Auto Accidents and Private Property: Know Your Rights

When you’ve been the victim of a car accident, whether the crash occurred on public or private property may be the last thing on your mind. However, this factor can have a significant impact on your legal case if you wish to seek damages. At the Law Offices of Edward Deason, our experienced team helps clients who have been in all types of auto accidents to pursue just compensation. Our attorneys can use their advanced knowledge and proven experience to help you recover from your accident and receive the recompense you deserve. Read on to learn more about the distinctive dynamics of auto accidents and private property. Our Torrance team can help you know and apply your rights.

What Constitutes Private Property?

Sometimes, determining whether or not a given accident occurred on public or private property can be confusing. In general, public property is maintained by governmental entities. This includes freeways, major roads, parks, and other similar spaces. In contrast, individuals or business owners own private property. Most parking lots, homeowner’s driveways, and similar locations count as private property.  

Why Does Private Property Matter?

Whether or not the accident occurs on public or private property makes a difference because the location of the collision affects how the police report these incidents. For example, if two cars collide on the freeway, the police will come to the scene and write a report, which would provide key information in a lawsuit. However, in some regions, local authorities do not file reports for incidents that happen on private property. Not having an official record of an auto accident can make arguing your case more complicated.

Our Tips

If you are in an auto accident on private property, you can take certain steps to strengthen your suit. We recommend:

• Collecting as much evidence as you can about the collision as soon as you can. This could include taking photographs, getting contact information for any witnesses, asking for security tapes, and writing down everything you can remember about the particulars of the accident.
• Exchanging insurance information with the other party involved in the incident. Car accidents on private property tend to be less severe, since vehicles typically travel at slower speeds in these areas, but handling the damages can help you build your case.
• Contacting the police. Even if they cannot come to the scene or file a report, it’s worth it to make a simple call. It is especially important to contact local authorities if you believe that the other party was intoxicated, as this would constitute a crime.

How Our Team Can Assist You

Being in an auto accident could cause physical, emotional, and property damage. If you’ve been a victim of a collision on private property, our legal team can help you seek fair compensation. To do so, we will go over the data you’ve collected, as well as medical records, witness accounts, and any other appropriate information. We can help you argue for damages for:

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Loss of car use or functionality
• Harm to any property within or relating to the car
• Expenses related to resulting disability
• Poor quality of life
• Psychological trauma (pain and suffering)

Our team will help you develop your case, file your claim, and improve your chances for obtaining just compensation.

Contact the Law Offices of Edward Deason

If you’ve been in an auto accident on private property, you may be confused about how to proceed. Contact our law office today to learn more about our services or find out how we can help.