Contrary to popular belief, parking lot accidents occur pretty frequently and can lead to serious injuries and financial damages. If you were involved in a parking lot accident that left you injured physically and financially as a result of another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. As such, understanding liability, the evidence that can strengthen your case, and important legal deadlines can help you protect your rights as a victim of someone else’s negligence. Contact our experienced New Jersey personal injury attorneys today to discuss your case.
What Are the Causes of Parking Lot Accidents in New Jersey?
Parking lot accidents can occur from various causes, but in most cases, they are a result of a parking lot owner’s negligence. Parking lot owners, like all other property owners, must ensure that their property is safe for those who enter it. If an injury results because of a hazardous condition in a parking lot that the owner should have known about or did know about and failed to fix, the property owner may be held liable. This applies to parking lots in Montclair, Bloomfield, East Orange, and throughout Essex County, as property owners are legally responsible for ensuring the safety of their premises.
Common Hazardous Conditions That Lead to Parking Lot Accidents
- Snow, ice, or standing water left unattended
- Potholes and uneven or cracked surfaces
- Poor lighting
- Loose debris
- Inadequate security
- Distracted driving (texting, setting a GPS, etc.)
- Failure to yield in shared traffic areas
- Speeding in confined parking lots
- Poor signage and unclear traffic flow patterns
How Can I Prove That the Property Owner was Negligent?
In New Jersey, the injured party must satisfy the burden of proof, which means that they must provide ample evidence that points to the property owner’s negligence. It is important that you start gathering evidence as soon as possible after the accident.
Evidence You Should Gather After a Parking Lot Accident
- Police report
- Photos and videos of the hazardous condition
- Medical documentation of the origin and severity of injuries
- Contact information from witnesses to the accident
- Security footage of the parking lot during the accident
- Maintenance logs that demonstrate hazards when ignored
- Prior complaints about the same dangerous conditions
- Incident reports filed with property managers or businesses
How Long Do I Have to File My Personal Injury Claim?
New Jersey imposed a deadline, otherwise known as the statute of limitations, that limits the amount of time an injured party has to file a personal injury claim. In New Jersey, an injured person will have two years from the date of the accident to file their claim. If they fail to do so during the statute of limitations, they will likely lose the opportunity to file their claim and receive damages for their injuries and financial burdens. This law applies statewide, including in Essex County and the surrounding communities
Important Deadlines and Legal Considerations
- The standard personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date on which the injury occurred
- Claims filed against public entities, like government agencies, are subject to shorter notice deadlines
- Delays in filing can result in a permanent loss of compensation rights
- Early legal guidance can significantly improve the strength of your claim
Personal injury claims are very time-sensitive. It is in your best interest to retain an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed in a prompt manner.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Parking Lot Accident?
Taking the correct steps following an accident in Essex County can protect your health and legal rights. Though suffering an injury in a parking lot accident can be overwhelming, taking the correct steps can help you preserve your rights in the event you wish to seek compensation, while also ensuring that your health and well-being are prioritized.
Step-by-Step Actions to Take
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for injuries that seem minor
- File a report with the property owner or management company
- Document the scene with photos and videos of the hazard
- Do not make any statements that may be viewed as admitting liability
- Contact an experienced Essex County personal injury attorney as soon as possible
Contact our Experienced New Jersey Firm
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party in a parking lot in Bloomfield, Montclair, East Orange, or any other community in or around Essex County, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the best possible outcome. When you need help, contact our firm to speak with an attorney today.
