Imagine walking through a busy parking lot, holding your grocery bags, when a car suddenly backs out of its space without looking. The driver, distracted by their phone, did not see you in their rearview mirror—and this momentary mistake led to your serious injuries and extensive damages.
This scenario happens far too often in Kansas City’s parking lots. Victims are often left with injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more, but there are pathways to justice available. If you were injured in a parking lot accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit with the help of a Kansas City accident lawyer.
Common Injuries Sustained in Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lot accidents may seem minor compared to high-speed collisions, but they can still result in serious injuries. The sudden impact of a vehicle, even at low speeds, can cause significant harm, such as:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Whiplash
- Traumatic Brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and bruising
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Psychological trauma
- Hip fractures
- Facial injuries
Determining Fault in Parking Lot Collision Cases
After a parking lot accident, you have the right to pursue a legal claim—and the concept of fault can play an important role in these cases. This is especially true in Missouri, which follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means that the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for any damages that occur. Although Kansas is a no-fault state, certain circumstances may allow you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
Determining fault in parking lot accidents often requires a thorough investigation and an understanding of factors like right-of-way laws and driver behavior. For instance, a driver backing out of a parking space generally has the responsibility to yield to through traffic and pedestrians. Similarly, drivers must obey posted speed limits and exercise caution in areas with high foot traffic. If a driver fails to uphold these responsibilities, they are likely at fault.
Evidence That Can Help Prove Your Parking Lot Accident Case
When it comes to parking lot accidents, the more documentation that you can gather, the better positioned you will be to prove fault. Building a strong case requires strong evidence, which may include:
- Surveillance Footage: Many parking lots have security cameras that may have captured the accident as it happened, corroborating your version of events.
- Witness Statements: Bystanders who saw the accident occur can provide crucial testimony to back up your case.
- Police Reports: If law enforcement responded to the scene, their official report can offer an objective account of the collision and any citations that were issued.
- Medical Records: Detailed documentation of your injuries, treatment, and prognosis from healthcare providers can establish the nature and extent of the damages you sustained.
- Parking Lot Maps: Diagrams or photographs of the parking lot’s design, including signage and traffic flow patterns, can help establish right-of-way rules and expected driver behavior.
Contact Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe Today
If you were injured while walking or driving through a parking lot in Kansas City, the attorneys at Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe can help. We will work tirelessly to protect your interests and recover the compensation that you rightfully deserve. Schedule a free case consultation at (816) 876-2600 or call us toll-free at (877) 816-2600. We can guide you through the legal process and fight for you every step of the way.