We don’t often think about the dangers of car accidents in parking lots. Because of the low speeds involved, it may seem like parking lot accidents would do only a little bit of damage to the vehicles involved, and not much else. However, our Tucson parking lot accident attorneys know this is not correct.
Since there are many pedestrians in parking lots, they can be vulnerable to being run over, particularly if they venture into a vehicle’s blind spot. Two men were killed in Tucson during the summer of 2017 when their friend accidentally backed over them in his SUV.
Damages from parking lot crashes are not limited to pedestrians, though. These crashes can severely damage vehicles and injure their occupants, as in an accident in October 2016 where a possibly impaired driver crashed into a series of parked cars in a Home Depot lot.
If you have been injured in a parking lot accident, or any other kind of accident, contact the Khalidi Law Firm as soon as possible.
Determining Fault for the Parking Lot Crash
In the aftermath of any accident, determining fault is one of the most important legal considerations. This can be difficult in the case of parking lot crashes, because of the sheer number of possible ways accidents can occur in those relatively restricted spaces.
Fault for a crash in a parking lot is usually fairly simple to determine when only one of the vehicles involved is moving. In these cases, fault generally goes to the driver of the moving vehicle. In cases where both vehicles are moving, such as crashes between two vehicles attempting to enter the same parking space, fault is assessed according to a number of factors, including speed and distance from the spot.
If you’ve been in an accident, your ability to receive compensation will be heavily dependent on who the court finds at fault. Don’t wait. Contact TNKLaw at (520) 629-9909 for a free consultation.
Injuries in Low-Speed Crashes
Injuries can (and do) occur in low-speed crashes between vehicles, but the most serious harm in parking lot accidents comes when vehicles hit pedestrians.
Parking lot accidents have the potential to be very serious. Contact us now if you’ve been injured.
Parking Lot Safety Tips
No one wants to be part of an accident. But in the cramped spaces and high-stress environments of parking lots, some drivers will forget to be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others. No amount of caution can completely rule out the possibility of an accident. Luckily, following these safety tips will help ensure you and your loved ones will be as safe as possible.
- Be mindful of vehicle blind spots.
Especially in a parking lot, you should stay aware both of your blind spots and those of the other drivers. You don’t have to be travelling at high speed to strike a pedestrian. Even accidents at less than ten miles per hour have the potential to be fatal. So be aware of your blind spots and take the extra time to check them thoroughly.
- Obey posted signs.
It can be tempting to ignore the posted speed limits and stop signs, especially in a low-traffic lot without speed bumps. It can even seem a little silly to obey the rules of the road when you’re not even on the road. But if anything goes wrong, you’re setting yourself to be found at fault for the accident. So stick to that speed limit.
- Be patient.
In the heat of the moment, it can be easy to give in to the urge to pull into a space as fast as possible, especially when another driver is trying to pull into the same space. Just remember: a few moments saved by getting that space aren’t worth the hassle of an accident—not to mention the possibility of injury or vehicle damage!
- Pedestrians: Be careful!
If you’re encumbered with grocery bags, it can be difficult to pay attention to your environment. If you’re deep in thought — or distracted by your phone — you may not notice approaching vehicles. Always stay aware of your surroundings. It could save your life.
Call Our Parking Lot Accident Attorneys Now
The Khalidi Law Firm has more than 20 years of experience helping injured persons in the Tucson area get the closure they deserve. If a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian or parking lot accident, contact the Tucson injury lawyers at The Khalidi Law firm for a free consultation. Call us today.