Parking Lot Accidents in Augusta

Parking lot accidents in Augusta are common despite the low speeds in these areas, and they are often the result of distractions, chaotic traffic, and limited visibility.

Pedestrians, particularly children and older adults, are especially at risk of sustaining severe and life-threatening or fatal injuries in parking lots. If you were hurt in an accident like this, reach out to a local car wreck attorney for help understanding your legal options. Contact Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law today to speak with an intake specialist and schedule your free consultation.

What Are the Typical Causes of Parking Lot Wrecks?

Some of the most typical causes of Augusta parking lot crashes include:

• Distracted driving, including using a smartphone or adjusting controls
• Backing out of a parking space inattentively
• Impatience, aggressive driving, and speeding
• Bad design, including faded parking spot markings, potholes, poor lighting, or confusing layouts
• Poor visibility from obstructions, parked vehicles, dim lighting, or inclement weather
• Pedestrian errors, such as inattention due to distractions or failing to use crosswalks

The most common types of accidents include two cars reversing at the same time, backing into each other, rear-end and side-impact collisions, door dings, and hit-and-runs.

Determining Fault for a Parking Lot Collision

Georgia is an at-fault auto insurance state, meaning the motorist responsible for negligent actions that caused the incident is financially liable for the resulting damages. That includes medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and potentially pain and suffering. Most parking lots are private property, and while some traffic regulations may not apply, general negligence rules do.

Therefore, evidence such as witness statements, video footage, police officer accident reports, and photos can help determine which driver was negligent. Common scenarios include a driver hitting a parked car and being liable for the resulting damages.

Someone failing to yield the right-of-way during left turns would also be at fault. Gathering evidence, particularly witness statements and footage from security cameras, is vital.

Auto Insurance Requirements

The Georgia Department of Revenue requires that all drivers with registered vehicles in the state carry at least the minimum amount of automobile insurance coverage. Under Georgia Code § 40-6-10, motorists in the state must carry liability coverage of at least:

• $25,000 for bodily injuries per person, with at least $50,000 total
• $25,000 for property damage per vehicle collision

Liability pays for the damages the at-fault driver causes to others, but it does not cover the at-fault driver’s personal damages. Policies with additional coverages, such as collision, medical payments, and uninsured/underinsured motorists, would pay for those damages.

Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

State laws follow a modified comparative negligence rule for cases involving shared fault, such as simultaneous backing crashes. That means you can recover monetary damages from the other party if you are less than 50 percent responsible. However, the civil court reduces the payout by your percentage of fault. If they find that both parties are 50 percent liable, or that your share is more, they will bar recovery.

Cases involving simultaneous backing require a thorough investigation to determine who began backing first. If it is unclear, both parties are considered equally at fault, and neither is eligible to obtain a settlement. Our lawyer experienced in handling cases arising from parking lot collisions in Augusta would investigate the cause to determine liability and gather the crucial evidence needed to establish fault.

Injured in a Parking Lot Accident? Call a Qualified Augusta Attorney Today

All auto collisions can be frustrating. Even those occurring in a parking lot or garage can leave you with severe injuries and other losses, despite vehicles moving at slow speeds in these areas. Understanding the state regulations and your rights is essential for protecting your interests.

It is also important to gather the evidence needed to establish liability. Meet with a seasoned lawyer at Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law to learn more about parking lot accidents in Augusta.