Parking lots are more dangerous than many people realize. High pedestrian traffic, distracted driving, and poor visibility combine to create a petri dish perfect for disaster. Additionally, many people mistakenly believe that regular rules of the road don’t apply to parking lots, making them act differently than they would in more structured traffic conditions.
These and other factors contribute to about 20% of all reported vehicle accidents occurring in parking lots. By recognizing the most common types of accidents in parking lots, we hope that you can prevent becoming part of this alarming statistic. If not, our San Antonio car accident lawyer provides tips on how to determine who is liable in various situations.
Most Common Types of Accidents in Parking Lots
Parking lot accidents can occur in various scenarios, with some of the most common including:
Two Vehicles Back into Each Other
Two cars may be pulling out of the parking lot at the same time and not looking or being able to see that another vehicle is on a collision course. In this situation, both drivers are usually found at fault because they had the same legal duty to look for hazards and avoid collisions.
A Crash Occurs When a Car Is Driving Out of a Parking Space and into Traffic
A car may pull forward into the lane of traffic, hitting a vehicle already there. This is generally the fault of the driver leaving the parking space, as the driver in traffic has the right of way.
A Car Reverses Out of a Parking Space into Another Vehicle
A driver may reverse out of their parking space into a vehicle in the through lane. This is typically the fault of the driver leaving the space since they must yield to existing traffic.
Vehicles Crash When Competing for a Parking Space
Finding a good parking space can seem like a sport. Motorists may not notice or care that another driver is trying to get the same spot and collide. In these situations, both motorists are usually found at fault. However, their degree of fault may differ based on how far each vehicle was from the parking space before the impact and who was making a left turn, as they had a duty to yield.
A Rear-End Collision Occurs at a Stop Sign
Even when not exiting a parking space, parking lot accidents can still occur. Drivers may hit other vehicles while traveling through the parking lot, including at stop signs. The driver who rear-ended the lead driver is usually found at fault in these situations.
A Collision Occurs Involving a Pedestrian
Parking lot accidents may involve pedestrians. Motorists may not notice them and back into them, or some pedestrians, such as children, may run through the parking lot, posing a danger.
Determining Liability for a Parking Lot Accident
Determining who is responsible for a parking lot accident is a case-specific endeavor. The party responsible may depend on the rules of the road that applied at the time of impact, which driver had the right of way, and any mitigating or aggravating factors.
Evidence that can help prove fault in a parking lot accident may include:
- Surveillance footage
- Accident reports
- Photos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Electronic data recorder details
Call Us If You Were Injured in a Parking Lot Accident
If you were injured in a car crash in a parking lot that you believe someone else is primarily responsible for, contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.