Many people believe that, once they hit a parking lot, the driving world becomes calmer and there is nothing to worry about. The truth is, many car accidents occur in parking lots every year, which means that they are a place where you must be even more alert. In fact, according to statistics, approximately 20% of all vehicle accidents take place in parking lots. Even though low-speed collisions tend to be minor in nature, some are incredibly severe and can cause serious injuries.

Tips for Preventing Parking Lot Accidents 

There are some tips and tricks that you can follow so that you can prevent parking lot accidents, which can keep you safe from serious injuries.

Slow Down: There are many hazards in parking lots, including the danger of other drivers who utilize parking lots as they are searching for space. Many drivers drive through empty rows or drive well above the posted speed limit as soon as they enter the lot. There is one simple way to avoid serious accidents with other vehicles, and that includes remembering to always slow down. You will have time to react and avoid a collision when all parties are driving slowly.

Watch for Pedestrians: Pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable parties on our roads due to the fact that they have no protection against motor vehicles. This means that they are at a high risk in parking lots, where they tend to always be walking about. Pedestrians may quickly pass into a driver’s path, which is why parking lots are sometimes dangerous. Remember that pedestrians utilize these spots and that you should always be on the lookout.

Keep Distance: You should park away from other vehicles instead of parking extremely close to other vehicles around you. Keep your distance from others in the parking lot.

If You Have Been Injured in a Parking Lot Accident

Of course, after any accident that leads to injuries, you should call the police to the scene. Police will help you to file a report so that they can help you determine who is at fault for your accident. On top of that, you should always try to gather information from those who have witnessed the accident. Luckily, since parking lots are typically full, you might be able to find numerous people who witnessed the accident.

On top of that, there tend to be surveillance videos that you can view in parking lots. Many parking lots watch the actions of those around so that they can prevent crimes from happening. It can be useful to view these videos so that you can dispute fault and prove that another party caused your injuries. It is important to have as much evidence as possible, as liability is not always easy to discern in parking lot accidents.

Speaking with an Attorney After a Parking Lot Accident 

After you have been involved in a Florida car accident, there is nothing more important than choosing to speak with a skilled attorney. Our accident attorneys at Sheftall & Associates are dedicated to assisting those in need after an accident that is not their fault. If you require medical treatment and have sustained a wide array of damages, you should always speak with an attorney that is knowledgeable in these types of accidents. Please contact our Florida accident attorneys at (904) 575-9026 for more information on your legal options.