How to Avoid Parking Lot Accidents?

Let’s face it – parking lots are breeding grounds for car accidents. Many parking lots are poorly designed, making it difficult for drivers to navigate all the backing up, pulling in, and pedestrians. If you’ve ever been in a parking lot that seems like it was designed specifically for fender-benders, you’re not alone. Looking for a parking spot in a busy lot can be stressful and anxiety-inducing, to say the least. Chances are you are so focused on trying to find a spot, you may not be paying attention to the traffic around you. Because there are so many distractions in parking lots, it is no wonder parking lot accidents take place at such an alarming rate. The good news is that the majority of these accidents are minor and do not result in any serious injuries. This is because most people are driving at such a slow speed that the vehicle damage is minimal and injuries aren’t that bad. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take these accidents seriously.

According to statistics, 20 percent of all car accidents happen in parking lots. Furthermore, 52 percent of injuries resulting from back over accidents happen in a parking lot when a vehicle backs into a person. Avoiding these types of situations will save you a lot of time, stress, and money in the long run. Here are a few tips to help you avoid parking lot accidents in Dallas:

• Slow down – This should come as no surprise, but the best way to avoid a parking lot accident is to take it slow. Never speed through a busy parking lot, as you never know when someone may be backing up.
• Proceed with caution – When driving through a parking lot, be extra cautious of people backing up, and vice versa. One of the leading causes of car accidents in parking lots is when drivers don’t look before pulling out of a parking spot, only to collide with another vehicle.
• Keep an eye out for pull-through spots – If possible, look for a spot where you can pull all the way through so you won’t have to back up when leaving.
• Practice proper parking etiquette – Nothing is more irritating than when a driver insists on backing into a parking space. Chances are they will be met with numerous failed attempts, which can interrupt the flow of traffic. Unless otherwise specified, always pull head-first into a parking spot and be extra diligent when reversing.
• Park far away from other cars – If possible, park away from other cars in a parking lot. Walking is good for you, and this will lessen your chance of being involved in an accident!

Regardless of where you are involved in a car accident, it’s important to protect yourself in the moment and take all the necessary steps. In some cases, your best option may be to file an insurance claim and/or a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. To learn more about your rights, please contact a Dallas parking lot lawyer from Rad Law Firm today and schedule a free consultation.