California’s parking lots can be dangerous places. Everyday, people slip, trip, and fall in the parking lots of major businesses or in parking garages. But it is not just slips, trips, and falls that pedestrians should be aware of when walking in a parking lot or parking garage.
Too often, vehicles drive too fast when looking for a free parking spot. Pedestrians can be in danger when cars are zooming through the area. In addition, vehicles backing out of parking spots can leave those on foot in danger. Drivers can be hampered by blind spots or could simply not see someone behind their vehicles.
What Causes a Parking Lot Accident?
When motorists enter a business’s parking lot, they are often focusing on other things. Whether their thoughts are on work, shopping, or looking for a good parking spot, drivers often fail to see those on foot.
Another cause of accidents are blind spots when a driver backs out of a parking spot. These blind spots can cause sudden fender benders or pedestrians to be hit. In April of 2017, a car backing out of a parking place at high-speed at a Chino, California church mowed down six pedestrians. Two were killed in the accident and the other four were left badly injured.
It is important to remember that parking lots can be confusing because traditional traffic laws do not apply. Drivers feel they can drive as recklessly as they want when entering or exiting a parking lot.
Due to the amount of traffic in a parking lot, people can become irritated easily. When drivers becoming aggressive in their search for a parking spot, accidents are more likely to occur.
Parking Lot Attacks
It is not just vehicles that pedestrians need to be aware of in parking lots. There have been a number of attacks by people on other people at nationally known shopping chains. Walmart is one such chain that has seen attacks on individuals in parking lots. In 2016, a disabled man was attacked by a woman who had parked in an accessible parking space. The disabled man was physically removed from his vehicle before being thrown to the ground. He suffered several injuries in the melee.
Parking Lot Safety Tips
- Be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians when you reverse from a parking space,
- Park away from the shopping center’s entrance where fewer cars are located,
- Pedestrians should not walk in the middle of driving lanes,
- Pedestrians should pay attention to the parking lot’s traffic, and
- If pedestrian walking areas are available, use them.
Accidents happen every day in parking lots across California. Whether it is in an automobile or on foot, injuries occur. If you have suffered an injury and your medical bills are piling up, then you should seek out the help of a personal injury attorney.
Flahavan Law Offices | Car Accident Attorney Westlake Village
If you or a loved one has experienced an injury from an auto accident in a parking lot or on the road, contact Flahavan Law Offices. Flahavan Law Offices specializes in personal injury law and can give you advice on the compensation you deserve. Visit our homepage or contact us directly. Flahavan Law Office is here to help with all your personal injury law needs.