What You Should Know About Michigan Parking Lot Accident Laws
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A busy parking lot can be a perilous place. Cars back in and out of spaces while people walk to and from vehicles, often distracted by children or phones. Many parking-lot crashes are dented bumpers. Some cause serious injuries.
If you were in a parking lot accident, an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Do You Have a Case?WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A PARKING LOT ACCIDENT?
Liability depends on the facts. If you are injured in a motor vehicle, you generally look first to Michigan No-Fault for PIP medical and wage-loss benefits. Property damage is treated differently from injury claims. Many lots are private property. If poor maintenance or an unsafe layout contributed, the property owner and an at-fault driver may both face claims.
Michigan’s mini-tort provision can allow up to $3,000 for vehicle damage in certain cases, usually when the other driver is more than 50 percent at fault and you have the required residual liability coverage.
Victims with limited PIP medical coverage may also sue an at-fault driver for excess medical costs and, if they meet the injury threshold and are less than 50 percent at fault, noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering.
No-Fault is full of exceptions. If you are injured, talk to a Michigan car accident attorney.
TYPES OF PARKING LOT ACCIDENTS
Your car was hit while you were inside a store
If someone damages your car and leaves:
- Ask whether anyone saw it
- Ask whether the property has cameras
- Photograph the damage
- Note the lot, when you parked and when you found the damage
- If you have collision coverage and plan to use it, report the claim to your insurer
Basic No-Fault does not repair your own car. Without collision coverage or an identified driver, you may pay for the repairs yourself.
You know who hit your car
If you saw the crash or the other driver waited, collect:
- Full name, address, phone and email
- License plate and driver’s license numbers
- Insurance company and policy number
- Witness names and contacts
- Photos of both vehicles, including close-ups of the damage
You may have a claim against the other driver’s Property Protection Insurance (PPI), which is part of Michigan No-Fault and can cover damage to another person’s property, including a parked car, subject to the policy and the statute.
You damage an unoccupied car
- Don’t leave. Michigan requires you to stop and try to notify the owner after hitting unattended property
- If the lot serves one store, go inside and try to find the owner
- At a mall or office park, leave a note with your name and contact information
- Photograph the damage and note the location and time
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE INJURED IN A PARKING LOT ACCIDENT
When people are in the vehicles, injury claims generally follow the same No-Fault rules as a crash on the street.
- Call an ambulance if anyone needs emergency care
- Call the police if anyone is hurt; for property-only damage on private property, police response varies
- Exchange names, contact information, license numbers, vehicle details and insurance
- Get witness information
- Record the date, time and location
- Photograph both vehicles
- Don’t discuss fault or say you are “fine”
- Don’t sign insurance papers
- Contact a Michigan car accident lawyer as soon as possible
WILL MY CAR INSURANCE RATES INCREASE AFTER A DETROIT PARKING LOT ACCIDENT?
Insurers may raise rates after a claim, even when you were not at fault. For minor damage, some people pay out of pocket or seek reimbursement from the other driver instead of filing on their own collision coverage.
PUT OUR EXPERIENCED PARKING LOT ACCIDENT LAWYERS TO WORK FOR YOU TODAY
If you or a loved one is injured in a parking lot accident, we can help. Our legal team knows what it takes to pursue your case and seek the compensation you deserve.
Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right car accident lawyer is simple.
Don’t let the legal clock run out. Fill out the brief form below or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Do You Have a Case?
