You may be surprised to learn that parking lot accidents can result in serious injuries. It may also surprise you to learn that almost 20% of car accidents occur in a parking lot and the Insurance Research Institute recently reported that 14% of all motor vehicle accident claims are the result of parking lot accidents.
Parking lots are actually quite dangerous for many reasons. The constant flow of pedestrian traffic in the presence of moving vehicles creates inherent risks for both the pedestrian and the driver of a vehicle. Some of the leading causes of parking lot accidents include speeding, the failure to observe local traffic controls, accidental acceleration, and the inability to see clearly as you turn down a parking lane.
Parking lot accidents can result in serious injuries to pedestrians. The human body is no match for the weight and momentum of a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, once a driver enters a parking lot they often relax a bit, feeling they are in a familiar place. They may not see a stray child or a person putting purchases into their car as they round the corner. The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration reported 22% of US children between the ages of 5 and 9 years who lost their lives in a motor vehicle accident were actually pedestrians. Many of these fatalities happened in parking lots and residential areas.
You might want to consider maintaining an increased level of concentration when you pull into a parking lot. It is important to continuously scan for pedestrians, children and even run-away carts. Many injuries occur when a vehicle is backing up. Use extra caution when you are leaving a parking space and keep your speed as slow as possible until you have exited the parking space.
Parking lot accidents can result in serious injuries and the experienced personal injury attorneys at HLH will help you to achieve a full and fair recovery for all damages associated with your injuries. We invite you to contact HLH or call (866) 583-9701 to speak with one of our experienced injury attorneys for a free consultation.