Property owners may share responsibility for parking lot accidents if they fail to maintain safe conditions on their property. Chicago parking lot accident liability depends on how the accident happened.
Call Chicago parking lot accident lawyer Robert Smoler at 312-332-9800 for guidance through the legal process after suffering injuries in a parking lot crash.
When Can a Chicago Property Owner Be Liable for a Parking Lot Accident?
A Chicago property owner can be liable for a parking lot crash if their negligence contributed to the incident. Property owners in Illinois have a duty to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition. Failure to do so could result in liability for the resulting damages if a parking lot accident occurs due to unsafe conditions. Weather increases crash risks in parking lots. A third-party contractor, such as a company that improperly cleared ice, could share liability if its actions lead to an accident.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 101,023 motor vehicle crashes in Chicago in 2023. Studies suggest that about 20% of vehicle crashes happen in parking lots.
What Dangerous Parking Lot Conditions Commonly Lead to Accidents in Chicago?
Dangerous parking lot conditions that commonly lead to crashes in Chicago include:
- Design flaws
- Potholes
- Poor lighting
- Faded markings
- Missing signage
- Weather-related hazards like snow and ice
Personal injury lawyers know how to prove negligence and property owner responsibility in parking lot accidents when any of these factors contribute to the accidents.
How Is Fault Shared Between Drivers and Property Owners in Chicago Parking Lot Accidents?
Fault is shared between drivers and property owners in Chicago parking lot accidents based on the modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, multiple parties could be found to be partially at fault for a parking lot accident. You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, for example, due to texting and driving at the time of the crash, provided you were not more than 50% responsible for the crash. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault.
Robert Smoler has helped accident victims hold negligent Chicago property owners accountable for over 25 years. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Property Owner Be Sued for a Parking Lot Accident in Chicago?
A property owner can be sued if a dangerous condition on the property caused or contributed to your accident.
What Evidence Is Needed to Prove a Property Owner Was Negligent After a Parking Lot Accident?
Evidence needed includes photos or videos of the accident site and hazard, maintenance records, witness statements, medical records, and surveillance footage. Evidence such as maintenance logs and surveillance footage is crucial in proving a property owner’s negligence but can be challenging to obtain without legal assistance. It’s essential to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you gather and preserve the necessary evidence early.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Chicago Parking Lot Accident Injury?
In most cases, victims have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim for a Chicago parking lot accident injury. There are exceptions. For example, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations clock starts running when he or she turns 18. Claims against government entities must be filed within one year.
