Parking lots signal the end of a journey, but not necessarily the end of the dangers you face as a motorist or a pedestrian. As soon as possible after an accident, call the Morelli Law Firm to find out if you qualify for compensation. Our number is (212) 751-9800. During a free consultation, we can tell you if you are eligible for compensation and how a Long Island parking lot accident lawyer may be able to help you fight for it.
Why Parking Lots Can Be Dangerous
In some ways, a parking lot might seem safer than a street or a highway. People usually drive much more slowly in a parking lot. Also, because there are so many people and vehicles moving around, drivers may exercise additional caution. This is both common courtesy and the law. According to the New York Vehicle & Traffic Law (VAT) §1146, drivers must take special care when pedestrians cross their path. Drivers who fail to do so may face a fine, imprisonment, or both.
However, this sense of security is also what makes parking lots potentially dangerous. A driver, satisfied that they have arrived safely at their destination, may let their guard down, check their phone while moving, fail to look behind them before backing out or engage in any number of other careless actions.
With decades of legal experience, Benedict Morelli knows how to put the law to work for you. To find out how the Morelli Law Firm can help you, call us at (212) 751-9800. A Long Island parking lot accident lawyer can help you put materials together to build your case. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to pay any attorney’s fees unless you are awarded compensation. You will owe us nothing at all if we cannot get compensation for you.
Financial Compensation May Be Available to You
When it comes to personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, compensation comes in two forms: economic damages and non-economic damages. You may qualify for one or both types, depending on the injuries you sustained.
Economic damages are compensation for any money the accident cost you. For instance, you might be able to sue for:
- Medical expenses: You went to a hospital, a doctor’s office, a pharmacy, or any other medical facility to get treatment for your injuries.
- Additional costs: You could not perform your usual chores (e.g., mowing the lawn or cleaning the house) and hired other people to do them for you.
- Lost wages: You had to take time off work to let your injuries heal, costing you and your family much-needed money.
- Lost earning capacity: Your injuries affect your ability to work or restrict you to lower-paying positions.
Noneconomic damages are compensation for the physical and mental toll the accident took on you. A few common examples include:
- Scarring: Even after your injuries healed as much as possible, they left behind disfiguring, painful, or physically restricting marks.
- Pain and suffering: Your injuries caused you physical or emotional pain, or the accident itself caused you psychological trauma.
- Disability: Your injuries caused you to permanently lose or impair the use of a digit, limb, organ, or other body party or function.
- Loss of consortium: Your injuries have had a negative impact on your marital relationship with your spouse.
What if it is determined that you were partially responsible for the accident? You might still be able to receive damages, according to the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §1411. However, the amount of compensation you can recover will be higher if you prove that you were not responsible at all.
Long Island Parking Lot Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
How Personal Injury Lawsuits Work
Once you finalize your list of damages and figure out how much to ask for in compensation, you may notify the liable party to begin your lawsuit.
The liable party’s insurance company wants to pay you as little as they can. They most likely will retain lawyers to pick apart your case to justify offering a smaller settlement than you demand. While you can file a lawsuit without legal representation, you might find it less stressful to let an attorney handle the negotiations for you.
At the Morelli Law Firm, we know that money may be tight for you at the moment. The good news is that our team works on a contingency fee basis. This means we do not collect any attorney’s fees until you win your case. If you do not get paid, then neither do we.
Here are just a few of the things a lawyer may offer to do for you:
- Investigate your case: Your lawyer may launch their own investigation into your crash. The results might be able to tell you who the liable party or parties are and provide evidence that shows why you deserve the compensation you are demanding.
- Calculate your damages: Having trouble figuring out what to ask for? Your lawyer can help. They may also make sure you have not overlooked any injuries that might qualify you for additional compensation.
- Manage communications: Our team can relay all messages from the liable party and their representatives to you, and vice versa.
- Negotiate your settlement: You do not have to meet with the liable party’s insurance company. Your lawyer is more than willing to negotiate on your behalf, arguing strongly for the money that may be rightfully yours.
- Take the fight to court: If necessary, your lawyer can take your case all the way to trial. In the courtroom, they will fight hard to convince a jury to award you fair damages.
- Offer guidance: Whenever you have questions or need advice about what to do next, give us a call. We are here to make the legal process as easy on you as possible.
A Long Island parking lot accident lawyer would be happy to help you pursue the compensatory damages you need. All you have to do to get started is call the Morelli Law Firm at