Due to inattentive drivers, crowds of pedestrians, and sometimes confusing traffic patterns, parking lots can be deceptively dangerous. Unfortunately, even if you are an attentive and considerate driver, another person’s misconduct can still cause a crash that injures you severely.
Seeking financial restitution after serious parking lot car accidents in Merrillville often involves a mix of private negotiations with insurance companies and litigation in civil court. Both of these processes can be difficult to navigate alone. By working with a talented car accident attorney from The Law Offices of David W. Holub, you could improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
What Makes Someone Else Legally Liable for a Parking Lot Collision?
Just as they do on all public roads, drivers in private parking lots have a legal duty of care requiring them to act lawfully and responsibly while driving. A person who breaches this duty and directly causes an otherwise avoidable collision has committed legally actionable negligence that could support a civil claim.
Owners and operators of private parking lots in Merrillville are generally not liable for vehicle collisions that occur there because the law does not expect them to personally supervise or police every person who enters their lot. However, if your accident occurred partially or primarily because of a serious defect in a parking lot’s construction, such as a pothole or faded traffic lines, a member of our team may be able to help you pursue civil recovery from whoever failed to keep the lot in reasonably safe condition.
Building a Strong Claim Within Filing Time Limits
After an auto crash in a Merrillville parking area, you may be able to recover for different types of losses and have different deadlines applicable to your case, depending on what kind of claim you are pursuing. Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, you generally have two years at most after being involved in a wreck to file a civil suit over your physical injuries. A lawsuit would allow you to seek restitution for the full value of all economic and non-economic losses you can trace back to your injuries stemming from the crash.
Private insurance companies may impose much shorter deadlines on starting the insurance claims process following a traffic collision, and they may only allow you to recover for certain types of financial losses up to specified policy limits. A seasoned legal professional could provide invaluable help with determining what sources of compensation you may have access to and maximizing the restitution you ultimately receive.
Contact a Merrillville Attorney for Help With Your Parking Lot Auto Wreck Claim
A negligent driver striking you in a crowded parking lot or garage can do a lot of damage. Parking lot car accidents in Merrillville can cause long-lasting physical, financial, and psychological harm to the people involved. In many cases, one person’s single irresponsible act may have caused the entire incident.
Our team at the Law Offices of David W. Holub could help you determine who is to blame for your crash, hold them accountable for your losses, and help you move on with your life despite the harm you unfairly sustained. Contact us today to set up an initial meeting.