When we think of car accidents, we often think of people running red lights or slamming into the back of the car in front of them on the highway. Parking lots, on the other hand, are considered relatively safe. The unfortunate truth, though, is that parking lots are a common location for fender benders, pedestrian accidents and other types of collisions.
Though these accidents are generally low-speed collisions, they can have serious ramifications. Cars can suffer damage, drivers can find themselves dealing with whiplash and other injuries, and pedestrians’ lives could be at stake.
If you are involved in a wreck in a parking lot, the experienced Miami car accident attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner are here to help. Call us at 800-560-5059 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Miami parking lot accident today.
The Most Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents
In general, parking lot accidents happen because someone isn’t paying attention. A pedestrian may be texting on their phone, a driver may be focused on finding a parking spot instead of what’s happening in the lot, or a driver might not check their rear-view mirror before they back out of a spot.
No matter the reason, if you are injured in this type of accident because of someone else’s actions or negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Miami car accident lawyers have recovered over $1 BILLION on behalf of our clients.
Some of the most common causes of parking lot accidents include:
- Two cars backing out of parking spaces and colliding with each other
- A driver backing out of a spot into the path of an oncoming car
- Two cars colliding after going for the same parking spot
- A car pulling out of a spot and hitting a pedestrian
- A rear-end collision at a stop sign in a parking lot
While most modern cars have onboard equipment like rear-view cameras, it’s important drivers don’t become dependent on technology. Rear-view cameras, collision detection tools and other equipment can fail or otherwise malfunction. Drivers should survey their surroundings as they’re getting into their vehicles and before they pull out of their parking space to prevent most types of parking lot collisions.
Determining Fault in Parking Lot Accidents
There are a lot of elements that go into determining fault in a parking lot accident in Miami. Consider this: Many parking lots have two-way lanes in between each row of parking spots. Then, there are through lanes around the perimeter of the parking lot for cars to enter or exit the lot and choose the parking lane they’re going to go down.
Generally, cars in the through lanes around the lot have right of way, unless there are signs that say otherwise. In the parking lanes themselves, if two drivers are trying to back out of their spots, the driver who starts moving first has right of way. Unfortunately, “simultaneous backups” are one of the most common causes of parking lot accidents, and it can be difficult to determine who started moving first.
If the collision is between a driver backing up and a car coming down the lane, fault depends on where the cars are located. For instance, if a car is backing out of their spot and a car is in the lane already, and the car backing out collides with the other, they will likely be at fault. But if a car is backing out and is hit in the side by another vehicle, that other vehicle may be at fault.
Finally, pedestrians generally have the right of way in parking lots. If a driver hits a pedestrian, the driver will most likely be held at fault (or at least have the majority share of the fault).
Do You Need a Miami Car Accident Lawyer for Parking Lot Crashes?
We make a living by seeking compensation on behalf of our clients after they’ve been injured, so believe us when we say that you may not need a lawyer for every parking lot collision. If you have been cleared of any injuries by a medical professional, and there is minimal damage to your vehicle, you likely don’t need to hire a Miami car accident lawyer.
However, if you do suffer serious injuries and/or property damage, hiring a lawyer can help you get the full compensation you deserve. Even if you aren’t sure if your case qualifies for a lawsuit, most lawyers offer free consultations. During the consultation, they will review all of the details of your case to help you determine your best course of action.
The Miami car accident lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner are here to help you. Call us at 800-560-5059 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation today.