Causes of Parking Lot Accidents

 Posted on November 24, 2023 in Car Accident

Parking lots are notorious for collisions. A recent study revealed that one in five car accidents occur in parking lots and garages.

The number one culprit of parking lot accidents? Distractions. With a false sense of security, motorists have their guard down while navigating a parking area. 

If you have been in a parking lot accident due to another driver’s negligence, you need to speak with a Fort Collins car accident attorney to determine what compensation you may be eligible to receive.

Parking Lots and Distractions

In a recent poll, drivers admitted that they would use their cell phones and partake in other tasks while driving through a parking lot.

Poll respondents stated the following:

• 66% would make a phone call
• 63% would program GPS systems
• 56% would text
• 52% would use social media
• 50% would send e-mails or check their inbox
• 49% would take photos or watch videos

While teenagers are less likely to use a cell phone while in a parking lot, this age group is more likely to tend to personal grooming.

Being behind the wheel requires your full attention. No matter the distraction, if you are behind the wheel and simultaneously doing something else, you are likely to cause a crash.

Dangers of Parking Lots 

The statistics for parking lot accidents are alarming; there are more than 50,000 motor vehicle collisions, resulting in 60,000 injuries and 500 fatalities annually.

A parking lot poses different risks than driving on the road:

Most Vehicles are Unattended

If a driver is careless on the road, another driver may be able to move out of the driver’s path to avoid an accident. This is not the case in a parking lot where most vehicles are parked, and a car’s owner is elsewhere.

There are Generally More Pedestrians

Whether you are driving on a service road or the highway, there are usually little or no pedestrians. The reverse is true in a parking lot, where the pedestrian-to-vehicle ratio is much higher. To make the situation worse, most people are in a rush to get somewhere, causing them to not pay attention to moving vehicles.

Vehicle Operators are More Likely to Disregard Traffic Laws

A driver who follows all traffic signs and signals may not do the same when driving around a parking lot. Many drivers do not stay in their lane when driving around a parking area, and many will cut through parking spaces to save time.

If you have been the victim of a parking lot accident, a Larimer County car crash attorney can help you gather evidence to show the other driver’s liability.

Injured in a Parking Lot Accident? Contact a Fort Collins, CO, Car Crash Attorney Today

With slower speeds and fewer moving vehicles, motorists feel that they do not have to be as attentive in a parking lot. If you have been injured due to another’s negligence, consult a Larimer County, CO, car crash attorney to learn how you can be compensated for your losses. 

Contact Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. today online or by calling 970-225-2190 to schedule your free consultation.