Parking lot accidents are more common than many realize, especially during the holidays. With vehicles constantly maneuvering in tight spaces and pedestrians frequently crossing paths, there is a high potential for car accidents. Determining responsibility in parking lot accidents involves gathering evidence and building a strong case; the process begins by establishing the cause of the crash.
What Are the Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents?
Parking lot accidents occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Driver inattention: Distractions from mobile devices, navigation systems, or passengers can lead to collisions. Drivers may also fail to check their surroundings before backing out of a parking space or making a turn.
- Speeding: Although parking lots are typically low-speed zones, some drivers fail to adjust their behavior, reducing their ability to react in time.
- Poor visibility: Vehicles, weather, pillars, or inadequate lighting can limit a driver’s field of view and increase the risk of accidents.
- Pedestrian behavior: Individuals walking between vehicles may not anticipate sudden movements, creating a risk for collisions.
- Parking lot design flaws: Narrow lanes, poorly marked spaces, or inadequate signage can make parking lots more challenging to navigate safely.
How Is Fault Determined in Parking Lot Accidents?
Fault in parking lot accidents depends on the actions of the drivers involved and adherence to parking lot rules or traffic laws. For example, a driver failing to yield the right of way to a vehicle or pedestrian may be held responsible. Through-lane vehicles usually have the right of way over those exiting parking spaces.
Drivers leaving spaces are often at fault unless the through-lane driver was speeding, distracted, or negligent. Determining liability requires evaluating specific circumstances and evidence, like witness accounts or surveillance footage, to assess each party’s actions and other contributing factors.
What Role Does Parking Lot Design Play in Accidents?
Parking lot design can significantly impact the likelihood of accidents and the ability to assign fault. Poorly marked lanes or spaces can confuse drivers and pedestrians, leading to mistakes and collisions. Inadequate signage, such as missing stop signs or unclear directional arrows, may also contribute to accidents.
When a parking lot’s layout or lack of maintenance directly causes a collision, liability may extend beyond the drivers involved. Property owners or managers may be held responsible for not maintaining a safe environment. This responsibility includes addressing hazards such as potholes, ice, or other obstacles that can cause accidents.
What Should I Do After a Parking Lot Accident?
After a parking lot accident, we strongly recommend documenting the scene and gathering information. This includes exchanging contact and insurance details with the other party, taking photographs of the damage, and collecting any available witness statements. Recording the specific location of the accident, including nearby signage or landmarks, can also be helpful.
It is important to report the accident to the appropriate authorities. Depending on the severity of the collision, this may involve notifying the local police or the property owner. It is wise to file a police report that can provide an official record of the incident, which may be useful for insurance purposes or legal proceedings.
Drivers should also inform their insurance provider as soon as possible. Insurers often require detailed information about the accident to process claims and determine liability. Answer their questions without providing excessive detail or admitting fault; your words could come back to haunt you later during the claims process.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Serve Clients With Professionalism and Compassion
If you were involved in a parking lot accident and need legal assistance, the Philadelphia car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC offer free consultations and quality legal representation. Call our offices in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware at 215-569-8488 or submit our online form. We proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.