OREGON PARKING LOT
ACCIDENT LAWYER

X

We Handle Parking Lot Accident Claims in Portland & Throughout Oregon

Parking lots may seem like relatively safe places, but these see a significant number of injuries and accidents happen regularly. Narrow lanes, tight spaces, and various other factors make parking lots and garages prone to car and pedestrian accidents.

In some instances, an Oregon parking lot accident results in severe injuries and property damage. Such an incident can negatively impact your quality of life for the foreseeable future. You may be facing a difficult and lengthy physical recovery, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainties. If this is the situation you find yourself in, you need an experienced parking lot accident lawyer who can advocate for the compensation you deserve and navigate the legal process. 

The legal team at Johnston Law Firm is adept at handling all manners of serious car accident claims. We will hold those responsible for your parking lot accident accountable so that you can focus on your recovery. We pride ourselves on supporting Oregon families in getting back on their feet after a serious injury has occurred.

If you have been hurt in an Oregon parking lot accident, call Johnston Personal Injury Law Firm or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Our compassionate and dedicated injury lawyers know exactly how to help.

The Risk of Parking Lot Accidents

Regrettably, far too many Oregonians are severely injured or killed in vehicle accidents annually. Fatal and serious traffic crashes in Oregon resulted in $16.3 billion in economic and quality-of-life costs during 2023 alone. 

What’s more, the National Safety Council reports that tens of thousands of accidents occur in parking lots and garage structures annually nationwide, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. Simply put, every driver and pedestrian is at risk of an accident when entering a parking lot. 

With these realities in mind, it is in your best interest to stay vigilant at all times. In the unfortunate event that a parking lot accident does occur, a knowledgeable personal injury law attorney can help you establish the facts of what happened.

Common Types and Causes of Parking Lot Accidents

In parking lots, both drivers and pedestrians have limited visibility due to the parked cars. Nonetheless, many people oftentimes have a false sense of security in parking lots — assuming that others are paying attention and moving slowly. Sadly, this is not always the case. 

Some of the most common parking lot accidents in Portland, Oregon, and across the state include:

• Rear-end collisions: These often happen when one driver is distracted and rear-ends another vehicle that is stopped or moving slowly.
• Side-swipe accidents: These types of accidents usually occur when two cars are trying to park in the same space but end up hitting each other or when one driver attempts to pass another without adequate space.
• T-bone accidents: These generally happen when a vehicle pulls out of a parking space without yielding to oncoming traffic, resulting in a side-impact collision.
• Backing up accidents: Numerous parking lot accidents occur when drivers back out of spaces without using their mirrors or first checking blind spots.
• Hit-and-run accidents: At times, a driver hits another car in a parking lot and then leaves the scene without providing any information.
• Pedestrian accidents: Such accidents tend to happen when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or while pulling out of a parking space.

The above parking lot accidents are frequently attributed to such things as:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failure to obey signs and markings
• Impaired driving
• Poor lighting and other maintenance issues
• Heavy rain, snow, and ice

Parking lot accidents may have multiple contributing factors and can range from minor fender-benders to severe collisions — with catastrophic damages. The long-term detrimental impact of a serious accident should not be underestimated. It is wise to both seek medical attention and consult a well-practiced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the incident.

Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.

Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.

Parking Lot Accidents Can Result in Serious Injuries

The severity of some parking lot accident injuries can be staggering. Such injuries are not limited to physical pain and suffering but can also include cognitive impairments and economic damages. 

After a serious injury, accident victims may find themselves unable to work for some time or even permanently, which means significant personal and economic losses. Pedestrians may be especially likely to suffer life-altering injuries in a collision.

Severe injuries seen in parking lot accident cases include:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Amputation or loss of a limb
• Back and neck injuries
• Internal injuries
• Broken or fractured bones
• Knee injuries
• Lacerations
• Shoulder injuries
• Miscarriage
• Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

These kinds of injuries can turn your life upside-down. Significant accident injuries should never be taken lightly. It is critical that you seek medical attention promptly to ensure the fullest recovery possible.

Potential Liability in an Oregon Parking Lot Accident

After a parking lot accident, determining who is at fault is crucial if you wish to recover compensation for your losses. However, this is not always a straightforward process. In some cases, more than one party may bear some responsibility for what happened. 

Oregon drivers are expected to drive with a duty of care at all times — including in parking lots. Thus, a driver can be held accountable for failing to exercise proper care and caution and injuring another driver or pedestrian. 

Additionally, store owners and managers are required to keep parking lots in good repair and implement various safety measures for all visitors. Property owners, too, bear responsibility for keeping the entire premises safe and well-maintained. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, owners or managers may be found liable for what you have gone through.

In the aftermath of a parking lot accident, a lawyer can go to bat for you by reviewing the evidence and ensuring that all liable parties are held accountable for your damages. 

Potential Compensation After an Oregon Parking Lot Accident

Financial compensation after a serious accident can be a key factor in regaining your quality of life. That said, any compensation you receive after a parking lot accident will depend on your specific case as well as the extent of your injuries and property damage. 

Accident victims oftentimes qualify to obtain restitution for such things as:

• Medical bills and other medical expenses
• Lost wages if unable to work for a time
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
• Wrongful death

Parking lot accidents can result in notable damages. An experienced injury lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company and other involved parties on your behalf — with the goal of maximizing your rightful compensation. Resolving your case will bring you peace of mind and help you to move forward from the incident.