Parking Lots – A Magnet for Car Accidents

People are supposed to drive slowly in parking lots, but serious accidents and fatalities can and do occur regardless – often involving pedestrians, other vehicles or shopping carts. Many times, drivers in parking lots tend to have everything but driving on their mind. This, along with the chaotic nature of parking lots, makes them a magnet for car accidents.

In rear-end car accidents, fault almost always lies with the driver who hits a car from behind.It is each driver’s responsibility to stay far enough behind another car so that they have ample time to suddenly brake if necessary.

Generally, these kinds of accidents will be the fault of both vehicles. It is the responsibility of both drivers to make sure that no one is coming down the parking lane or that another vehicle is not backing up at the same time.

Fault in backing up accidents generally falls to the driver who was backing out of the parking space. The car coming down the parking lane has the right of way. An exception may be if the driver was coming down the parking lane at a high rate of speed. Always pull out of your space slowly and look both ways before pulling all the way out of the space.

When fights for parking spaces happen, especially on weekends and during the holiday season, accidents can be an issue. Responsibility will generally fall to the driver who pulled in front of the oncoming vehicle. Wait patiently for a space instead of getting into an altercation. It isn’t worth it.

It is the responsibility of both pedestrians and drivers to be cautious and alert in a parking lot. Liability in this situation depends on the unique circumstances of the accident.

Once again, these accidents are usually the fault of the driver pulling forward because they should have made certain no one was coming before pulling out.

Again, in this situation, it’s usually the responsibility of the driver who is backing up to yield the right of way to any vehicles driving behind them—whether you’re backing out of a parking space, driveway, alley or elsewhere.

Considering that 1 in every 5 motor vehicle incidents occur in a parking lot, it is wise to consider some simple safety suggestions when you are driving or walking in a parking lot or garage:

• Drive slowly and cautiously. You will eventually find a space and get to your destination. Look multiple times if necessary to make sure there are no vehicles or pedestrians behind you or headed your way.
• Use your rear backup system and other technology. There is so much technology now that can assist in safe driving and prevent backing up accidents. Listen for those warning sounds that go off when your car is trying to alert you of a car, object or person behind you.
• Watch for stray carts. Avoid parking near a stray cart that can slam into your vehicle with the slightest gust of wind.
• Avoid parking too close to another vehicle. If it’s a struggle getting your car to fit into a space, it is probably best to find a different parking spot. On a windy day, your car door could slam into the vehicle beside you when you open it, causing you to be responsible for damage.