Parking lots across Tennessee may seem like low-risk areas compared to busy streets or highways, but they are often the site of collisions and injuries. Whether it is a fender bender, a dooring incident, or a pedestrian being struck while walking to their car, these accidents can cause real harm. The situation becomes even more frustrating when no witnesses are present to explain what happened.
At our Memphis personal injury law firm, we help clients navigate the uncertainty of parking lot accidents and determine who may be legally responsible, even when no one saw it happen.
How Parking Lot Accidents Commonly Occur in Memphis
Memphis has thousands of parking lots at grocery stores, apartment complexes, medical offices, malls, and workplaces. With so many people pulling in and out of spaces, driving distractedly, or walking through lanes, accidents can happen quickly.
Common parking lot accident scenarios include:
- Two vehicles backing out at the same time.
- A moving car hitting a parked vehicle.
- A driver speeding through the lot and hitting a bicyclist or pedestrian.
- A car pulls through a space and hits an oncoming vehicle.
- Hit-and-run drivers leave the scene after causing damage or injury.
While many of these incidents happen at low speeds, they can still cause serious injuries or vehicle damage, especially if a pedestrian or cyclist is involved.
Proving Fault Without Witnesses Can Be Challenging
When no one sees the accident, determining fault can feel nearly impossible. However, there are still ways to build a case using other forms of evidence. Insurance companies and courts typically rely on the facts to decide who is at fault, so documenting the scene as thoroughly as possible is key.
Substantial evidence may include:
- Photographs of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, and surroundings.
- Surveillance footage from nearby security cameras.
- Statements from the drivers involved.
- Physical evidence, like paint transfer or debris.
- Accident reconstruction based on vehicle damage and location.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages if found to be less than 50 percent at fault. The amount you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault, making it even more essential to build a strong case with the help of an experienced attorney.
What To Do After a Parking Lot Accident in Memphis
If you are involved in a parking lot accident in Memphis, take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Call the police to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant damage.
- Take detailed photos and notes of the scene, including license plates and landmarks.
- Ask nearby businesses if they have security cameras that may have captured the incident.
- Do not admit fault at the scene.
- Seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they initially seem minor.
Finally, contact a personal injury attorney to help you deal with insurance adjusters and investigate the incident further.
Speak With Our Memphis Personal Injury Attorneys Today
Parking lot accidents may seem minor initially, but they can have lasting effects. If you were injured or your vehicle was damaged in a Memphis parking lot accident and no one saw it happen, you still have options. Contact our Shelby County personal injury attorneys today by calling or texting (901) 244-5003 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are here to help you determine fault and pursue the compensation you deserve.