Parking lots may seem like an improbable place for a serious accident to occur, but they are full of risks. From pedestrians injured by vehicles backing out to people sustaining neck injuries from a rear-end collision, the chances for major injuries are higher than people may think.
If you’ve been hit in a parking lot, you’re not alone. Ali Awad of The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm represents clients just like you who have been injured in parking lots.
No matter your circumstances, it’s helpful to consult with an attorney to determine what types of compensation you may be eligible for — and who to pursue to reclaim it.
Accidents can lead to mounting medical bills, lost wages, and prolonged pain and suffering. Awad works on a contingency basis, meaning he doesn’t get paid unless you receive a payout.
There’s no risk to you in requesting a meeting. Give him a call at (404) 777-8800 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm today.
What to Look For in an Atlanta Parking Lot Accident Attorney
Hiring an attorney can be intimidating if you haven’t used legal help before. There are many attorneys who will be eager to assist you, but your chances of success hinge heavily on finding the right person for the job.
As you evaluate your options, look for the following traits:
- Experience: Many attorneys have great traits, like knowledge, communication skills, and charisma. However, there are not many traits that can make up for a lack of experience. An experienced attorney will know how to navigate Georgia’s legal system, and they’ll have a deep understanding of the state and federal laws relating to driving and negligence. They’ll know what elements must be proven to win your case. They’ll be aware of how the accident impacts you now and the effects it may have on you in the future. Finally, they’ll know the process of working with the court, insurance companies, hospitals, and the justice system like the back of their hand. You’ll avoid delays by working with someone who knows how the process works.
- Attention to detail: Reputable lawyers are detail-oriented. They pay attention to the facts and study your case in-depth so that they understand every angle. Failing to get the facts right can have major consequences. Therefore, you should hire a Atlanta personal injury lawyer who has a great track record and a keen eye for detail.
- Compassion: No one wants to be treated like a number. A caring lawyer will return your calls, listen to your concerns, and patiently explain each step of the claim process. They’ll stay by your side at each step and treat you with dignity, respect, and care. They’ll be sympathetic to your needs and wishes, as well.
- Creative: Personal injury cases aren’t always straightforward. Your lawyer may have to reference other cases or explore different options for helping you achieve the compensation you may be entitled to. Therefore, you’ll want to work with a creative thinker who will remain persistent, even if the path forward isn’t clear.
- Respected: Finally, you should choose a lawyer who has a good reputation. There are lawyers out there who use shady tactics and don’t show respect for their clients or others. These are not the types of attorneys you should affiliate with. Read online reviews, view testimonials, and speak with others who have used attorneys so that you can make informed decisions.
What an Attorney Needs to Prove an Atlanta Parking Lot Accident Claim
You might think that you’re relatively safe driving or walking in a parking lot or garage. However, more than 60,000 Americans get injured each year in parking lot accidents — and parking lot collisions account for 20 percent of all car accidents.
Even with the low rate of speed and confined quarters, you can sustain injuries that affect your mobility, quality of life, and peace of mind.
In order to successfully lodge a personal injury claim on your behalf, your attorney will need to prove that a driver was negligent. Acting negligent means that a driver did not take proper care to assess their surroundings and make a safe decision.
Parking lots can be chaotic to navigate, and certain circumstances, such as bad weather, distractions, and bad signage, may contribute to parking lot collisions.
In order to prove that a driver was negligent, your attorney may use some of the following materials or methods.
Admissions of Fault
Savvy drivers typically won’t admit fault at the scene of an accident. However, there are many cases where people will outright say that they’ve made a mistake.
These admissions are helpful for establishing fault in a parking lot collision.
Photo & Video Evidence
When possible, gather as much photo and video evidence of the crash scene as you can. Document the damage to your vehicle as well as any injuries to your body or your passengers.
Law enforcement officials will gather this type of documentation as well, but it’s helpful to collect your own evidence as a backup.
Witness Testimonies
Depending on the time of the day and the location, there may be bystanders present when the accident happens. If so, point these people out to law enforcement so that they can collect witness statements.
They’ll want to gather these details while the accident is fresh since people can easily forget the specifics.
Legal Provings
Your attorney will use the types of evidence above to establish negligence, which hinges on the following elements:
- Duty of care: An attorney must show that the person who hit you owed you a duty of care. In other words, when a driver takes to the road, they must act with a certain level of responsibility and care. Their duties include following road signs, paying attention to other drivers, and operating their vehicles in a safe manner.
- Breach of the duty of care: Once it is established that a driver owed you a duty of care, your attorney must demonstrate that they breached this duty or failed to uphold it. It may be difficult to prove this, but your attorney will look for evidence that shows the driver failed to follow the rules or was distracted when the accident occurred.
- Causation: Your lawyer must prove that the driver’s actions caused the accident and, therefore, your injuries. They’ll use photographs, witness statements, and medical documentation to build this link.
- Damages: Finally, your attorney needs to prove that you deserve compensation for your injuries. They’ll gather evidence in the form of medical bills, time logs or doctor’s notes for missed work, and anything else that supports the need for compensation after the accident.
Common Injuries Following a Parking Lot Accident
Even minor accidents at a slow rate of speed can cause injuries. Every person’s experience is different, and you should always be evaluated by a doctor to get a professional opinion.
Some common parking lot accident injuries are described below.
- Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the head is rapidly jolted up and down or back and forth due to impact. Whiplash can cause lasting head injuries, spinal problems, and brain damage. It can restrict your mobility and impact your quality of life.
- Broken bones: If you were hit hard by another car, you may have broken bones. Depending on the severity of the break, you’ll need a combination of time and rehabilitative therapy to regain the use of the injured part.
- Brain injuries: Hitting your head during an accident can cause brain injuries. Even minor injuries can lead to confusion, memory loss, and discomfort. Severe injuries can change your life in an instant.
- Internal injuries: Internal damages are highly common. Organ damage and internal bleeding are serious conditions that you must check for after being hit by another driver.
- Cuts & lacerations: These injuries occur if you’re impaled by an object or if you cut yourself on broken glass or jagged metal. Without urgent care, there may be serious complications, such as an infection.
- Emotional and behavioral conditions: Accidents can deeply impact your mental health and well-being. After being hit, it’s not uncommon to struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, and distress. Some people have trouble driving or traveling as a passenger in a car after being in an accident. Further, if someone is seriously injured or passes away in the collision, you’re bound to struggle with grief.
Contact an Atlanta Parking Lot Accident Law Firm Today
If you’ve been hit in a parking lot, Ali Awad, of the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, is here to advocate for your rights. In just a few years, he’s won tens of millions of dollars in settlements and jury awards for his clients.
He represents clients in Atlanta and beyond who have been harmed by car accidents, medical malpractice, bicycle accidents, dog bites, and other incidents. Clients admire his experience, expertise, and the personalized service he gives to each person he helps.
Awad has a following of 1.5 million+ on Instagram, where he’s known for providing general advice and useful tips.
Give Awad a call at (404) 777-8800 or fill out the online contact form today to request a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today.
