Who Is at Fault for a Parking Lot Accident in Massachusetts?
As a driver in Massachusetts, you know that when traveling to any destination, allotting an extra block of time just for navigating the parking lot is a must. With pedestrians, other drivers, and even shopping carts making the quest for the perfect parking stop less than simple, it is crucial that drivers stay alert even though they may no longer be on a busy road. Unfortunately, even the safest drivers may still fall victim to a parking lot accident if either party was acting negligently at the time of the crash. If you have been injured in a parking lot accident in Massachusetts, it is important you understand who is at fault.
After being involved in a parking lot accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you have suffered as a result of another driver’s actions. Call 617-391-9001 or fill out our contact form to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer from Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers.
Who Is Held Liable for a Parking Lot Accident in Massachusetts?
When an accident occurs on a busy street or roadway, there are clear steps people know to take to ensure they are protected. However, when it comes to parking lot accidents, many people are not as sure of who is to be held liable for the injuries and losses suffered by victims.
Massachusetts is a modified no-fault state, meaning that a driver may be held liable for a parking lot accident if evidence shows they are more than 50 percent responsible. While you may file a claim with your own insurance provider for any damages you have suffered, there are several cases where another party may be at fault for a parking lot accident in Massachusetts.
Automatic Fault
In certain cases, there will be automatic fault assigned to a party involved in a parking lot accident in Massachusetts. These cases may include the following examples:
- When a driver hits a pedestrian or parked vehicle. This rule remains even if the vehicle was parked illegally
- When a driver rear-ends another vehicle
- When a driver fails to use their turn signal and causes a collision
- When a vehicle is left unattended, rolls and crashes into a pedestrian or other vehicle in the parking lot
- When a driver leaves a parking spot and hits something in the process
- When an open vehicle door causes an accident
If you were involved in a parking lot accident like these, you may be owed compensation from the at-fault party.
Employee Parking Lot Accidents
If you were injured in the parking lot at your place of employment, you may be surprised to learn that your employer may actually be held liable for your injuries due to the fact that a parking lot is a part of their legal premises. A parking lot accident while on the job can lead to serious injuries.
If you are unsure what your next steps should be after being injured in a parking lot, contact a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer who can help you identify who is at fault and provide you with the trusted legal representation needed to obtain the compensation you deserve. When you work with Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, you will work with an award-winning team led by our experienced co-managing partners, J. Tucker Merrigan and Peter M. Merrigan.
J. Tucker Merrigan has been a co-managing partner of the firm for over a decade now and has been recognized for his work as a personal injury lawyer in the Massachusetts legal system. His hard work helping clients in Massachusetts has earned him many honors, some being 2020-2021 Lawyer.com Top Attorney Award and being named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. Our other co-managing partner, Peter M. Merrigan has been recognized for his dedication to helping the communities of Boston with many honors, including 2018 Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers and 2021 Massachusetts “Super Lawyer.”
Contact a Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawyer For Help After a Parking Lot Accident
Most people may feel that the parking lot is a safer place than the road. However, there are still many damaging accidents that occur within the confines of these lots.If you have been injured in a parking lot accident, Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Massachusetts law office today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced parking lot accident lawyers by filling out our contact form or calling 617-391-9001.