Parking lot accidents happen more than you may think. In fact, they make up approximately one in five motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, every year almost 60,000 people are injured, and 500 people are killed, in parking lot collisions. Accidents in parking lots and parking garages may increase during the holiday season, when more and more drivers are visiting businesses for retail shopping.
Even a low-speed car accident in a parking lot can result in serious injury. If you’ve been injured in a parking lot accident, contact William Mattar law offices. Our car accident attorneys have handled accident cases involving various circumstances, and we have the legal knowledge and experience to tackle your case. Call (844) 444-4444 to get started on your accident claim.
The Dangers of Parking Lots and Parking Garages
A parking lot accident can happen in a matter of seconds. Many parking lots and garages have tight and limited space, mainly if they are full of vehicles. With cars backing in and out of spots and others pulling into and out of a parking lot or garage complex, parking areas can be dangerous.
Another reason parking lots and garages can be hazardous is that motorists might be distracted (i.e., on their cellphones, rummaging through their bags) when entering or leaving them. A simple error in judgment, or a moment of inattention, can result in a serious collision. That is where William Mattar comes in – if you’ve been injured by a careless driver in a parking lot, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Causes of Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lot accidents can occur for any reason, but there are a few common causes:
- Distracted driving: A NSC poll found that roughly 66 percent of drivers in the U.S. make cell phone calls while driving through parking lots. The poll also found that drivers programmed their GPS, texted, used social media, sent emails, groomed, and took photos in parking lots. These types of driver distractions, among others, are a significant cause of collisions in parking lots.
- Blind spots: Blind spots—in particular, rear blind spots—can contribute to parking lot accidents. According to the NSC, about 9 percent of pedestrian deaths in parking lots are caused by backup incidents. Backup incidents involve a motorist backing up out of a spot without seeing a vehicle or pedestrian behind their vehicle. Additionally, two cars that attempt to exit parking spaces at the same time can also collide.
- Failing to yield the right-of-way: Motorists pulling out of a parking space should yield the right-of-way to other motorists. If a motorist fails to check for traffic and yield the right-of-way when backing, he or she may collide with a passing vehicle.
- Reckless driving maneuvers: Reckless driving decisions can contribute to a potential parking lot collision. For example, if two motorists attempt to simultaneously take the same open parking spot, they can collide. Also, some parking lots have stop signs at intersecting lanes of travel. If a vehicle drives straight through a stop sign, it may be at risk of colliding with another vehicle.
- Parking lot defects: Not every parking lot is safe or well-maintained. Some may contain defects, including bumpy pavement, potholes, missing signage to direct traffic, missing or inadequate markings, and lack of lighting. These defects can be hazards to motorists. In this case, the business or municipality responsible for maintaining the parking lot may be at fault for the accident.
No matter the circumstances of your parking lot accident, William Mattar will take a close look at your case. Just call (844) 444-4444 to speak to an attorney.
Who is At Fault in a Parking Lot Accident?
Determining fault in a parking lot accident will depend on different factors, including whether there is more than one motorist involved in the collision. If one driver failed to yield the right-of-way to another driver, they are likely at fault. This can include backing out of a spot without looking. In other cases, a driver may hit a parked vehicle. If the struck vehicle is legally parked, the motorist who caused the accident is likely responsible for the accident.
The at-fault party, or parties, may be held liable for a parking lot accident. If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver in a parking lot, you may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Call us today so we can begin investigating your case.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today
Accident injuries can leave victims overwhelmed by medical bills, lost wages, and other injury-related expenses. At William Mattar, we work to get accident victims compensation so they can focus on recovery. If you have suffered an injury, let a car accident attorney at William Mattar law offices fight for you. Call (844-noswap444-4444 or schedule a free and confidential initial consultation today.