Auto Accidents and Private Property: What You Should Know
People throughout Oklahoma City know that they can place their trust in the legal team at the Tawwater Law Firm. Our attorneys have ample experience when it comes to injury and wrongful death lawsuits involving car accidents, and we always strive to ensure strong resolutions for all of our clients.
While high-speed accidents on highways and city streets can be tragic, a number of low-speed collisions occur every day on private property, some of which can result in injuries and serious vehicle damage. We'd like to consider those right now.
Take All Collisions Seriously
Even if an auto accident involves low speeds in a parking lot or any sort of private property that has a low speed limit, collisions should be taken seriously. Even at relatively low speeds, injuries can occur that can have an impact on your wellness for some time. Whiplash, for instance, can occur at at low speeds, even lower than 25 miles per hour. With regard to whiplash, the nature of the collision and the suddenness of the neck movement will define the nature of the injury.
While many low-speed collisions typically result in just vehicle damage, be sure to note any potentially serious harm that has been sustained to any occupants of the vehicle, including yourself.
Should I call authorities for a parking lot accident?
You should only contact authorities after a low-speed collision if you suspect that there has been some sort of serious injury that has been sustained. This is crucial if there is a young child who is injured or an elderly passenger who seems to have been harmed.
It's also important to contact the authorities if you notice that the other driver seems to be drunk or under the influence of some form of controlled substance. Reporting this can allow the driver to be charged with a DUI and keep the dangerous motorist off the road.
Use your best judgment following the collision to determine the best course of action.
What You Should Do After an Auto Accident on Private Property
Following an auto accident in a parking lot or any kind of private property, be sure to consider the following:
- Check if everyone is okay
- Contact the authorities if necessary
- Notify security personnel on the premises if necessary
- Take photos of the accident/collision
- Get testimonies from any eye witnesses and exchange information
- Exchange information with the other driver(s)
If negligence was involved in any way, be sure to speak with an attorney about the collision.
How Our Auto Accident Attorneys Can Help You
A skilled auto accident attorney will be able to provide you with legal counsel throughout the litigation process. If the other driver was negligent, an attorney will ensure that he or she is held accountable for vehicle damage and any medical care required related to the collision.
In some cases, the case may actually hinge on negligence on the part of the property owner. For instance, a parking lot or parking garage may be poorly designed, which makes avoidable collisions more likely. In such cases, an attorney will help you hold the owner of the property accountable for not having a safe environment.
Speak with Skilled Auto Accident Attorneys
For more information about your legal options after a serious collision, be sure to contact our personal injury law firm today. The attorneys at the Tawwater Law Firm look forward to meeting you in person and helping you in your time of legal need.
