MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota. The parking lot is the last place you’d think you’d be at risk for a deadly accident, but parking lots are actually far deadlier than you may want to believe.
According to Nationwide’s claims data, 13% of all car crashes take place in parking lots. Despite the slow speeds travelled in parking lots, parking lots also have far more hazards. Not only do you have vehicles behaving in sometimes unpredictable ways, but you also have pedestrians, shopping carts, and diverse age groups navigating the same patch of road. Worse, drivers may not be on guard due to the slow speeds they travel in parking lots. Drivers may be more tempted to pick up the phone or respond to that text. According to CBS News, as many as two in three drivers may be distracted in shopping centers.
Reports indicate that as many as 60,000 people may be injured in parking lots or in parking garages each year.
So, what can you do to stay safe while driving in a parking lot? For one, put down your phone, scan the road, and drive slowly. Many people don’t signal before turning or pulling into a spot. Use your signals like you would on any other roadway. When backing out of a parking space, do so slowly. You should always assume that a pedestrian can be behind you at any moment.
When driving in a parking garage, you should also be aware that there could be more blind spots. Always follow the directions provided by signs.
Finally, be courteous. Road rage in a parking lot can be just as deadly and dangerous as road rage anywhere else. Give other cars space when parking, and if a person is in line for a space, don’t try to swoop in and poach spaces. It is not only rude, but drivers should never be accelerating in a parking lot.
If you or a loved one was injured in a parking lot accident, you may have important rights under the law. You may be entitled to receive damages to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Whether a car was travelling five miles per hour or 50, the injuries an individual suffers in an accident can be immense and devastating.
The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino are personal injury lawyers in Minneapolis, Minnesota who work closely with victims and families who have been hurt in parking lot crashes. Unlike public roadways, parking lots may have video cameras recording crashes. Private parking lots may also be owned by private entities who could also be liable if poor road conditions contributed to your accident. If the accident took place on private property, a person’s homeowner’s insurance may also be able to cover some of your expenses. With so many factors at play in a parking lot crash, it is wise to speak to a qualified lawyer before settling or making legal decisions. Visit our firm at https://martinmontilino.com/ to learn more.