St. Louis Parking Lot Accident Lawyers – Free Consultation
We’d like to think of parking lots as relatively safe places, but the reality is that they can be surprisingly dangerous.
An estimated 60,000 people are injured each year in car accidents that take place in lots and parking garages. These crashes are often caused by factors like inattentive driving, speeding or poor lot design and they can result in serious injuries, from broken bones to brain injuries and even death.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a parking lot accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced parking lot accident lawyer who can help protect your legal rights.
At Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse, our St. Louis parking lot accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience needed to make sure that you are fully compensated for your losses. Call us today for a free case evaluation – (314) 350-1900.
Driving in a parking lot comes with a duty of care
The legal definition of “duty of care” is a responsibility to act with reasonable care when performing any acts that could foreseeably harm another person.
Drivers and pedestrians regularly interact in parking lots, so this means that all drivers must take extra precautions in order to avoid putting others at risk. This includes following parking lot safety protocols, such as driving at an appropriate speed and looking both ways before parking or turning.
If a driver fails to uphold their duty of care and someone is injured as a result, they can be held legally responsible.
If you are injured in a parking lot car accident, a personal injury attorney can fight for compensation to help you pay for medical bills, lost time from work, pain and suffering, and more.
What are common causes of parking lot accidents?
Some parking lot crashes are caused by negligence, which is when the driver fails to uphold their duty of care as we described above. This can include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Failing to obey parking lot signs
Other parking lot accidents may be caused by environmental factors like:
- Poorly maintained parking lots with potholes and other hazards
- Poorly lit parking lots that make it hard to see obstacles
- Slippery parking lots due to rain or snow
- Improper parking lot design
If you are injured in a parking lot car accident, our experienced St. Louis parking lot accident attorneys can help you protect your legal rights and pursue the maximum compensation possible. Call us today for a free consultation – (314) 350-1900.
What are common injuries from parking lot accidents?
Anytime there’s an accident between a car and a pedestrian, the consequences can be serious — even if the speeds weren’t high. Parking lot accidents can result in serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial disfigurement
- Internal organ damage
These types of injuries can have long-term physical, emotional and financial consequences.
Dealing with a serious injury can lead to a cascade of financial trouble. Medical bills can pile up, and if you’re physically or mentally unable to return to work, it can double the financial strain.
That’s why it’s important to speak with a St. Louis car accident lawyer if you are injured in a parking lot crash. They can help you pursue compensation to cover your bills, so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Who are the defendants in parking lot or parking garage accident cases?
When a parking lot or parking garage accident leads to an injury, there are a few possible defendants who may be held liable.
The driver of the vehicle that caused the crash is typically named as the defendant, but other parties could also be held accountable.
For example, if poor parking lot design contributed to the accident, the parking lot owner may be held liable in the car accident claim. In some cases, parking lot maintenance companies may also be named as defendants if they were responsible for hazardous conditions that caused the accident.
Our experienced St. Louis parking lot accident attorneys can help you identify all of the parties who may be liable for your parking lot crash injuries and hold them accountable.
How can a personal injury lawyer help with my parking lot accident case?
If you’ve been injured in a parking lot or parking garage accident, your best course of action is to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A parking lot accident lawyer can:
- Help you understand your legal rights
- Assist you in filing insurance claims and other paperwork
- Investigate the crash and identify all liable parties
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Represent you in court if needed
It can be tempting to pursue your auto accident claim on your own. The insurance company might approach you immediately with an offer. However, these initial settlement offers are often far below the true value of your parking lot accident claim.
A parking lot accident lawyer can ensure that you get the full compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should I do immediately after a parking lot accident?
If you are involved in a parking lot accident, first ensure everyone is safe and call for medical assistance if needed. Exchange information with the other driver(s) and gather contact details from any witnesses. Document the scene with photos and take note of any parking lot signs or hazards. Lastly, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your situation.
2. How is fault determined in parking lot accidents?
Fault in parking lot accidents is determined based on the actions of the involved parties. Factors such as adherence to traffic signs, yielding the right-of-way, and driver attentiveness are considered. An investigation may be conducted to establish liability, which may involve reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements.
3. Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, you can still file a claim if you were partially at fault. Missouri follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can help you navigate this process and maximize your potential recovery.
4. What compensation can I receive for a parking lot accident?
Compensation for a parking lot accident may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The specific amount will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of your injuries. A personal injury lawyer can help assess your case and determine what compensation you may be entitled to.
5. How long do I have to file a claim after a parking lot accident?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically five years from the date of the accident. However, it’s advisable to start the process as soon as possible to gather evidence and build your case effectively.
6. Will I have to go to court for my parking lot accident case?
Not necessarily. Many parking lot accident claims are resolved through negotiation with insurance companies. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to court. Your attorney will guide you through the process and represent your interests.
7. How much does it cost to hire a parking lot accident lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers, including those at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay legal fees if you win your case. It’s important to discuss fees upfront during your initial consultation.
Work with experienced St. Louis parking lot accident lawyers
With two of the 2022 list of Best Lawyers as well as a Top 50 and Top 100 lawyer in the area of plaintiff’s personal injury by Super Lawyers Magazine, the St. Louis car accident attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse get results.
We have an extensive track record working with car accident victims to pursue their car accident claims and obtain the maximum possible compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a parking lot accident, today for a free consultation – (314) 350-1900. We can help you protect your legal rights and pursue the compensation you need to get back on track.
Have Questions?
WE HAVE ANSWERS
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How do I calculate damages in a car accident case?
Calculating economic damages tends to be straightforward as they are based on actual financial losses. You add up medical bills, property damage receipts, proof of lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and can vary greatly. These are often calculated using a "multiplier" method, which involves multiplying the economic damages by a number (the multiplier) that represents the severity of the injuries. The multiplier can range typically from 1.5 to 5, or even higher for extremely severe or life-altering injuries.
Factors that can influence compensation include:
- Severity of injuries: The more severe the injuries, the higher the medical costs and potential for long-term impacts, which can lead to a higher overall compensation.
- The extent of property damage: Greater property damage can result in higher repair or replacement costs, increasing the total compensation.
- Impact on quality of life: If the accident has significantly affected your quality of life (e.g., inability to perform previous activities, requiring ongoing medical care), this can increase the compensation.
- Fault: As we mentioned above, Missouri's pure comparative fault system reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault in the accident. For example, if you're found to be 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can only recover $70,000.
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Does Missouri cap the amount of damages you can seek in personal injury claims?
Missouri does not cap the amount of economic damages or non-economic damages that a car accident victim can recover. However, punitive damages are capped at $500,000 or five times the net amount of the judgment, whichever is greater.
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How much compensation can car accident victims recover?
As we mentioned above, every case is different, and as a result, car accident settlements can vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of the accident.
What Our Clients Are Saying
NGK Has A National Reputation for Helping the Injured Obtain the Compensation They Deserve
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"I highly recommend him as a lawyer."David Grebel has handled several cases for me, always professionally and with a positive outcome. I always felt in the loop. I felt like a person not a number.- Susie W.
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"Kindness, thoughtfulness and patience"I really appreciated Dave's kindness and thoughtfulness and especially his patience with me throughout my lawsuit.- Gladys R.
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"Helped me through the process"Initially, I was reluctant to bring a lawsuit, but Dave answered all my questions and helped me through the process. I really appreciate all he did to get me what I deserved.- Lou P.
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"The best at what they do!!!"Dave Grebel is the go-to guy. He has handled cases for my friends and family, always with a positive outcome!- Bryan H.
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