What You Should Know About Auto Accidents That Occur in Parking Lots

When it comes to safety on the road, personal responsibility is paramount. After all, a vehicle is a powerful tool with a lot of beneficial potential, but also a fair amount of detriment as well. The most considerate of us typically keep safety at the forefront of our minds when we are driving on the freeway—however, we often forget about the precarious nature of parking lots.

After examining a recent study centered on 500 vehicle collisions, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that 14% of collisions occur in parking lots. Other estimates wager that nearly a quarter of all drivers experience an accident in a parking lot every year. To help make sure this doesn’t happen to you, here are some tips you should know about auto accidents in parking lots.

Rear-Ended At The Stop Sign

A frightening number of store parking lots do not have enough space between their primary stop sign and the sharp turn to enter the parking lot. Often, this facilitates stop-and-go traffic that can lead to an accident if one isn’t careful. Fortunately, this situation can easily be avoided by leaving enough space for the car in front of you.

Driver Backs Out Of Parking Space And Into A Moving Car

This is likely the scenario that most of us have or will have experienced, and technology is only making it worse. This is due to the fact that drivers have developed a reliance on their rearview and dashboard cameras. While these are certainly convenient, it always pays to check your mirrors and leave the space at a delicate pace.

Two Cars Crash While Attempting To Pull Into The Same Parking Space

This falls under reckless driving more than a standard accident; however, it is something to be aware of just the same. Usually, to avoid parking far away from the entrance, people will attempt to compete for a single spot by trying to pull in at the same time. Obviously, this can easily result in an auto accident. In these instances, it is best to keep a cool head and find another parking space.

Injured In An Auto Accident? Harlan Law Is Ready To Help

If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident, you have plenty of options. If you are in the Portland, Vancouver, or Southwest Washington areas, give Harlan Law a call at 360-735-8200. With over 19 years of experience, their team is ready and willing to tackle any auto injury-related case you may have.