Collisions are surprisingly common in parking lot accidents in York. They may appear low-risk, but tight lanes, heavy foot traffic, and distracted drivers create the perfect conditions for a crash. Even at slow speeds, a parking lot accident can cause painful injuries and expensive damage to vehicles.
At Clark & Howell, our skilled car accident attorneys understand what people face in the aftermath of these incidents. If you were recently involved in a parking lot accident in York, consider reaching out to us today. Our team could investigate the cause, identify all responsible parties, and pursue the maximum compensation available for your losses.
Typically, parking lots and garages are classified as private property, but drivers are still required to follow safe driving practices and yield to pedestrians or vehicles already traveling. When a driver ignores this duty, the state’s traffic safety laws allow a finding of negligence per se pursuant to 29-A M.R.S. § 2053.
Property owners in York also have a responsibility to keep parking lots well lit, properly marked, and free of hazards. This includes maintenance such as removing ice from the pavement and refurbishing faded lane markings. When an owner fails to meet this standard, unsafe conditions could lead to an accident and may result in premises liability under common law negligence.
If a driver’s negligence and unsafe conditions both contributed to the crash, an injured person could pursue recovery from each party. When a claimant is partially responsible, Maine’s modified comparative fault governs the case. Under this doctrine, if you are found to be 50 percent or more at fault for the accident, you lose the right to pursue damages for your losses.
There are many reasons a crash could occur in a parking lot in York. Some circumstances are more common than others, and many involve negligence by a driver or property owner. Examples include:
Depending on who failed to uphold their duty of care, each of these factors could establish liability. In Maine, distracted drivers may violate the state’s handheld device restriction, and businesses that knew about potential hazards but failed to address them may have breached their duty to maintain safe premises.
Our firm could gather evidence, such as surveillance footage, to determine the precise cause of the crash and build a strong case on your behalf.
In the minutes, days, and weeks that follow a car accident, timing is crucial for an injured person. Accurately and thoroughly documenting the crash as soon as possible could make a meaningful difference when filing a personal injury claim.
If you were involved in a parking lot accident, you should immediately report the incident to property management and local authorities. Take photos of the scene, including vehicles, signage, and surface conditions. Gather contact information for everyone involved, including any eyewitnesses. Even if you do not feel pain or your injuries appear minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
It is also important to contact an experienced attorney to discuss your options before speaking with insurers or accepting a settlement offer. Injured people generally have six years from the date of the incident to file a claim, but time-sensitive evidence could disappear much sooner, so do not delay.
Parking lot accidents in York go beyond a simple fender bender and could result in lasting physical, emotional, and financial harm. You deserve an advocate who understands Maine’s liability laws and knows effective ways to demonstrate negligence in a legal claim.
At Clark & Howell, we can help you hold any careless drivers or negligent property owners accountable. Reach out today for a consultation and start your journey towards financial recovery.
207-363-5208
207-363-5208