Jul13

How Do Car Accidents Occur in Parking Lots in Florida

car accident in parking lot in Palm Coast Florida

Collisions happen daily in parking lots across Florida. Many are fender benders, but some involve significant injuries. Depending on the circumstances, a parking lot accident may cause injuries that are as serious as in a highway collision.

The Palm Beach parking lot accident attorneys at Chiumento Law are here to help you seek just compensation if you have been injured in a collision that was not your fault. Founded in 1973, Chiumento Law has 11 highly skilled personal injury lawyers ready to apply our experience to resolving your accident claim. No matter how bad your injuries are or how complicated the accident may seem, we have the skills necessary to guide you through the accident claims process.

If you have been injured in a parking lot accident in Palm Coast, contact Chiumento Law today for a free case review.

Common Types of Parking Lot Accidents

Here are a few of the common types of parking lot accidents that occur in Palm Coast:

  • Drivers hitting parked cars – Drivers need to be vigilant at all times in parking lots. Speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, and failing to make sure no one is crossing behind you before backing up are common causes of parking lot crashes.
  • Two cars hit each other while leaving their parking spaces – If two drivers in a parking lot back out of their parking spaces at the same time without continuously checking behind them, they may collide. In these instances, one or both drivers could be at fault.
  • Drivers hitting other vehicles when exiting a space – Large sports utility vehicles and pickup trucks parked in parking lots can block the line of sight for other motorists trying to exit a parking space. If a driver pulls forward or backs out of a space without making sure it is safe to proceed, the driver may hit an approaching vehicle or be struck by a vehicle. A side-impact collision in a parking lot can cause serious injuries to the occupants of the vehicle struck in the side, even at lower speeds.
  • Two drivers collide when competing for a parking space – If two drivers are going for the same parking space and neither driver yields, a collision may occur.
  • Hit-and-run accidents – Hit-and-run accidents are common in parking lots. The at-fault driver may flee the scene, especially if no one else is present. A driver might flee the scene if their license is suspended, they are impaired by drugs or alcohol, or they do not have auto insurance.
  • Drivers backing into pedestrians – Drivers need to be especially alert for pedestrians when backing out of a parking space. Small children may not be visible in a driver’s rearview mirror or in a vehicle’s blind spots. People on foot are more vulnerable to serious injuries in the event of an accident.

Parking Lot Accident Statistics

Here are some facts that show how common parking lot accidents are, including in Palm Coast:

  • According to a report from CBS News, one in five car accidents happens in parking lots. CBS News reported that more than 50,000 accidents occur in parking lots nationwide each year. On average, these accidents cause more than 60,000 injuries and 500 deaths.
  • NBC News reported that close to 100 children were killed and 2,000 more were injured in one year from being backed over by cars. Many of these accidents occur in parking lots and residential driveways.
  • The National Safety Council reports that injury accidents in parking lots are often the result of distracted driving. In fact, 66 percent of drivers said they make phone calls while driving in parking lots, while 63 percent said they program GPS systems.

What To Do After a Parking Lot Accident in Florida?

Here is what you need to do if you are injured in a parking lot accident in Palm Coast:

  • Get the other driver’s information – Write down the other vehicle’s license plate number in case the driver tries to flee the scene. Once you have the license plate number, ask the other driver for their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. You will also want to note the make and model of the other vehicle.
  • Document the accident scene – Use your phone to take pictures of the crash site, the damage to any vehicles, and your injuries. Look for any eyewitnesses who might have observed the accident.
  • Report the accident – Call 911 so the police can come and file an accident report. This is especially important if you are involved in an accident involving injuries or a hit-and-run accident. After a hit-and-run accident, you may need a police accident report to prove the crash occurred.
  • Seek medical treatment – If you have injuries requiring emergency treatment, call 911 so you can be taken to a hospital. If you don’t need to go to the hospital, see a doctor as soon as you can. Make sure the doctor notes all the injuries you have suffered.
  • Save your medical records and receipts – These documents are evidence of the injuries you have suffered and the costs you have incurred.
  • Consult with a lawyer before providing a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company – Until you have spoken to an attorney, all the other driver’s insurer needs to know is that an accident happened and that you were injured. Let your lawyer handle all communication with the insurers.
  • Hire a car accident lawyer – Having a knowledgeable attorney handle your injury claim gives you a higher chance of recovering fair compensation for your injuries.

How to Avoid Parking Lot Accidents

Some things you can do to avoid parking lot accidents are:

  • Always follow posted speed limits in parking lots
  • Avoid distractions such as talking on the phone while driving
  • Be vigilant when backing up, since pedestrians, and particularly, children, can be hard to see
  • Try to anticipate potential accident situations
  • Obey posted stop and yield signs

Who Is at Fault in a Parking Lot Accident?

Proving fault after a parking lot accident can be a challenge. In general, drivers who are exiting a space should yield to oncoming traffic, and drivers should always yield to pedestrians. Drivers in parking lanes generally should yield to moving vehicles in primary lanes that run around the parking lot.

Let a skilled parking lot accident attorney review your accident and discuss your legal options. If you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence, our legal team can seek evidence to show how the other driver caused your injuries.

Contact a Palm Coast Parking Lot Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a Palm Coast parking lot accident, the car accident attorneys at Chiumento Law are ready to put our experience to work for you. Contact us at (386) 445-8900 or reach out to us online for a free case review.

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