Parking lot accidents are all too common and can be quite stressful. While they may not always be serious, even minor bumps and scrapes can cause plenty of headaches for those involved. Whether you’re the one who caused the accident or the one who was hit, it’s important to know what steps to take next.

Causes of Parking Lot Accidents

Inattention

One of the biggest causes of parking lot accidents is inattention. People can become so focused on finding a spot or getting out of their car quickly that they forget to pay attention to their surroundings. They may not see pedestrians, cyclists, or other cars, leading to collisions. To avoid this issue, drivers should always be aware of their surroundings and stay alert while navigating a parking lot.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is another major cause of parking lot accidents that has been on the rise over the past few years with the advent of smartphones. Even though it may seem like you’re not taking your eyes off the road for long enough for it to be dangerous, being distracted for even a split second can lead to an accident in a crowded parking lot. To prevent this from happening, drivers should keep their phones away while driving and focus solely on what’s in front of them.

Speeding

Parking lots often have speed limits posted that drivers should adhere to to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other drivers. However, many drivers don’t pay attention to these limits or simply ignore them altogether—especially if they’re running late or trying to find a spot quickly. Speeding through a parking lot significantly increases the chances of causing an accident because it reduces reaction time and dramatically increases stopping distance. Therefore, all drivers must observe posted speed limits when navigating a parking lot.

Reversing Errors

Reversing errors are also quite common in parking lots; these usually involve backing out without taking proper precautions, such as double-checking for oncoming traffic or failing to use rearview mirrors correctly while reversing out of a spot. Drivers should always take extra caution when backing out from a spot to avoid any potential collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians walking by. Additionally, if possible, it is often best for drivers to back into spots instead, so there is no need for reversing when leaving the area later.

Poor Planning and Poor Lighting

Poor planning and poor lighting can create dangerous situations in parking lots. For example, if exits and entrances are not marked, or there is inadequate lighting at night, drivers may have difficulty navigating the area safely. Businesses need to make sure that their parking lots are designed properly with clear signage and adequate lighting to prevent accidents from occurring due to confusion or lack of visibility.

What to Do After a Parking Lot Accident

Document the Scene

The first step is to document the scene as best you can. Write down details such as where and when the incident happened, how many parties were involved, and any other pertinent information. If possible, take pictures of any damage done to either vehicle. This is especially important if you plan on filing an insurance claim later on. Don’t forget to write down contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident!

Call Your Lawyer

If anyone is injured or if there is significant property damage, call a Los Angeles distracted driving accident lawyer. You can also call 911 before leaving the scene of the accident. The responding officers will create an accident report that could come in handy later on when filing a claim with your insurance company.

Exchange Insurance Information

If you are both able and willing, exchange insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the incident. It’s important to remember that no matter whose fault it was, exchanging contact information should remain a priority to ensure that any damages incurred by either party can be paid for appropriately.

Handle Damage Claims Appropriately

Once all necessary documentation has been gathered from everyone involved in the incident, review your auto insurance policy carefully so you know what kind of coverage you have available and how much money you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket for any repairs or medical bills associated with this accident. If there are damages above and beyond what your policy covers—or if someone else caused the accident—you may want to consider filing a lawsuit against them so that they are held accountable for their actions.

Why You Need a Los Angeles Parking Lot Accident Lawyer

In many cases, insurance companies will try to lowball victims of parking lot accidents by offering less than they are due in compensation or even denying their claims outright. An experienced attorney can help make sure this doesn’t happen by negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf and advocating for your rights in court if necessary. They will also be able to advise you on what types of damages you may be entitled to receive, such as medical bills or lost wages.

Assess Liability

An experienced Los Angeles distracted parking lot accident lawyer can also help assess liability after a parking lot accident. It is important to determine who was at fault for the accident so that they are held accountable and responsible for any damages or injuries caused by the incident. Our attorneys can work with law enforcement, witnesses, and other parties involved to determine fault accurately and assess liability accordingly.

Gather Evidence

You may also need help gathering evidence following a parking lot accident. An experienced attorney can gather evidence such as photos of the scene, videos of traffic signals, witness statements, and other information necessary for your case. By contacting an experienced Los Angeles parking lot accident lawyer at Pacific Attorney Group, they can then use this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf so that you receive justice for any damages or injuries suffered due to the incident.

Bottom Line

`Parking lot accidents happen more often than we would like them to, but by following these steps, you’ll be more prepared in case something does happen! Remember to document everything at the scene of the accident (including photos!), and call our Los Angeles parking lot accident lawyers at Pacific Attorney Group to get expert attorney services.