How to Handle a Parking Lot Accident
Almost everyone drives through a parking lot once or more per day. Parking lots have a huge role in day-to-day life. Although parking lots may not give the impression hazardous, due to lower speed limits and not as many cars, the larger concentration of people on foot and higher concentration of cars in a moderately confined space create a hotbed for car accidents.
About one-in-five car accidents occurs inside a parking lot. These accidents are particularly dangerous when pedestrians or cyclists are struck.
How to Prevent Being Involved in a Parking Lot Accident
Drivers tend to cross into empty rows, ignore speed limits and disobey traffic signs, which places both other drivers and pedestrians in danger of being involved in a collision. Drivers can give themselves more time to respond and prevent accidents with cars driving unpredictable, by simply driving slower.
Additionally, it is important for drivers to watch out for anyone walking around in their vicinity. Drivers need to be ready to act in response to any pedestrians walking around their cars. Drivers should be particularly alert of pedestrians if driving through a crosswalk, reversing or turning. Drivers should keep their complete attention on driving all of the time.
How to React if You have been in a Parking Lot Accident
Most importantly, you should check if you or the other party has been injured. Although injuries might not appear to be serious, seeking medical care is highly recommended for any injuries suffered.
Police will not always respond to parking lot accidents, because parking lots are considered private property. However, you should still call the police and try to file a police report or if necessary, file your own statement.
Further, taking photographs of the accident scene can assist a driver argue the true cause of the crash.
Make sure that you swap both insurance and contact details with the other driver. You should record the information on their driver’s license and auto insurance card.
It is always a good idea to look for any potential witnesses that will support your story and make a note of their contact information.
How to Determine Legal Liability for Parking Lot Accidents
Florida’s rules of negligence apply for determining the liable party for a parking lot accident. The standard of negligence assigns fault to a driver if they were in a position to avoid the crash by acting differently. Typical reasons drivers are determined negligent include:
- Not paying attention while driving
- Being distracted by using a cell phone
- Not following the speed limit
- Not using a turn signal
- Operating their car under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Violating traffic signs
- Failing to yield to pedestrians
- Tailing other cars too closely
- Ignoring bad weather conditions
Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a parking lot accident, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is highly suggested.
The Glover Law firm can help if you are involved in a car crash, including one in a parking lot. In order to recover from a car accident, you may require extended time off from work and medical supervision.
As the victim of a car accident resulting from someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your damages. Even if you were partially at fault for the car accident, you may still be able to recover for all the losses you have suffered.
Our Ocala & The Villages car accidents lawyers at the Glover Law Firm fight to assist our clients get back to their lives after damaging car accidents. It would be our honor to serve you, during your time of need. Please call today at our Ocala office 352-484-0775 or The Villages 352-205-4495 office, or contact us online, for a free case evaluation.
Resource:
cbsnews.com/news/parking-lot-accidents-distracted-drivers-national-safety-council/
https://www.gloverlawfirm.com/accidents-involving-teen-drivers/