How to React to Parking Lot Accidents
Many car accidents that happen in parking lots are minor, low-speed, low-impact collisions, causing property damage only. In some cases, however, people are seriously in parking lot wrecks, particularly in incidents involving children, pedestrians, or bicyclists. The National Safety Council found that, on average, 60,000 people are injured and 500 or more are killed in parking lot crashes every year, as reported on CBS News.
How Do Parking Lot Accidents Occur?
A leading cause of parking lot accidents is driver distraction. Slower speeds in parking lots may give drivers a false sense of security, so they are more likely to text or talk on the phone while driving. Pedestrians in parking lots may also have their heads down and their eyes on electronic devices, instead of paying attention to the vehicles around them. Other causes of parking lot crashes include:
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Confusion over right-of-way
- Driving the wrong direction
- Heavy pedestrian traffic
- Pedestrians walking out from beside or behind vehicles
- Drivers backing out without first checking for pedestrians
- Drivers pulling out in front of other vehicles
- Two drivers trying to get into the same space
What Types of Injuries Are Sustained in Parking Lot Crashes?
A common misconception is that low-impact collisions are unlikely to cause injuries. In fact, low-impact crashes in parking lots can cause drivers and passengers to sustain whiplash, soft tissue injuries, or concussion. Parking lot accident injuries can be severe or even fatal when a driver in a 4,000 lb. vehicle hits a pedestrian or bicyclists. Children are particularly vulnerable to parking lot injuries, as they are smaller and more likely to move unpredictably. Common injuries suffered by pedestrians and bicyclists in parking lots include:
- Bone fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal injuries
- Sprains, strain, and tears
What Should You Do After a Long Beach Parking Lot Accident?
If you are involved in a Long Beach parking lot crash, remain at the scene of the accident and take the following steps:
- Call 911 if someone has been injured or property damage is extensive.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Gather information at the scene of the accident by taking pictures with your cell phone camera and jotting down notes, including contact information for any eyewitnesses.
- Limit your interactions with the other driver to offering assistance if needed and exchanging license, insurance, and contact information.
- Get medical attention for any injuries, even if you believe they are minor, as soon as possible after the accident.
- Contact an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer for your best chance of recovering fair compensation for your injuries.
What Is the Process for Filing a Parking Lot Accident Claim?
The first step is a consultation with a personal injury attorney to find out if you have a case and what damages you may be entitled to claim. Our firm can investigate your parking lot accident, secure evidence to support your claim, assess the full extent of your damages, and negotiate for full compensation with insurance companies on your behalf. If necessary, we can take your case to court.
Why Choose Us?
The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV was founded in 2002 on the principle that everyone deserves superior legal representation. Mr. Low is known for his ability to craft and deliver a story to a judge or a jury, and for his willingness to go up against powerful corporations and interests. First and foremost a trial lawyer, he is rated 10.0 Superb by Avvo. Contact the firm at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 to schedule a free initial consultation.