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Most people understandably think first of high-speed collisions in intersections and catastrophic wrecks on highways when they think of car accidents in Pennsylvania. However, auto accidents can—and often do—still happen at lower speeds, too, especially in crowded areas like the lots and garages attached to retail stores and private apartment complexes.
Filing a civil suit over injuries sustained in parking lot accidents in Erie works just like suing over any other kind of car crash in many ways. However, there are also some unique aspects of cases like this that you should be aware of. Below is a brief overview of what you should prioritize in the wake of a wreck like this and what a seasoned auto accident lawyer can do to improve your chances of case success.
What to Do After Being Involved in a Parking Lot Crash
Whether it is a minor fender-bender or a violent collision that results in substantial vehicle damage, the first priority for anyone involved in an Erie parking lot accident should always be:
- Making sure they and all other involved parties are safe
- Calling emergency services to the scene for anyone in need of immediate medical assistance
State law also requires all drivers involved in traffic accidents to exchange contact and insurance information with each other before leaving the scene of the wreck.
Beyond those basic legal requirements, it can also be helpful to take steps to collect and preserve evidence after a wreck, such as:
- Talking to and getting contact information from eyewitnesses who saw the crash happen but were not directly involved in it
- Taking photos/videos of all vehicle damage as well as the surrounding area
- Making note of surveillance or dashboard cameras which may have captured the accident in progress
- Getting checked out by a healthcare professional, even if there are no obvious injuries
Simple actions like these often make a much bigger difference in the outcome of an eventual civil claim than many people realize.
How Comparative Fault Can Impact Recovery Efforts
The main purpose of collecting evidence is to prove that a specific reckless or careless act by another person involved was the main and direct cause of a parking lot wreck in Erie. However, it can also be essential for crash victims to have evidence showing that they were not to blame for causing or unnecessarily worsening their accident.
Otherwise, 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7102 would allow a court overseeing an ensuing civil claim to assign a percentage of comparative fault to that injured person to represent how much they contributed to causing their own losses. Then, that court would reduce the value of that person’s final damage award by that same percentage and may even throw the case out altogether if the amount is over 50 percent.
Get Help from an Erie Attorney After a Parking Lot Accident
Getting into a traffic collision when trying to enter or exit a parking space can do a lot more than just put a damper on your life. A wreck like this can lead to long-lasting and even life-altering injuries, resulting in severe physical, financial, and psychological losses.
With help from a dedicated car accident lawyer, you can demand fair and full compensation for every form of harm your particular parking lot accident in Erie has caused you. Learn more by calling us today and scheduling a free consultation.
