Over the years we’ve shared many articles about auto accidents. Most of those articles revolved around injuries sustained while driving on highways or public thoroughfares. Today’s article will be slightly different. Although it still focuses on what to do in the event of an auto accident…our goal is to help you if and when you are involved in an accident on private property.
Instinctively, when a car accident occurs on a highway or public road we call an ambulance, the police and our insurance company. But when the collision happens in a private parking area (of a grocery store, big box store, shopping mall or even an apartment complex) police rarely show up to take a statement. Why? Well, police don’t have jurisdiction on private property. So what do you do? If the police are called and they don’t show up, or show up and tell you there is not much they can do (even if it’s the fault of another)…ask them to at least document their findings. Now whether the police get involved or they don’t…your responsibility is to gather as much information as you can.
Information Needed When An Accident Occurs On Private Property
Why we suggest getting the property owners information is they may be responsible if it’s determined the cause of the accident was due to their negligence. If a parking lot has an intersection but no signage that tells a driver which way traffic is supposed to go, the owner of the property may be liable for some of the damages. Some parking lots contain blind spots (areas where visibility is restricted) which can cause accidents and those blind spots can lead to liability being placed on the owner.
Another reason we suggest getting the property owners information is they may have security footage of the accident that can prove who is at fault. Although if they’re to blame they may be a little reluctant to turn over the video footage.
The most common auto accidents that happen on private property are caused when backing up or backing out of a parking space. Having a vehicle that has back up cameras and sensors can help avoid some accidents but some cars are not equipped which such technology.
Whether you have back up cameras or not, here’s what we suggest when backing out of a space…
If you were injured by the negligence of another, it is critical that you consult with an attorney who has extensive trial litigation experience. If your case cannot be settled, it is crucial that your attorney understand how to prepare your case for trial and how to win your case.
The Law Offices of David W. Holub is a personal injury law firm located in Merrillville, Indiana, focused on providing efficient and effective client-centered representation. Our mission is to provide top quality legal representation, which includes an uncompromising pursuit of our client’s legal interests, while being accessible and attentive to our clients during times of personal challenge.
The firm concentrates in personal injury cases of all types, medical malpractice, and wrongful death litigation. We work tirelessly to serve each client aggressively and with empathy, to communicate regularly and clearly, and to obtain prompt and favorable results, while adhering to the highest standards of excellence and integrity. Our team considers it a high honor to be called upon to serve our clients whom we often come to regard as our friends. Call our number (219)736-9700 for assistance today.
*If you would like to learn more about personal injury law, we encourage you to listen to our Personal Injury Primer Podcast where we break down the law into simple terms, provide legal tips, and discuss topics related to personal injury law. And read “Fighting for Truth: A Trial Lawyer’s Insight into What It Takes to Win” an entertaining and enlightening book pulling readers into the courtroom giving them a glimpse of the legal process and what it takes to win at trial.
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