Approximately one in every five car crashes occur in parking lots rather than at intersections or around corners. While many people believe that parking lot accidents are routinely minor because they occur at low speed, this is not always the case. In reality, the National Safety Council reports that 60,000 individuals are injured in collisions in parking garages and parking lots and that 500 people or more are killed in accidents of this kind.
Now that we are in the holiday season, a large number of people are visiting retail stores to purchase gifts. This means that the number of parking lot accidents is likely to increase substantially. If you or someone you love is injured in a parking lot crash due to another party’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer can help you receive compensation.
Distracted Driving is a Common Cause of Parking Lot Accidents
Distracted driving is the most common cause of parking lot accidents. People who would never text and drive think little of texting and driving while in parking lots because they assume that the risk of getting in an accident is less serious. Parking lots, however, are routinely filled with other types of distracted drivers as well as pedestrians including children who are hard to spot and who often dart out in front of vehicles.
Various obstacles block the line of sight of drivers in parking lots. Poor lighting conditions are also a common occurrence in parking lots. Lastly, traffic regulations are not always enforceable in parking lots because these lots are viewed as private property so motorists might be more likely to drive recklessly by ignoring posted signs. Approximately two-thirds of all motorists in parking lots operate vehicles while distracted.
What Injuries are Common Following Parking Lot Crashes
When vehicles crash into each other in parking lots, the occupants of vehicles routinely suffer contusions, soft tissues injuries, and whiplash. Additionally, motor vehicle drivers and occupants can be injured by the discharge of airbags. The people, however, who are most at risk of getting injured in parking lot collisions are pedestrians who can incur broken bones, head injuries, internal organ injuries, and fatalities. In situations where victims are not responsible for their own injuries, victims can pursue compensation from the driver who caused the accident.
How You Should Respond if You are Involved in a Parking Lot Crash
If you are injured in a parking lot crash, you should immediately contact 911 so your injuries can be treated. Remember, however, parking lots are viewed as private property and law enforcement might not always respond to minor accidents that occur in parking lots.
Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney
Parking lot crashes can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. As a result, you should do everything possible to avoid having the insurance carrier pass your claim as nothing serious or not worthy of compensation. Our attorneys have navigated parking lot cases before and know how to create a strong legal claim to make sure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible. Contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today to schedule a free case evaluation.
