The Ultimate Guide to Parking Lot Accidents
Some may think parking lots are a pretty safe area when it comes to accidents. Due to the lower speeds, one would think that parking lot accidents are quite rare. In reality, parking lot accidents actually occur on a frequent basis. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were over 40,000 accidents over the course of an entire year in the most recent dataset of yearly accidents.
While it’s true that cars usually drive at a lower speed in parking lots, that doesn’t mean injuries don’t occur. According to the same data from FLHSMV, there were thousands of parking lot accidents that resulted in injury. That’s why we’ll be reviewing parking lot accidents in today’s blog. Keep reading to learn more about these types of accidents and what to do after.
Common Types of Parking Lot Accidents
There are several common types of accidents that occur in parking lots. One of the most common is when two cars back up into each other at the same time. In this type of accident, it’s usually on you to prove that the other driver was not properly reversing which resulted in the accident. Another common form of accident is when a driver backs out of a parking space and collides with a car that was driving through the lane. In this case, the driver backing out of their parking space must give the right of way to the car traveling through the lane behind them. If the driver backing out of their space is not paying attention or is unable to see the car behind them due to a blind spot, they may be at fault for the accident.
Each parking lot can have its own rules which are important to pay attention to. For example, some parking lots are essentially one way and only allow you to enter or exit from one direction. Failing to follow these arrow signs that highlight this could potentially cause an accident. In addition, parking lots typically have a high number of pedestrians walking to and from their cars, which can present another opportunity for accidents. If a driver is moving too quickly through a parking lot and fails to stop for a pedestrian, they could end up hitting the pedestrian and be at fault. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to keep a low speed and follow the posted speed limits within the parking lot, which are usually far lower than the main roads.
What Should I Do After?
The aftermath of a parking lot accident is not dissimilar from what you should do after any type of car accident. The very first step is to check on the condition of all parties involved and ensure nobody needs immediate medical attention. After that is taken care of, call 911 to have the police come out to the scene and file a report. While you are waiting for that to happen, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. You should also take some time to document as much evidence as possible, using your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident itself. These can go a long way in proving your side of the case down the line.
How Can I Get Proper Treatment?
If you were injured in a parking lot accident, you may be dealing with an injury of some kind. You deserve high quality medical treatment to help recover from what you might be dealing with. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, call 1-800-411-PAIN. If you’ve been involved in an accident, the guidance from a personal injury attorney could help navigate the aftermath. It is helpful to have legal and medical experts on your side. The experts at 1-800-411-PAIN can help explain your options, fight for the compensation you deserve, and guide you through a swift recovery.
If you or a loved person has been injured in an accident, call 1-800-411-PAIN today. Our legal professionals can help you navigate the tricky process of filing an insurance claim. Our medical professionals are here to provide you with the treatment you need. Remember, after 911, call 411.