Malls are busy places. With customers coming and going it is not uncommon for a car accident to occur at the mall. Malls are heavy traffic areas, so everything from small fender benders to more serious accidents can occur in the parking lots and the streets that surround the mall.
Car accidents can cause a variety of damages. Those damages might include lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damages. You can recover compensation for your damages by filing a personal injury claim.
To ensure your rights are protected and that you are compensated fairly, you need to hire a personal injury attorney. Your attorney will file the claim and handle all negotiations with the insurance company. Your lawyer will proceed to court for a lawsuit if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached.
Time to file a claim is limited, so you should consult with a lawyer as quickly as possible.
Common Auto Accidents That Occur at Malls
If you are visiting the mall, you might be backed into by another vehicle in the parking lot. Another common crash at the mall is a rear-end collision. This happens when one car slows down to look for a parking spot and gets hit by another vehicle. Both of these crashes can result in serious damages to a vehicle.
Another common crash at the parking mall involves a vehicle pulling into the path of another car. This can happen when pulling out from a parking spot or at an intersection.
Kinds of Injuries Suffered
There are dozens of different kinds of injuries that can be suffered in a car accident at the mall. When another car backs into you or rear-ends your vehicle, you are flung forward and then bounce back. This can lead to soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, sprains, and strains.
These are painful injuries that might take weeks or even months to heal. These injuries require physical therapy and ongoing treatment.
If a car pulls into your path, the impact might be much more serious. You could suffer serious bruising, lacerations, and even fractures. Fractures can take weeks or months to heal and might limit your mobility. You will miss work and require follow-up care, which can be very costly.
As you are getting treatment and healing, you need to maintain documentation to support your claim. Things that you should keep include:
- Medical records
- Medical bills and receipts
- Car repair estimates
- Towing bills
- Rental car receipts
With the right paper receipts on hand, it should be easy for an attorney to prove what damages you’re entitled to.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident at the mall, you need to consult with a personal injury attorney. Your attorney will ensure your rights are protected. Your lawyer will know the value of your claim and can determine which damages you suffered.
Your lawyer can also calculate the value of your claim so you can get a fair settlement. Attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you don't have to pay out anything up front. The lawyer will get a percentage of the settlement or judgment as pay.
