Parking Space/Lot Accidents
Parking space accidents occur much more often than you think. Unfortunately, a parking lot accident can be just as stressful and risky as an accident that happens on the highway. According to the National Safety Council, tens of thousands of parking lot accidents occur every year, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. Additionally, according to the NSC, parking lots become even more dangerous around the holidays.
Parking Space/Lot Accidents
There are many types of parking space accidents. Here are some of them;
- Vehicles backing up simultaneously – When two cars are backing up simultaneously, they may crash into each other.
- Two vehicles, one space – Suppose there is only one parking space and two drivers are rushing to get that parking space. In such a situation, the two may collide if they try entering the parking space simultaneously.
- Backing into an approaching vehicle – If a driver is backing out of a parking lot and there is an oncoming car, an accident can occur. If, for example, the driver backing out is not paying attention, they may end up hitting the oncoming vehicle.
- Pulling forward into oncoming traffic – If a driver pulls forward out of a parking lot, an accident can occur if there is a vehicle approaching. In such a scenario, the oncoming vehicle will collide with the front side of the vehicle pulling forward out of the parking space.
Common Causes of Parking Space/Lot Accidents
According to the NSC, quite a number of parking lot accidents result from distracted driving. An NSC public opinion poll revealed that many drivers do not see anything wrong with driving through a parking lot while distracted. According to the survey, 66% of drivers in America admit that they would make phone calls while driving through parking lots. Drivers who took part in the survey also said they would, among other things:
- Text – 56%
- Use social media – 52%
- Send or receive emails – 50%
Who Is at Fault in a Parking Lot Accident?
Generally, it depends. However, if your case involves two drivers who backed into one another, the chances are, both you and the other driver will be held liable unless you can show clearly that only the other driver was negligent. If, for instance, a driver was backing up and you were the oncoming driver, the chances are, the other driver will be held liable. Even though both you and the other driver were moving in such a case, you, as the oncoming driver, generally had the right of way. Further, a backing out driver is required to wait until it is safe before backing out.
There is a lot that insurance companies and courts consider when assigning liability in parking lot accidents. Therefore, after a parking lot accident, it is crucial that you retain a skilled attorney who can help you determine and prove liability. Do not speak with the insurance company before knowing your rights.
Contact a Parkland Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a Florida parking lot accident and need legal help, contact a qualified Parkland car accident lawyer at Lyons & Snyder today to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
nsc.org/road/safety-topics/distracted-driving/parking-lot-safety
