Though parking lots seldom trigger a sense of danger, accidents here happen more often than you may think. Such accidents can leave behind a trail of significant damages, such as expensive medical bills, long-term lost wages, and a decreased quality of life. If you have been wrongfully injured in a parking lot accident, read on to find out how a proficient St. Mary’s County parking lot accident lawyer at The Dorsey Law Firm can defend your personal injury claim on your behalf.
What are the frequent causes of parking lot accidents in the state of Maryland?
Parking lot accidents can involve two vehicles or a vehicle and a pedestrian. However, oftentimes, they happen in the form of slip and fall accidents due to a parking lot owner’s failure to ensure that their premises are safe. Some of the most common causes of slip and fall parking lot accidents include the following:
- Standing water that is left uncleared.
- Snow or ice that is left uncleared.
- Loose debris that is left uncleared.
- Dangerous substances that are left uncleared.
- Insufficient lighting.
- Uneven pavement on walking surfaces.
- Potholes on driving surfaces.
- Careless signage.
- Inadequate security.
What steps should I take following a parking lot accident?
To win a personal injury claim, you must satisfy the burden of proof. In other words, by law, you must provide the Maryland court with sufficient evidence that your injuries and damages are in direct correlation to the negligence of a parking lot owner. Therefore, you should follow the below steps immediately after your accident to ensure that you collect the appropriate evidence to secure your financial compensation:
- Call 911: a law enforcement officer will dispatch an ambulance and conduct a police report, which you should retain a copy of afterward.
- Document the scene: if safe, take photos and videos of your injuries, damages, and any hazards that may have contributed to your accident.
- Collect contact information: if witnesses are present, collect their names, phone numbers, and email addresses, as they may be able to provide witness testimonies afterward.
- Seek medical attention: do so as soon as the ambulance arrives on the scene. Retain any available documents afterward.
- Gather additional medical documentation: if and when you go for follow-up treatment, retain documentation that includes the date, time, and severity of your injuries, and any medical bills that show the costs of your necessary treatments.
- Contact a talented St. Mary’s County slip and fall lawyer: do so before Maryland’s statute of limitations, which for personal injury claims is usually three years from the date of your accident. Our firm can help you collect additional evidence to support your claim, such as surveillance footage of your accident.
Contact Us Today
Contact The Dorsey Law Firm today to schedule your free initial consultation with our seasoned & dedicated personal injury lawyers.
