When people think of car accidents, they often imagine high-speed collisions on highways or in busy intersections. However, some of the most common and deceptively dangerous accidents occur in parking lots. Parking lot car accidents can involve everything from fender-benders to serious collisions, especially when commercial vehicles are involved. As Miami’s roads and shopping centers grow busier, so do the risks in the parking lots attached to them.
Parking lot car accidents happen more often than you think…but why?
Parking lots are high-traffic zones for both vehicles and pedestrians. Unlike public roads, they are typically not regulated with the same degree of signage or enforcement. This creates a chaotic environment where drivers may behave more carelessly. Just a couple of months ago, an unfortunate individual in Miami Gardens found this out the hard way when they were seriously injured in a parking lot crash at a local Target.
Protecting yourself and your passengers begins with awareness of why these collisions happen. So, what are the most common causes of parking lot car accidents?
- distracted driving (especially while searching for a parking spot in busy lots)
- speeding through lanes without yielding
- poor visibility due to tight corners or parked cars
- drivers backing out without checking blind spots
- failure to yield to pedestrians
These accidents can lead to injuries not only for drivers and passengers, but also for unsuspecting pedestrians, including children and elderly individuals walking to or from their vehicles. It’s crucial to watch out while behind the wheel or on foot when in crowded parking areas or unloading zones.
It’s also important to note that while the above causes primarily address standard passenger vehicles, they’re not the only types of vehicles present in parking lots.
Parking lot crashes sometimes involve commercial vehicles.
While standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs most frequently cause parking lot accidents, commercial vehicles are sometimes at fault in these collisions. Delivery vans, box trucks, or work vehicles present a heightened danger, especially in high-traffic areas. Due to their significant blind spots, space requirements, lack of maneuverability, and size, they can cause severe damage even at low speeds.
Collisions with commercial vehicles in parking lots are also complex when determining liability. Insurance companies, third-party contractors, the truck driver, and even the owner of the parking lot are tied to these incidents. If you’ve been injured in a crash like this, it’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Miami who understands the nuances of these cases and can best represent you and your legal rights.
So, who is liable in parking lot car accidents?
One of the most important questions after a parking lot car accident is determining who is at fault. Unlike public roads, where traffic laws clearly define right-of-way, parking lots can be confusing and lack clear signage. Liability is typically based on negligence – if one driver failed to use reasonable care, they could be held responsible for the accident.
Here are a few common scenarios:
Two drivers are backing out simultaneously and collide with one another:
Remember to take photos of all damage in parking lot car accidents, even if it seems minor!
In this scenario, both drivers could be held liable.
A driver hits a parked car:
Typically, the moving driver is at fault in these crashes.
Parking lot accidents caused by someone speeding or driving erratically:
In cases where another vehicle or pedestrian is struck by a speeding or reckless driver, personal injury attorneys usually have a strong negligence case. Again, this reiterates the importance of hiring an attorney with experience in car accidents and personal injury law.
A commercial vehicle hits a pedestrian or another vehicle.
This is where cases get complicated, as mentioned above. The truck driver could be liable in this case; however, the trucking company could also be at fault. A seasoned commercial vehicle accident lawyer is an important resource for injured individuals.
In all cases involving parking lot car accidents, security footage, video from dash-cams, eyewitness statements, accident reconstruction, and damage analysis all work together to build a case against the individual (or parties) responsible. Your attorney will gather and analyze all of this evidence to better support your claim.
What should I do if I’m in an accident in a parking lot?
If you’re involved in a car accident while in a parking lot, you should follow many of the same steps as those expected in a crash on a local street or major highway.
- Call 911. Report any injuries, and render first aid or assistance as needed.
- Exchange information with the other party, including contact and insurance details.
- Document the scene with photos and video if able. Include shots of damage to your vehicle, damage to other involved vehicles, damage to the parking lot (including light poles, fencing, tire stops, etc.), and video the area immediately around the accident.
- Identify witnesses and obtain their contact information.
- Seek medical attention for yourself, even if you don’t have apparent injuries. Getting checked out now is the best way to support your claims if late-onset pain or injuries show up in the days or weeks after the crash.
- Contact a personal injury attorney in your area.
Don’t delay with any of these steps. Doing so could affect the outcome of your case and your ability to receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Brooks Law Group is your source for trusted Miami personal injury lawyers.
From parking lot car accidents to serious injuries caused by commercial vehicle collisions, Brooks Law Group knows that quality legal representation is necessary for individuals and families impacted by these events. We fight for your rights, determining and proving liability, negotiating with insurance companies, calculating all of your damages, and pushing for a fair settlement. In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the crash, so it’s important to act quickly. If you’ve been injured, call us to schedule your free consultation today. You don’t pay unless we win, thanks to our contingency fee. You are treated as a valuable neighbor, not just another number. We’re committed to serving people first and want your very best at the end of your case.
Don’t face the fight alone. If you’ve been in a parking lot car accident, or any accident, Look to Brooks!
