. In this post, the team at Gabriel Law will look into the matter as a car accident lawyer in Manhattan and help you understand what you need to do to protect your right for compensation after a parking lot accident.
What are the types of parking lot accidents?
Accidents in parking lots can come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some of the most common types of accidents you can expect in parking lots:
- Backing-up accident—A driver reverses out of a spot, only to hit another vehicle, pedestrian, or object.
- Parking space disputes—Two vehicles can collide when both vehicles try to claim the same parking space.
- Rear-end collisions—One car hits the back of another vehicle when the vehicles enter or leave the parking lot.
- Dooring—A car door opens and hits another vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian.
- Intersection accidents—Accidents that take place at the entrance or exit of a parking lot when failing to yield the right of way.
- Fender-benders—Low-speed impacts that are often caused by misjudging parking spaces and failing to yield the right of way.
The right-of-way in parking lot accidents
When entering, driving, and leaving the parking lot, all drivers must adhere to the following right-of-way rules:
- All drivers must obey the traffic signs in the parking lot, including stop and yield signs.
- All drivers in feeder lanes (the lanes that run up and down along rows of parking spaces) must give the right-of-way to oncoming traffic from the access lane (the lane that leads in and out of the parking lot).
- When drivers are pulling out of a parking spot, they must yield the right of way to the vehicle in the feeder lane.
- All drivers in the main lane have the right-of-way. However, they must adhere to all posted traffic signs.
Who is at fault for parking lot accidents?
Who is responsible for a parking lot accident depends on the circumstances of the accident. If the accident was the result of something wrong with the parking lot, then the owner of the parking lot can be held vicariously liable.
On the other hand, if the accident involved two vehicles or a vehicle and a pedestrian, the case can arise between the two parties. If both parties are partially responsible for the accident, the doctrine of pure comparative negligence can apply, reducing their compensation. Overall, to gain a good understanding about your rights and liabilities, it is a must that you get in touch with a car accident lawyer in Brooklyn.
What should you do after a parking lot accident?
Here’s what you need to do after a parking lot accident to protect your rights and increase your chances of a favorable settlement.
- If you are injured, prioritize receiving medical attention.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver or pedestrian (if the accident involved another vehicle or pedestrian).
- Document the scene of the accident and gather evidence such as CCTV footage.
- Contact an accident lawyer in New York to understand your rights and liabilities connected to the accident.
- Contact your insurance company and report the accident to begin the claims process.
Conclusion
Parking lot accidents are just as common as car accidents you see on the streets of New York. When these accidents happen, it is important that you understand your rights and liabilities connected to the accident. If you are looking for a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer in NYC, then Gabriel Law is here to help.
As a personal injury law firm in NYC, we handle a large number of personal injury cases, including car accidents. With over five decades of combined experience, we are ready to fight the good fight and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today and schedule your free and confidential consultation.