5 Reasons to Consult a Parking Lot Accident Attorney in Washington DC Immediately After an Incident – Guest Post

While they may seem less serious compared to incidents on the highway, the legal, financial, and personal repercussions of parking lot accidents can be enormous. With the hustle and bustle going on in the city and general conditions of the facility when it is usually full, little surprise that a lot of incidents happen. Such being the case, you would then want to consult with a parking lot accident lawyer. Well, here are the instances you really need: five valid reasons why you should immediately consult an attorney in case of a parking lot accident.

Liability Issues Can Be Complex

Indeed, parking lots are among those places where a road accident in general involves intricate questions of liability. This is partly because it may be more difficult to prove fault-the dynamics, quite specific to the geometry of parking lots, playing a decisive role:

• Several parties may be liable for what happened in person: drivers, pedestrians, and even property owners themselves.
• Poorly defined right of way: In the case of no markings to be found, this is one place where people and moving vehicles are passing through.

A good lawyer knows the particular traffic laws regarding incidents on parking lots in Washington, D.C. They research your case, evidence, and liability, whether it has to do with a driver, a pedestrian, or poorly maintained parking lots.

Understand No-Fault Insurance Laws in Washington DC

Washington, D.C. is a no-fault state; that means for minor accidents, a few of your damages are paid for by your insurance provider regardless of whose fault it is. If there is more severe injury or negligence, some key exceptions apply. Whether:

• Personal Injury Protection: The PIP may not adequately take care of major bodily injury or property damage.
• Thresholds for Filing a Lawsuit: Where the injuries are severe enough to meet threshold requirements, you can then sue the at-fault party for further damages.

In this respect, an attorney will be in a position to help you identify if your case has merit beyond just being an insurance claim to get you the compensation you deserve.

Protection of Your Rights from Insurance Companies

In practice, most insurance companies will do whatever possible to try and close out claims fast for the smallest amount of possible settlement. Most of the time you are not represented and thus often end up settling on a claim that does not begin to pay all of your costs. This type of reputable, experienced attorney negotiates for a settlement based on medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

• Do not make lowball offers: against insurance adjusters; they at times even try to demean the value of your injuries or the damage done to your car.

Having a lawyer means you are in good hands and not at the mercy of the insurance providers, and the case receives adequate settlement.

Collect and Preserve All Important Evidence

There is no claim without any appropriate evidence, and the situation also remains the same in a parking lot accident. Significant evidence would include:

• Cameras around, in most parking lots: They record incidents; in most cases, however, the recording is not retained for much time. 
• Statements by eye: Witnesses will be able to establish your version of the happenings, but peoples’ memories blur with the passing of time.
• Photos and documents: Skid marks or damages – it is better their photos be collected sooner, and it would of course be much better for your case.

The parking lot accident attorney will know exactly how to act in time to collect and preserve this or any such evidence so that no detail goes away.

Minimizes Stress – Avoids Costly Mistakes

Legal procedures can be puzzling, especially if one is injured, vehicles need repair, or income is lost.  Handling your case without professional guidance may result in the following mistakes: 

• Failure to File within the Required Filing Period: There is a statute of limitation in Washington, D.C. which personal injury claims are expected to comply with strictly. Lack of compliance will lead to losing your right to compensation.

Being unfamiliar with some of the minute legal fine points, without an attorney, you can be stuck not knowing what this means or accepting less than that to which you are entitled.

With a parking lot accident attorney, you get all the time to recover while they do everything for you legally. As a matter of fact, their expertise will pave the way for smooth case proceedings that result in a positive outcome.

Bonus Tip: When to Contact an Attorney

The sooner, the better, right after your incident. The earlier involvement enables your parking lot accident attorney to:

• Give Me Immediate Counsel: How not to say or do the wrong thing by admitting fault, signing premature settlements, etc.
• Take Immediate Action: Preserving evidence, filing suit, when necessary.

The call, one call, day one, can sometimes be the difference maker. It makes all the difference to dial.

Wrap Up

Washington DC parking lot accidents are pretty much like a box of chocolates: you never know which flavor you get. Thereafter, a number of liability issues, along with many other insurance problems, can arise. A consultation with a parking lot accident attorney right after the incident will guide you through the hurdles to an accident: protection, complicated legal procedures, and above all, securing compensation at the hands of an expert attorney.

Let tension over a parking lot accident upend your life. If this has happened to you, contact a seasoned Washington DC attorney serving today for the help that may make all the difference in a fair and just resolution.