Let’s face it: parking lots are often chaotic with cars pulling in and out of parking spaces and people walking to and from their cars. People are frequently in a rush or are focused on their errands and they fail to follow the rules or have respect for others in the parking lot. Unfortunately, pedestrians sometimes suffer serious injuries as a result of the negligence that takes place in parking lots.
Some Causes of Parking Lot Pedestrian Accidents
The following are common causes of parking lot crashes:
Distracted driving. Many drivers are engaging in distracted driving as they are looking for a space or as they drive through a parking lot. In fact, CBS News reported National Safety Council stats showing that two-thirds of drivers in parking lots are distracted. Whether a driver is texting, emailing, calling someone, or is using his phone to post on social media, distracted driving can lead to pedestrian parking lot accidents.
Cars backing up. Sometimes drivers fail to look for pedestrians when backing out of parking spaces. The reversing driver has a responsibility to look for cars and pedestrians and make sure it is clear before backing up. Unfortunately, drivers are sometimes guilty of failing to take precautions and yield to pedestrians before reversing.
Drivers failing to follow the rules. Some larger parking lots such as mall parking lots have posted speed limits and stop signs that drivers are supposed to adhere to. When a driver fails to stop at the stop sign or is driving too fast through a parking lot, a pedestrian can get hit and injured. In cases such as these, there may be a witness who can attest to the fact that the driver’s negligence was the cause of the accident.
People having a false sense of security. People know that vehicles travel at slower speeds in parking lots, which is why many people feel like no harm will come to them in a parking lot. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Although speeds are slower in parking lots, harm can still occur. “It’s just as dangerous to be distracted in a parking lot going 5 mph as it is going 50 mph,” National Safety Council president Deborah Hersman told CBS News. This is why drivers and pedestrians need to stay alert, use common sense, and follow the rules of the road—even in parking lots.
If you were injured in a parking lot accident as a pedestrian, you may have grounds to pursue a legal claim against the driver. Call us to discuss the details of your case, and we will be happy to answer your questions in a free, no-obligation consultation.
