Many people do not think of parking lots as dangerous places where car accidents occur, especially where victims suffer serious injuries or die. However, parking lots can pose serious dangers for both pedestrians and drivers. Even though vehicles travel at a slower speed, pedestrians who are hit by a car can suffer catastrophic injuries or even death in a parking lot accident. Similarly, when two vehicles collide, the victims can also suffer serious injuries, especially if one of the drivers was speeding.
What Are the Major Causes of Parking Lot Crashes?
One of the underlying causes of parking lot collisions is that there are not the same rules of the road or clear sign markings found on roads and highways. However, drivers are still expected to drive safely and obey basic traffic rules. Reasons that these accidents occur include:
- Backover accidents. A driver can collide with another vehicle that has the right of way or a pedestrian walking by if he does not adequately check his mirror and blind spots before backing out of a parking space. There is a large blind spot behind a vehicle where drivers cannot see pedestrians, and many tragic accidents involving children are caused when a driver fails to properly check for what is behind the vehicle before proceeding.
- Distracted driving. Talking on a cell phone, texting, or talking to passengers are common distracted driving practices that result in drivers hitting another vehicle or a person in a parking lot. In addition, motorists can be distracted by their search for a parking space and not pay enough attention to their other surroundings.
- Failing to yield and obey traffic signs. Just like failing to obey stop signs or failing to yield to the right of way on roads can result in accidents, these negligent behaviors can lead to a collision in a parking lot.
- Tailgating. Drivers are required to maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of them in parking lots. Impatient drivers who tailgate can cause a rear-end collision if the driver in front must slam on his brakes to avoid hitting another vehicle or pedestrian.
- Distracted pedestrians. Drivers are not the only parties who can cause an accident in a parking lot. When pedestrians are talking on their cell phones or texting—which is becoming a more common danger—they can walk right into the path of a vehicle that has the right of way.
Did a negligent driver cause you to suffer injuries in a parking lot accident? We’re here to help you obtain the compensation that you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more, call our Norfolk office to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys.
|
Related Links: |