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Parking lots can be extremely dangerous places for drivers and pedestrians. In Hammond, parking lot collisions happen every day. The repercussions of a parking lot fender-bender may be less serious than a roadway crash. Even so, you may have incurred damages due to the negligent driving of others.
If you or a loved one were injured due to a negligent motorist, speak with a Hammond parking lot accident lawyer to see if you may qualify for damages under Indiana law. With the help of a skilled car accident attorney, you may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering.
Many of these laws are designed to protect drivers in parking lots and other low-speed zones. For example, motorists must decelerate as they exit a roadway and enter a parking lot. Per Indiana Code 9-21-5-1, all drivers must restrict their speed with respect to pedestrians and motorists. Drivers who rear-end a decelerating car might violate this law.
Many drivers adjust the radio or use their phone as they enter and exit parking spots. However, I.C. 9-21-8-59 bars drivers from using their phone while driving. This applies even when motorists are driving at low speeds in parking lots.
Under Indiana law, municipalities may establish speed limits on local ramps. Additionally, shopping centers might restrict speeds in adjacent parking lots. Drivers who travel in excess of these limits may be responsible for damages resulting from an accident.
A parking lot collision lawyer in Hammond may be able to review the details of a fender-bender to determine possible legal responses.
The Indiana Code allows for plaintiffs to recover damages after an accident. When hearing a case, the jury will distinguish between economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to the cost of the accident in terms of dollars. Hospital care, physical therapy, and lost wages may qualify. Usually, a plaintiff can demonstrate these damages through bills or tax documentation.
Non-economic damages are equally serious but may be harder to prove. Emotional and physical trauma are considered non-economic damages. Non-economic awards may aid a plaintiff in the challenges of the recovery period.
In Indiana, some limits on damages may apply. A diligent parking lot accident attorney in Hammond may be able to provide information about limitations on possible recoverable damages. An accomplished lawyer could also help one with gathering evidence to help maximize potential compensation.
In Indiana, all drivers are compelled to report car accidents immediately. Motorists who drive away from the scene of a parking lot accident do so in violation of I.C. 9-26-1-1.1.
According to this code, drivers must stop at the scene of the incident or as close to the incident as possible. In parking lot collisions, the driver must make efforts to contact the owner of the other vehicle.
Too often, drivers who hit parked vehicles will leave the site of the accident without following the proper procedure. According to I.C. 9-26-1-1.1, drivers must call 911 or report the incident to police officers before leaving the parking lot.
Drivers who fail to comply with this law may face additional consequences under Indiana law. A parking lot accident lawyer in Hammond may be able to review incident reports to verify compliance with the legal code.
Parking lots pose severe risks for drivers and pedestrians. Unfortunately, drivers are often distracted as they park. If you were involved in a fender-bender in a parking area, you may be eligible to recover compensation for damages.
A Hammond parking lot accident lawyer could help you seek the compensation you need to move forward. Call today to schedule a consultation.