Have you suffered an injury from a parking lot accident in Jefferson, Bullitt, Hardin, Spencer, Shelby, or Oldham County in Kentucky? Many people are surprised by the injuries they receive from a car accident at slow speeds in and around our stores, restaurants, and sports facilities. Pedestrians are especially at risk, as they can be hard to see when moving in and around lines of parked cars. Recent statistics here in Kentucky show that almost 20% of motor vehicle collisions and a substantial number of pedestrian injuries occur in and around our parking lots. This is why it is essential to pay extra attention when you pull into your destination when out and about in Shepherdsville, Mount Washington, Shelbyville, Taylorsville, Radcliff, Elizabethtown, Jeffersontown, or Louisville, Kentucky.
My name is John Schmidt, and after more than 25 years of service as an attorney based in Shepherdsville, I can tell you the likelihood of injury from a parking lot accident is much higher than you might have thought. Why is the risk of injury increased in these congested areas?
Frankly, once many people pull into the parking lot, their attention to their surroundings is reduced as they search for a place to park. The constant movement of pedestrians and other vehicles creates a substantial risk for pedestrians and drivers alike. It is common for drivers to report that it was difficult to see ahead as they turned down a row of parking spaces or that the “person just came out of nowhere.” Speeding and the failure to observe signs in the parking lot itself account for another large portion of these unfortunate accidents.
Here in Kentucky, the degree of “fault” associated with each party in these situations is an important element in the personal injury cases of injury from a parking lot accident. In addition, insurance companies will try their hardest to get you to immediately accept a quick settlement for far less than you deserve. This is never in your best interests. Why should you seek the representation of the Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates before speaking with or attempting to settle your personal injury claim?
Many injuries from low-speed collisions and pedestrian injuries take weeks or even months to present symptoms. For example, the discs in your neck and back provide padding between each vertebra in your spine. As a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, any impact can result in small tears in these discs. The injured person may feel relatively fine in the hours and days after the accident, but 3 or 4 weeks later, they are flat on their back in bed, missing work, and in immense pain due to the damage to these sensitive soft tissues.
Pedestrians face the risk of serious injuries in a parking lot. It doesn’t take but a few seconds of distraction for a driver to run into you, resulting in injuries to you or your child. Motor vehicle/pedestrian accidents involving children are one of the most common causes of injury and loss of life for our kids.
It is vital for all drivers and pedestrians to maintain awareness and to focus on their surroundings when entering and navigating our parking lots. This is not a time to relax. As a driver, you need to continuously scan for pedestrians and other drivers who are backing out of parking spaces without the ability to see your approach. It may surprise you to learn that many pedestrians, especially children, are injured by those backing out of a parking space. Use extra caution as you enter a parking area or leave your parking space, and be aware of speed and local signs and controls.
There is a lot each of us can do to reduce the likelihood of an injury from a parking lot accident in the Louisville area. If you or your child has been injured in a parking lot accident, you will need an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your interests, provide sound advice and counsel regarding your claim, and work to ensure you receive full and just compensation for any resulting injuries or wrongful death.
We invite you to contact us via e-mail, schedule an appointment or call us today at (502) 509-1490 to get the important advice and counsel required to protect your personal injury claim and achieve full and fair compensation for having to endure and recover from your injuries.
