We all know that car accidents happen every day, but when most people think of an accident they think of a road or highway – they don’t think of parking lots. The fact is that parking lots can be more dangerous than you may think – especially for accidents involving pedestrians. While the injuries in these accidents are rarely life-threatening, they can still cause serious property damage and injuries.
Part of the reason that accidents are so common in parking lots is that many people are not familiar with who really has the right of way. Keep reading to get the answers and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you have been injured in a parking lot accident.
Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents
There are a number of reasons that people are often involved in parking lot accidents. One of the top causes is unmarked lanes, spots, and directional indicators. Simply put: People often do not know which way they are supposed to be driving or the ways other vehicles are supposed to be driving. Other common causes include distracted driving, speeding, poor lighting, sharp corners, unmarked lanes, and poor pavement issues.
The Right of Way in a Parking Lot Can Be Complicated
It is often true that figuring out who has the right of way in a parking lot is not as simple as when you are driving down the street. That said, there are still rules. If you are driving in a parking lot in the through-lane, then you have the right of way – other vehicles are required to yield to you. This is true whether they are parked or coming to the through lane unless there is a stop sign or yield sign that indicates otherwise.
When a vehicle is exiting a parking space, they must yield to any approaching vehicles in the thorough-lane. If there is an accident, the vehicle exiting the parking spot is almost always at fault. These are just a few examples of the intricacies of parking light right of way laws.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Parking Lot Accident
It is a common myth that a “minor” accident in a parking lot never requires police involvement. This is not the truth. In the state of California, you are required by law to report any accident that involves an injury of any severity and / or damage of at least $950. If you are not sure if your case qualifies, then it is best to contact the police to be sure.
Your next step is to get medical attention if necessary. If you have suffered an injury and damages, and you believe that someone else was at fault, then we recommend contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You can reach Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now to get started.
