Parking lots may seem like low-risk areas, but they are the site of thousands of collisions every year in South Carolina. Some of them result in serious injuries, particularly when pedestrians are involved. Between distracted drivers, confusing traffic patterns, and pedestrians moving between vehicles, parking lots present serious hazards.
When a parking lot accident results in severe injuries, victims often face unexpected challenges in securing fair compensation. Insurance companies may try to minimize claims or dispute liability, leaving injured parties without the resources they need to recover.
Do not let insurance companies get away with undervaluing or rejecting your claim. If you have been hurt in a South Carolina parking lot accident, the trial lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm are prepared to fight for your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation about your parking lot car accident claim.
How a South Carolina Parking Lot Accident Lawyer Can Help
Parking lot accidents can cause serious injuries and complicated insurance claims. At Jebaily Law Firm, our South Carolina parking lot accident lawyers bring over 100 years of combined experience to every case. We fight for injured people, hold negligent drivers and other parties accountable, and guide our clients through the legal process with care and dedication.
We have secured substantial results for the clients we have represented since our firm’s founding in 1969. These outcomes reflect our commitment to thorough investigation, skilled negotiation, and strong courtroom advocacy.
We also deliver dedicated client service and compassion for the people we serve. Take a look at our positive client reviews to discover what our past clients have to say about their experiences with our law firm. For example, one previous client wrote:
“Mr. George Jebaily and his team handled my car accident case with care and professionalism. They fought hard with the insurance company and helped me get a fair settlement. I felt like they truly cared about me.” – Bryan Jackson
Steps to Take if You Were Hit as a Pedestrian in a Parking Lot
Pedestrian accidents in parking lots can cause serious injuries. Drivers may back out of parking spots without checking their surroundings, speed through lanes, or fail to yield at crosswalks. If a vehicle strikes you while you are walking, taking the right steps immediately protects your health and legal rights.
Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some, like internal bleeding or concussions, may appear later. Prompt medical care documents your injuries and ensures proper diagnosis and treatment.
Report the accident to the police to create an official record. Gather the driver’s contact and insurance details, take photos of the scene and injuries, and collect witness information.
Contact our South Carolina parking lot accident attorneys quickly to preserve evidence and support your claim.
Compensation Available After a Parking Lot Accident in South Carolina
Victims of parking lot accidents may recover damages for a wide range of losses. Compensation aims to restore you financially and physically to the position you were in before the collision. Types of compensable damages include:
- Economic damages cover medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future treatment costs. You may also recover lost wages if injuries caused missed work, and compensation for reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job.
- Non-economic damages address physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. In cases of especially reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish wrongdoing.
- Property damage includes reimbursement for vehicle or personal belongings, repair costs, and rental car expenses while your vehicle is being fixed.
Proving Liability in a Parking Lot Accident Case in South Carolina
Establishing fault in a parking lot accident requires showing that another party acted negligently and that their actions caused your injuries. That involves collecting evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, photographs, and police reports.
Right-of-way rules are key in determining fault. Drivers leaving parking spaces must yield to vehicles in lanes, while drivers in feeder lanes usually have priority. Pedestrians almost always have the right-of-way in crosswalks and walking areas.
South Carolina uses a modified comparative fault system. If you share responsibility, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. More than 50 percent at fault means no recovery.
Our parking lot car accident lawyers can help minimize shared fault claims. Our attorneys also review traffic patterns, signage, lighting, and property conditions that may contribute to liability, particularly on the part of property owners and other responsible parties.
Dealing with Uninsured or Hit-and-Run Drivers in Parking Lots
Not every parking lot accident involves a cooperative driver. Hit-and-run collisions are common, and some at-fault drivers may lack sufficient insurance.
If an uninsured or underinsured driver injures you, you may still recover damages. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage from your own insurance company can cover injuries and other losses. UM coverage can apply even if you were a pedestrian, making it an important safety net for parking lot accident victims.
In hit-and-run cases, collecting evidence quickly is critical. Check for security cameras in the parking lot and gather contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to the police immediately and provide details about the vehicle and driver. If the driver is not found, you may still have coverage options under the UM insurance on your auto policy.
An attorney from our law firm can guide you through your insurance claim and help ensure you receive all benefits available under your policy.
Types of Crashes That Happen in South Carolina Parking Lots
Parking lot accidents take many forms, each with unique risks. Some examples of the common types of crashes in South Carolina parking lots include:
- Backing accidents are frequent. Drivers reversing from spaces may not see pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles, leading to serious injuries.
- Rear-end collisions happen when a driver follows too closely or fails to stop, often while waiting to exit or enter a space. These crashes can cause whiplash, back injuries, and other soft tissue damage.
- Sideswipe and broadside accidents occur when vehicles in adjacent lanes make contact or when a driver pulls out without checking for traffic. Even minor collisions can lead to significant property damage and injuries.
- Head-on collisions are less common but usually more severe, often caused by drivers traveling the wrong way or failing to yield.
Types of Injuries That Result from Parking Lot Crashes
Even at low speeds, parking lot accidents can cause serious injuries, such as
- Whiplash is common, caused by the sudden jerking of the head and neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility that may require physical therapy.
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, can occur when occupants strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows, potentially affecting memory and emotional well-being.
- Back and spinal injuries can damage vertebrae, discs, and nerves, causing chronic pain or paralysis in severe cases.
- Broken bones in the arms, legs, or ribs and soft tissue injuries such as sprains and contusions can limit daily activities.
Pedestrians face greater risks, including fractures, internal injuries, and life-threatening trauma due to a lack of vehicle protection.
Contact Our South Carolina Parking Lot Accident Attorneys Today
Parking lot accidents can disrupt your life in an instant, leaving you with mounting medical bills, lost income, and physical pain. You do not have to face these challenges alone. At Jebaily Law Firm, we are committed to serving our clients with dignity and respect, and we are determined to use all our resources to make things right.
Since 1969, our trial lawyers have been fighting with determination and passion for injured people across South Carolina. If you need to know how to report a parking lot accident or require guidance on your legal options, contact Jebaily Law Firm today for a free consultation.
