If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a parking lot accident, you have the right to speak with a lawyer regarding your legal options. At Morelli Law Firm, a Buffalo parking lot accident lawyer can evaluate the cost of your damages, identify the cause of your accident, and file a personal injury claim on your behalf. We also work on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning that you do not need to pay us anything until your case is resolved.
Call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for a free case evaluation regarding your legal rights and options.
Liability in a Buffalo Parking Lot Accident
Most parking lots are private property, and drivers have to employ safe driving practices to navigate them. Drivers are expected to watch out for pedestrians, obey the speed limit, and come to a complete stop at stop signs. However, some parking lots have safety issues, whether with the parking lot’s design or other factors that hinder safe driving practices.
If your accident was caused by a parking lot’s unsafe conditions, you may be able to hold the parking lot’s owner accountable for your damages.
Some parking lot conditions that may have contributed to your accident include:
- Faded lane dividers
- Unclear entrances or exits
- Poor lighting
- Inadequate drainage systems
- Potholes
- Overgrown foliage
- Debris on the street
The National Safety Council (NSC) also advises installing walkways and sidewalks to facilitate foot traffic. If the parking lot’s owner did not maintain the premises, causing your accident and injuries, they could be held liable for your damages.
A Buffalo parking lot accident lawyer can determine whether a parking lot’s unsafe conditions resulted in your accident. They can handle communications with the insurance company, visit the scene of your accident, and file your lawsuit in court, if necessary. You can call Morelli Law Firm to learn more.
Determining if Another Driver Caused Your Accident
Every driver has a duty of care to look out for vehicles and pedestrians when using a parking lot. In your parking lot accident case, multiple parties may share liability for your damages. For instance, suppose that you were struck by another driver. Maybe this happened because the parking lot was not adequately lit. In this situation, you could hold the negligent driver and the parking lot’s owner accountable for your damages.
Yet, dealing with multiple insurance companies can quickly become complicated.
To help you recover compensation through an insurance claim, your Buffalo parking lot accident lawyer can:
- File your insurance claim to the liable insurer
- Present the insurer with evidence of your accident, injuries, and damages
- Defend you against any “bad faith” insurance practices
- Review the involved insurance policies
- Negotiate for a settlement
The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) reminds us that New York is a no-fault insurance state. To secure financial recovery, you would first need to file a claim with your own insurance provider before pursuing compensation from the negligent party.
If you or a loved one were injured in a parking lot accident, a representative from Morelli Law Firm can explain your legal options today. When you decide to work with us, we can investigate the details of your accident and strategize a course of legal action. To get started, dial (212) 751-9800.
Buffalo Parking Lot Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Evidence That Could Support Your Case
When entering into negotiations with the liable insurance company, you will need to present evidence of your accident and injuries. You will also need to demonstrate that another party caused the accident because New York operates under a pure comparative fault rule, per NY Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) § 1411.
Following an accident, both parties may be assigned a percentage of fault. Your percentage of fault (if applicable) will deduct from the amount of compensation you can receive. So, for instance, let’s say that you were assigned 20% fault and the other party 80% fault. Suppose your damages equaled $10,000. In this situation, because you were 20% at fault, you would only be able to recover $8,000 in damages.
A Buffalo parking lot accident lawyer will gather the evidence required to prove that another party caused the accident. This information may help you recover fair compensation for your damages.
Some evidence that could support your case include:
- Physical evidence, like broken signs and skid marks
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Invoices, billing statements, and receipts regarding the cost of your damages
- Traffic camera footage that recorded the accident
- Witness statements
- Your medical records
Other forms of evidence may help your case than those listed here.
How a Buffalo Parking Lot Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Following through with the claims process can be challenging if you suffered severe injuries. Additionally, some insurance adjusters may be frustrating to deal with, as they may question or deny the validity of your claim.
When you partner with Morelli Law Firm, a lawyer from our team can manage the entirety of the claims process on your behalf.
They can help you by:
- Gathering necessary evidence
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Communicating with the involved parties
- Securing your medical records
- Reviewing the cost of your damages
- Filing a lawsuit, if necessary
Your lawyer may render services not listed here. You can call Morelli Law Firm today at no cost to you.
Reach Out to Morelli Law Firm for a Free Case Evaluation
Filing an insurance claim or lawsuit without representation can be difficult. At Morelli Law Firm, we can manage the financial recovery process while you focus on your injuries.
A Buffalo parking lot accident lawyer can help you recover the following damages:
- Health care expenses, both present and anticipated
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- The cost of rehabilitation, such as physical therapy
- The cost of mental health counseling
If you have been involved in a parking lot accident, contact Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800.