Preventing Parking Lot Accidents | Phillips Law Group

December 13, 2018

When people think of car accidents, they often think about accidents that occur on busy highways or two-lane roads. However, parking lot accidents are a potential danger zone that should not be ignored. Many accidents occur in parking lots within a few miles of where people live. This is especially true during the holiday season when more motorists are on the road to go shopping or visit loved ones.

Parking lots are busy and often involve many possible dangers, including running children, many vehicles in confined spaces, vehicles moving in different directions and physical obstacles. Understanding the risks parking lots pose and how to avoid accidents can help you stay safe this season.

If you were injured in a parking lot accident, an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group can help. We can discuss your legal options during a free consultation.

Reckless Driving in Parking Lots

Parking lots are not designed for speeding. However, many motorists quickly drive around these lots, potentially putting others in danger. Most motorists should drive no more than five miles per hour while in a parking lot, but many do not do this.

Additionally, many motorists misjudge the dangerous nature of driving in a parking lot and engage in distracted driving activities. Many admit to engaging in the following distracting activities:

When motorists act in a reckless way and cause an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you suffer.

Types of Parking Lot Accidents

There are several ways that parking lot accidents are caused. Some of the most common types of parking lot accidents include:

• Two drivers back into each other ”“ In this type of accident, both vehicles are moving. Neither one may have looked for the other. Neither driver may have the right-of-way, so responsibility may be shared between the drivers.
• A driver pulls forward into traffic ”“ In these accidents, the driver pulls out of a parking space and into the lane of traffic, colliding with a moving vehicle in the process. In this situation, the driver who is moving into traffic may be at fault because he or she did not yield to oncoming traffic.
• A driver backs into an oncoming car ”“ In other accidents, a motorist may back out of a space and into an oncoming vehicle. He or she may be responsible for this accident because he or she failed to wait until a safe moment to back out.
• Parking vehicles collide ”“ In this type of accident, two motorists rush into the same parking space and collide with each other in the process. Both may bear responsibility in this type of accident. However, the driver turning left into the spot may have more fault for failing to yield.

Tips to Avoid These Accidents

Fortunately, there are many steps that motorists can take to reduce the likelihood of an accident. Some of the best ways to avoid accidents include:

• Looking before backing up ”“ Look over your shoulder and use your mirrors as you back up.
• Using turn signals ”“ Indicate your intentions by activating your turn signal.
• Maintaining a low speed ”“ Keep your speed at five miles per hour or slower when looking for a parking space or traveling out of a parking lot.
• Parking further away ”“ You can avoid competition for parking spaces and be around less trafficked areas by parking a little further away.
• Obeying parking lot signs ”“ Respect all stop signs, no-parking signs and other parking lot signs.

Find Out About Your Legal Options After a Car Accident

If you were injured in a parking lot accident, it is important that you learn about your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for the damages that you suffered, including payment for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, even if you contributed to the accident.

A licensed Phoenix personal injury attorney at the Phillips Law Group can discuss the specific circumstances of your claim during a free consultation. He or she can advise you if you have a viable claim and what your options are for recovery. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay for our services unless we help you recover compensation.

Schedule your free case evaluation today by calling 1-800-706-3000 .