Louisiana residents may not consider parking lots to be particularly dangerous. However, the unique combination of vehicles and pedestrians can easily lead to a car accident without ever leaving the parking lot. Authorities are taking the opportunity to remind drivers to be certain their path is clear before maneuvering through a parking lot after a recent accident involving a pedestrian and a Jeep.
Preliminary reports regarding the details of the accident indicate that the driver of the Jeep was attempting to back up in order to park in a vacant space in a Starbuck’s parking lot. Unfortunately, the driver apparently failed to see the woman behind the vehicle. The impact threw the woman into the ground, which is where emergency responders found her when they arrived at the scene. She was conscious but bleeding, and was taken to an area hospital with a head injury.
So far, the incident appears to be nothing more than an accident, and it is presumed the driver will not be cited. A spokesperson for Bossier City does not believe the victim’s injury to be life-threatening. However, the full impact of a head injury may not be clear for several days after it occurs.
Depending on the woman’s medical condition, she may file a personal injury claim to recover her out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages allowable under Louisiana law in connection with this pedestrian vs. car accident. Even if law enforcement officials do not believe the driver’s actions were criminal, that does not negate the possibility of an award of damages in civil court. This is because the burden of proof is not as strict as it is in criminal proceedings.
Source: ksla.com, “Woman struck in Bossier City parking lot“, Carolyn Roy, April 22, 2014