Distracted drivers mixed with distracted pedestrians occur on a typical afternoon in every parking lot across the country. When you think about injury or death as a result of a car accident, rarely does it cross most people’s mindset that the accident occurred in a parking lot. The National Safety Council’s most recent survey reported that nearly 50,000 accidents occurred in a parking lot or parking garage and 500 of those resulted in a serious injury or death. This article contains basic information about what you need to know about parking lot accidents.
How to avoid parking lot accidents:
The biggest hazard in parking lot accidents is not pedestrians or loose shopping carts, it’s the driver of the moving vehicle. Distracted driving occurs at any speed and unfortunately, drivers continue to text and drive regardless of the known dangers. Not all parking lot accidents are avoidable, but following these simple steps may improve your chances of avoiding them all together:
- Put down your phone. Distracted driving (regardless of your speed) is still the number one cause of accidents.
- Slow down to increase your reaction time to pedestrians or other vehicles.
- If you need directions, find them before you leave your parking spot to avoid fidgeting with your GPS or phone while moving.
- This goes without a detailed explanation, finish grooming.
- Adjust the music prior to leaving your parking spot.
- Scan your surroundings. Are there pedestrians? Are there any barriers?
Parking lot accident already happen? Don’t panic:
- Treat parking lot accidents like you would any other accident: stay at the scene of the accident, gather as much information and evidence to document the damage to both cars involved, exchange driver information, and call the police if necessary.
- Ask for video from the store security camera and or by talking to anyone that witnessed the accident.
- Call your insurance company to report the accident.
- Fault can be determined by identifying which car was in motion if a parked car was damaged or determining which driver had the right of way.
Unfortunately, parking lot accidents are a common occurrence in today’s busy world. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious parking lot accident that has resulted in injury or death, contact the Law Offices of Reginald Keith Davis, Attorney at Law. Licensed in both Kansas and Missouri.