Parking lot car accidents occur more often when they are full of activity, but collisions also happen when there are few cars – it only takes one person to cause a fender-bender or a more serious crash. Determining who is at fault for a parking lot accident is easier when you understand the applicable rules.
The most common cause of parking lot accidents is driver error. Many drivers need to understand who has the right of way, and others need to pay attention to those rules. Others might be inexperienced, distracted, or driving recklessly; it is common for drivers to speed through parking lots.
Poor visibility and parking lot conditions can also contribute to the problem. The lights might malfunction or have potholes, debris, and missing road signs. Sometimes, a vehicle’s tire blows out, or its brakes fail.
Here are the main rules that apply to parking lot accidents:
- Parking lots often have signs, markings, and designated lanes to regulate traffic flow; ignoring them can lead to accidents. The speed limits in them are generally 15 miles per hour.
- Pedestrians have the right of way in most parking lots, and drivers must yield to them in crosswalks and watch for people walking through the parking aisles.
- Drivers are responsible for following right-of-way rules in parking lots. Vehicles in the main lanes that exit the street have the right of way over the ones in the feeder lanes. The latter refers to lanes that take drivers to parking spots. Drivers entering and exiting parking spots should yield to vehicles in feeder lanes.
- When drivers want to turn into parking spots, they should yield to vehicles in their feeder lanes and not try to pull into the spot.
What Steps Should I Take After a Parking Lot Accident?
Since they are not on busy streets, it is not unusual for drivers to exit their vehicles after they crash in parking lots. Use caution because tempers can flare in these situations, especially during busy times of the year.
Call for help, and then exchange information with the other driver if you feel comfortable. Take photos of the vehicles involved before moving them if it is safe. You will want pictures of visible damage and any signs or markings you see; also, obtain contact information from witnesses, if possible. If you need clarification on liability or the insurance companies are not cooperating, consulting with a car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Contact an Alexandria Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King for Legal Guidance After a Parking Lot Car Accident
Contact a skilled Alexandria car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King for a free consultation about your parking lot injury case, and we will explain your legal options. Call 202-331-1963 or complete our online form today. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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