Slip and fall accidents, especially those that take place in parking lots, can leave you with severe injuries. Such injuries can create a lifetime burden of expensive medical bills, lost wages, and a lowered quality of life. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, continue reading to find out how an experienced Morris County, New Jersey slip and fall lawyer at The Macri Law Firm can defend your personal injury claim on your behalf.
What are the common causes of parking lot accidents in the state of New Jersey?
A parking lot accident can occur due to the fault of a negligent driver. Although, more often than not, they are caused by a negligent property owner who fails to frequently check the condition of the parking lot. For example, parking lot owners have a certain period of time to clear walking and driving surfaces from ice, snow, or otherwise slippery liquids, after a storm. Below are other common causes of parking lot accidents:
- Insufficient lighting.
- Uneven pavement on walking surfaces.
- Potholes on driving surfaces.
- Loose debris.
- Dangerous substances.
- Careless signage.
- Inadequate security.
What steps should I take following a parking lot accident?
For a successful personal injury claim, you must satisfy the burden of proof, which means that you will have to prove that your injuries are due to the parking lot owner’s negligence. To do so, follow the below steps directly after your accident:
- Call 911: a law enforcement officer will dispatch an ambulance on your behalf. They will also conduct a police report, which you should retain a copy of afterward.
- Document the scene: if it is safe, take photos and videos of your injuries, damages, and any hazards that may have contributed to your accident.
- Collect contact information: if there were any witnesses, ask for their name, phone number, email address, and any photos and videos they may have taken. They may be able to provide witness testimonies afterward.
- Seek medical attention: do so as soon as the ambulance arrives on the scene. Even if you do not feel injured, you should seek treatment for documentation purposes and health purposes, because some injuries, such as concussions, are not immediately noticeable.
- Gather medical documentation: this documentation should include the date, time, and severity of your injuries. Also, collect medical bills that show the costs of your necessary treatments.
- Contact a skilled Parsippany, New Jersey personal injury lawyer: our firm can help you collect additional evidence to support your personal injury claim, such as surveillance footage of your accident.
CONTACT OUR MORRIS COUNTY FIRM
If you require the services of an experienced team of attorneys for legal matters related to estate planning, personal injury, or medical malpractice, contact The Macri Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.