The last thing you hope to happen when you are driving down the road is to have a collision with an illegally parked car. When someone or something else causes an accident that leads to injuries, you will generally be entitled to compensation for the related costs. Determining who is at fault is the first step in a long claims process toward recovering your damages.
When it comes to hitting an illegally parked car, both parties involved will generally be liable. This is because all drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care and caution while driving. Hitting a parked car is a failure to exercise caution, but if the car was illegally parked, the owner of the vehicle that was illegally parked will also be liable.
The best way to ensure that you are not held liable for a car accident caused by someone’s illegal parking is by working with a local Omaha car accident lawyer from Knowles Law Firm.
What is Illegal Parking?
If a driver hits a parked car that is legally parked, the driver will be liable for the damages associated with the accident. However, when you hit a parked car that is illegally parked, then the damages will be shared, and you will benefit in terms of the amount owed.
Illegal parking includes when the vehicle owner stops, parks, or leaves their vehicle in any of these locations:
- A crosswalk
- An intersection
- Near a fire station driveway
The unique facts and circumstances of your accident will determine the options that are available to you. If you accept fault you will be responsible not only for the damages to your own vehicle and any medical bills, but also the damages to the other vehicle and any injuries to occupants. Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to ensure that you are not held responsible for more than you contributed to the accident.
Comparative Fault Applies When More Than One Party Causes an Accident
The Nebraska Legislature’s contributory negligence statute provides that damages for an accident can be distributed among multiple parties. Comparative fault and contributory negligence are legal terms to describe the way in which damages are divided when multiple parties were responsible for the accident.
When you are seeking compensation for your damages, determining the parties at fault if the first step prior to accurately and completely measuring your compensation. Evidence is essential to prove fault and to measure your damages, and you local Omaha car accident lawyer will handle all of this on your behalf.
Discuss Your Case with an Omaha Car Accident Lawyer
To explore options on your accident with an illegally parked car and to protect yourself, schedule a consultation with Knowles Law Firm. We will collect evidence to determine whether the parked car was legally parked, and to what degree you can be held liable. Your initial consultation is risk-free and cost-free, so we encourage you to take this opportunity to learn how we can help.
