Parking Lot Accidents in San Antonio
Legal help after you’re injured in a parking lot accident in Texas
Parking lots may seem like a safe, low-speed environment. However, they’re actually a hotspot for accidents here in San Antonio. Vehicles must navigate tight spaces, pedestrians dart between cars, and drivers face distractions. All of these factors make parking lot accidents surprisingly common.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do parking lot accidents happen?
- What are common types of parking lot accidents?
- Is it illegal to cut through a parking lot in Texas?
- What should I do after a San Antonio parking lot accident?
- Who’s at fault in a San Antonio parking lot accident?
- How can your San Antonio parking lot accident attorneys help?
- How can I prevent parking lot accidents?
- How do I file a claim after a San Antonio parking lot accident?
- Do you have a San Antonio parking lot accident attorney near me?
Why do parking lot accidents happen?
Parking lots can be risky because of their layouts and the behaviors of the people who use them. Common causes of accidents in parking lots include the following:
- Drivers who are focusing on finding a parking spot or looking at their phones aren’t paying attention to the road.
- Cars backing out of spaces have blind spots, and obstructions like parked cars or signs can further block the driver’s view.
- With no clear traffic lights or stop signs, many drivers aren’t sure who has the right of way.
- Some drivers cut through parking lots to avoid traffic or ignore basic safety precautions, like stopping for pedestrians.
What are common types of parking lot accidents?
Parking lot accidents can range from minor fender benders to severe collisions:
- Backing-up accidents can happen when a driver reversing out of a space fails to notice oncoming vehicles or pedestrians.
- Cars may collide at intersections within the parking lot or when drivers try to claim the same parking space.
- Pedestrians are also vulnerable in parking lots, especially if drivers fail to yield or aren’t paying attention.
- It's not uncommon for drivers to hit a parked car and leave without providing contact information, making it harder for victims to recover damages.
- Drivers might accidentally hit structures, shopping carts, or light poles, causing damage to the property and their vehicles.
Is it illegal to cut through a parking lot in Texas?
Yes, cutting through a parking lot to avoid traffic or a red light is illegal in Texas. Parking lots are private property and not meant for through-traffic. Cutting through a parking lot creates safety concerns for pedestrians and other vehicles. If a driver cutting through a parking lot causes an accident, they’re likely to be held liable for the damages.
Who’s at fault in a San Antonio parking lot accident?
It can be tricky to determine fault in a parking lot accident because there often aren’t any traffic signals or clear rules. However, these guidelines can help:
- Drivers exiting parking spaces are typically at fault if they hit another vehicle while reversing.
- Drivers in the main lanes of a parking lot usually have the right of way.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or walkways. If they fail to do so, they are likely to be held liable.
- In some cases, both parties may share fault, which can affect the compensation each person receives under Texas’ comparative negligence laws.
In some cases, the parking lot owner may share liability for an accident. This typically happens when:
- Poor lighting makes it hard to see.
- Potholes or uneven pavement cause a car or pedestrian to lose control.
- A lack of proper signage or unclear markings contributes to confusion and accidents.
If the property owner’s negligence played a role, they might be held partially responsible for your damages.
How can your San Antonio parking lot accident attorneys help?
If you were injured in a parking lot accident, the knowledgeable lawyers at Pat Maloney Accident & Injury Attorney can make all the difference in your case. Here’s how we can assist you:
- We can gather evidence – like surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports – to help build a strong case.
- We can handle all communication with insurers to negotiate for a fair settlement.
- We can help establish who was at fault and counter any claims of shared responsibility.
- If negotiations fail, we can take your case to court to fight for your rights.
How can I prevent parking lot accidents?
While you can’t control the actions of others, you can take steps to reduce your risk:
- Keep your speed low to give yourself more time to react to pedestrians or other vehicles.
- Avoid distractions like texting or eating while driving in a parking lot.
- Always double-check blind spots and mirrors when backing up.
- Choose spots with plenty of space and good lighting.
- Yield the right of way when appropriate and always stop for pedestrians.
How do I file a claim after a San Antonio parking lot accident?
When filing a claim, you’ll need to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Photos of the accident scene and damages.
- Contact information for the other party and any witnesses.
- A copy of the police report.
- Medical records and bills.
- Estimates or receipts for vehicle repairs.
Our attorneys can help you gather and present all documentation and handle communication with the insurance companies.
If you were injured in a parking lot accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible for compensation for:
- Your medical expenses, which cover hospital visits, treatments, and medications.
- If you missed work due to injuries, you could recover lost income.
- Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Emotional distress or diminished quality of life.
Do you have a San Antonio parking lot accident attorney near me?
Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney is located at 239 E Commerce St. in the center of Downtown San Antonio, TX. We are the owner of one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in San Antonio. There’s plenty of parking nearby. If you cannot travel to us, we can arrange a phone or video conference or an in-hospital visit.
Experienced San Antonio parking lot accident attorneys working for you
If you or a loved one has been injured in a parking lot accident in San Antonio, don’t wait to get the help you need. The dedicated parking lot accident attorneys at Pat Maloney Accident & Injury Attorney are here to provide compassionate guidance and aggressive representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If you need an experienced San Antonio parking lot accident lawyer, you can contact our legal professionals for a free initial consultation by calling us or filling out our contact form today.
