While parking lots are often some of the slowest driving that we will do all day, it can also be some of the most potentially injurious driving as well. Parking lots are infamous locations for every type of minor fender bender, paint-swap, and hit-and-run imaginable. Every South Carolina personal injury attorney in the state has seen parking lot injuries.
One of the main reasons that South Carolina parking lots become the site of so many accidents, is that there is always so much going on. There are tons of pedestrians, other vehicles going about their business, and multiple directions of travel factoring in. In addition to all of that, there are islands, landscaping, and carts that can all present a potential hazard.
Causes of Parking Lot Accidents
Just as the cause of nearly every type of motor vehicle accident, the main cause of most parking lot accidents is negligence in one of its many forms. In some cases, the negligence is due to an act someone performed that they shouldn’t have, such as driving while intoxicated or speeding.
In other cases, it may be negligence by inaction, which means someone failed to do something they should have done. Popular examples of this type of negligence are distracted driving, failing to use a turn signal, and failing to reduce speed to avoid a collision.
Reducing Parking Lot Accidents
There are steps that can be taken to reduce the number of accidents that occur in parking lots in South Carolina. Speed bumps, stop signs, and crosswalks can all help, but the main thing is that drivers need to pay attention to their surroundings. Distracted driving in parking lots can lead to damage to property and to injuries to other people.
Steps to Take After Getting Injured in a Parking Lot Accident
If you’re ever involved in an accident in a parking lot, it’s important to keep a clear mind so you can keep the details in order. The first thing you should do is contact emergency services and inform them of the accident. Next, you’ll want to take pictures and document the scene of the accident. Also be sure to get the contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance information from the other driver. Additionally, make sure to seek medical attention so that any injuries are well documented.
Compensation for Your Injuries
If you have been involved in an accident in a parking lot that resulted in you sustaining injuries, you may be able to collect monetary compensation for your injuries and damages. Generally, this is best accomplished by working with an experienced personal injury attorney.
The damages that can be sustained include both economic and non-economic damages. Examples of economic injuries would be your vehicle repair cost, the cost of repairing or replacing personal property damaged in the accident, and your medical bills resulting from the physical injuries. Non-economic injuries could include anguish, pain, and suffering, as well as other potential psychological or emotional damages.
If you are involved in a parking lot car crash contact our office today for a free consultation.