What Are Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents?

The National Safety Council reports that over 50,000 car accidents occur in parking lots each year. Practically all of these accidents are avoidable. In most cases, these accidents simply result from sheer carelessness. You could be entitled to substantial financial compensation if you have been injured in a parking lot accident.

Here are some common causes of accidents that occur in parking lots.

Poor Road Design

It is essential that a parking lot be designed in a safe manner. The traffic patterns should allow for full visibility whenever possible. Poor design can create more blind spots than necessary and reduce driver visibility. If the layout is confusing, it can add additional difficulties for a driver who is having difficulty navigating the roadway. A motorist may be unable to see around corners or sense when a car is nearby.

Speeding

Under no circumstances should a driver ever speed in a parking lot. There are low-speed limits here for a reason. Other drivers are pulling into and out of parking spaces while pedestrians are walking at the same time. It goes without saying that a motorist should exercise caution and travel as slowly as possible to be alert to all hazards. Unfortunately, some drivers may act like a parking lot is the same as a roadway, and they may travel at the same speed.

Blind Spots

Drivers cannot always see around them in the parking lot. They may have trouble seeing cars coming around the corner, or pedestrians walking in their path. Even though drivers may have backup cameras on newer cars and cross-traffic warnings, it is often not enough for motorists to see others.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is perhaps the biggest cause of parking lot accidents. When a driver gets in their car or is approaching their destination, they may think ahead to what they are doing next. Drivers may catch up on texts and other things when they get behind the wheel and may not be looking where they are going. There are many things that are happening in a parking lot, and a driver needs to focus intently to see all of them. Unfortunately, most drivers take liberties because they think that not many things can go wrong when they are traveling at a low speed.

Inadequate Lighting

Drivers need to be able to see where they are going in a parking lot. As such, there must be adequate lighting to illuminate the lot. There may be fewer lights than needed, or the lamps may not be changed as necessary. Poor lighting can reduce visibility and make it impossible for drivers to see other drivers.

Failure to Clear the Roads

The premises owner must promptly clear any snow or ice after a storm. If the parking lot is open, it must be in a reasonably safe condition. However, some property owners may delay clearing the road or even fail to do so entirely. Snow and ice can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and strike another one.

Even though parking lot accidents occur at lower speeds, they may still cause serious injuries. Crashes at slow speeds can lead to serious whiplash injuries if you have been struck from behind by another vehicle. In addition, pedestrians and cyclists can be severely harmed, even when the accident occurs at a very low speed. The driver may back over a pedestrian and simply not stop because they do not realize it.

Contact a New Brunswick Car Accident Lawyer at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. to Protect Your Interest

A New Brunswick car accident lawyer at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. can assist you if you have been injured in a parking lot or anywhere on the roadway. Submit our online contact form or call us today at 732-247-3600 to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, and we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.