Chicago Parking Lot Accident Lawyer
Parking lot accident claims are particularly challenging, particularly when it comes to determining who was at fault and how to actually gather evidence. Unfortunately, victims of parking lot accidents often are left with limited options to recover compensation, particularly when insurance carriers get involved. As we review parking lot accidents and liability, we encourage you to reach out to an attorney with experience handling complex car accident claims. If you have sustained any injuries or property damage as a result of a parking lot accident, you deserve the compensation needed to recover.
How Parking Lot Accidents Happen
Parking lots and parking garages in Chicago can be incredibly congested and chaotic, leading to a higher risk of accidents. These accidents can happen in various ways, including:
- Low-Speed Collisions. Due to the confined space and high density of vehicles, even low-speed collisions can cause significant damage and injuries.
- Backing Up Accidents. Drivers reversing out of parking spots may not see other vehicles or pedestrians behind them, leading to collisions.
- Pedestrian Accidents. With many people walking to and from their cars, pedestrians are at risk of being struck by vehicles, particularly when drivers are distracted or speeding.
- Hit-and-Runs. In some cases, drivers may leave the scene after causing damage to another vehicle, complicating the process of filing a claim.
- Accidents in Parking Garages. The limited visibility, tight turns, and frequent elevation changes in parking garages add another layer of complexity and risk for accidents.
Liability Issues in a Chicago Parking Lot Crash
Determining liability in parking lot accidents can be complicated due to several factors:
- Multiple Parties. Accidents in parking lots often involve multiple vehicles and parties, making it difficult to establish fault.
- Lack of Clear Traffic Signals. Many parking lots lack clear traffic signals or designated lanes, leading to confusion and accidents.
- Surveillance Footage. Parking lots and garages may have security cameras that can provide evidence, but accessing this footage can be challenging without legal assistance.
- Comparative Negligence. Illinois follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that more than one party can be found partially at fault for an accident. Your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Many parking lots throughout the city are owned and operated by the municipal government. This can present a different set of challenges when working to recover compensation, as government entities often follow different liability rules. In fact, the reporting deadline for when you have to file a claim against a government entity for negligence is usually shorter than the overall personal injury statute of limitations.
Do You Need to Call the Police?
In Illinois, you are required to report any accident that results in bodily injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500. For parking lot accidents, especially those involving significant damage or injuries, it is advisable to contact the Chicago Police Department to file a report. A police report can serve as critical evidence when filing a claim with your insurance company or pursuing a civil personal injury lawsuit.
Contact the Chicago Police Department to report an accident as soon as you are able to do so safely.