When people think of car accidents, what might come to mind are multi-car crashes on highways where someone was injured and a car was totaled. But car accidents can still happen without a severe amount of damage. Many people may not realize parking lot accidents are common and can often result in serious injuries. For reasons like this and more, juggling the aftermath of a parking lot accident can be confusing, and finding out who is at fault can be challenging.
Why are parking lot accidents so common?
Although cars travel at low speeds, parking lot accidents often happen due to the chaotic nature of many parking lots. Parking lots, like streets, have lanes and rules drivers have to follow. But sometimes, careless and reckless drivers cause crashes with others because they are distracted, texting, talking on a phone, speeding, or driving aggressively. Drivers always need to use caution when maneuvering through a parking lot.
So who’s at fault?
Determining who’s at fault for a parking lot accident isn't always as easy as many people think. There are many different types of accidents that happen in parking lots, but in most cases, the driver who initiated the collision is often to blame. However, getting a driver to accept responsibility can be an uphill battle. And if you're not careful, you could end up losing out on the compensation you're entitled to under South Carolina law. Because of this, many people look to a car accident attorney for help after a parking lot accident that results in injury.
Pulling in and out of parking spots
When pulling into a spot or backing out of one, drivers should proceed with caution and double-check that the coast is clear. But sometimes, drivers don’t check. If you were already pulling out of a spot, and another driver pulls out of theirs after you, they are likely to be found at fault. It’s also possible that both drivers pulled out of their spots at the same time, or the timing may be unknown. In this case, determining liability can be difficult without hiring a car accident attorney to investigate and find evidence that supports your claim.
Failing to follow parking lot rules
Most parking lots have numerous lanes, with one being a primary lane, also called the through lane (thru lane). Drivers in this lane have the right away, so if another vehicle tries to pull out of their spot instead of yielding to traffic in the through lane, they could be found at fault for the collision. The same applies to a driver turning into a parking spot. Usually, these accidents happen when a driver is turning left to enter the parking spot. The driver turning has failed to follow the rules of the lot and should be held liable for the accident.
Seek help from a South Carolina car accident lawyer
Determining fault in a parking lot accident can be difficult, and without the right evidence, your claim can quickly turn into a complicated legal battle. It can be stressful to go through this situation on your own, especially if you or someone you love was injured.
If you were injured in a parking lot accident, it's important to get experienced legal advice. Johnson + Johnson Attorneys At Law is ready to help. We know how to investigate parking lot accidents and build strong cases that have been proven to get real results. To learn more, contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a South Carolina car accident attorney you can count on in a crisis.
