If you are injured in a Tampa parking lot accident, you should exchange information with the other driver and report the crash to law enforcement. You should also notify your insurance company and contact a lawyer to discuss next steps.
Liability for a parking lot accident can be complicated, and evidence can disappear fast. A Florida parking lot accident lawyer can help you file a strong claim and recover the compensation you deserve.
What Happens if You’re Injured in a Parking Lot Accident in Tampa?
If you are injured in a Tampa parking lot accident, Florida law requires you to:
- Stop at the scene immediately
- Exchange information with the other driver, including your name, address, and insurance details
- Report the accident to law enforcement since it caused an injury
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will pay for your initial medical treatment. If your injuries are serious or costs exceed PIP limits, you can file a claim against the at-fault party. An attorney can help you gather evidence and hold them accountable.
How Does Comparative Fault Work in Florida?
Florida is a comparative fault state, meaning fault can be shared when more than one party contributes to a crash. Under state law, you can only recover damages for a car accident if you are no more than 50% at fault. In the event you share responsibility for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you will be barred from recovering compensation.
What Is the 14-Day Rule in Florida?
Florida’s “14-day rule” refers to the legal requirement to report certain accidents to your insurance company within 14 days if they involve injury, death, or property damage. Failing to notify your insurer promptly can result in a denial of coverage for damages or medical costs.
While your PIP coverage may apply automatically, timely reporting helps protect your right to compensation from the at-fault party and ensures your insurance company is aware of your claim from the start.
Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents in Tampa
Parking lot collisions happen for many of the same reasons as other crashes. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Many drivers check their phones as soon as they pull into a lot. This split-second distraction can lead to backing-up collisions, side-swipes, or pedestrian strikes.
- Failure to yield: Drivers often ignore right-of-way rules when turning into aisles or pulling out of spaces.
- Speeding in the lot: A parking lot isn’t an excuse to abandon caution. Drivers who tear through aisles put everyone at risk.
- Reversing without looking: Backing-out accidents are extremely common and often involve limited visibility.
- Cutting across parking spaces: Some drivers skip the aisles altogether, creating hazardous and unpredictable movements.
- Poor lighting or signage: Property owners who fail to maintain a safe environment can contribute to accidents.
Who Can Be Liable for a Parking Lot Accident?
Liability can vary from case to case. Depending on the situation, one or more of these parties may be responsible for a parking lot accident:
- Another driver: The most common scenario involves one driver acting carelessly, such as by speeding, backing up blindly, or cutting across lanes.
- Multiple drivers: When two vehicles back out at the same time or both make unsafe movements, fault may be shared.
- A commercial vehicle or delivery driver: Companies can be held responsible for the actions of employees driving trucks or vans.
- The property owner: If poor maintenance, inadequate lighting, potholes, or unclear signage contributed to the crash, the business or property owner may share responsibility.
- A pedestrian or bicyclist: While drivers often bear most of the blame, pedestrians and cyclists can also play a role if they act unpredictably or ignore obvious dangers.
What Types of Injuries Happen Most Often?
Despite the low speeds involved, parking lot accidents can still cause significant injuries. Some of the most common ones include:
- Whiplash and soft-tissue damage
- Back or neck injuries
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Shoulder or knee injuries from sudden impact
- Cuts, bruises, and facial injuries
- Pedestrian injuries
What Compensation Can You Seek After a Tampa Parking Lot Accident?
The types of compensation you can pursue will depend on the severity of your injuries and how the accident happened. In a Florida parking lot accident claim, you may recover:
- Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for emergency care, follow-up appointments, imaging, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
- Lost income: If your injuries keep you from working, you can pursue lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Property damage: You can recover vehicle repair or replacement costs.
- Pain and suffering: You can seek damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Parking Lot Accident in Tampa
After a parking lot accident, certain missteps can seriously harm your claim. You should avoid:
- Failing to report the accident to law enforcement or your insurance company
- Admitting fault at the scene, even if you believe you contributed to the accident
- Failing to seek medical treatment, as delaying care can make your injuries appear minor or unrelated to the crash
- Failing to gather evidence, as photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries can serve as crucial evidence in your case
- Communicating with insurers without a lawyer, as insurance adjusters may try to manipulate you into saying something that undermines your claim
Consult a Parking Lot Accident Lawyer in Tampa
Understanding what to do after a parking lot accident can make all the difference in your case. Once you report the accident, exchange information, and gather evidence at the scene of the crash, a Tampa parking lot accident attorney from Anidjar & Levine can help you file a claim and pursue compensation for your losses.
Schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your situation with a lawyer.
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