Read Our ReviewsWhether you live in Fort Pierce or Port St. Lucie in Florida, an auto accident can happen to you when in a parking lot. One would normally assume that a car crash or accident in a parking lot would not be serious, however, they can be very significant at times.
Possible Types of Parking Lot Accidents
Although the vehicle speed in a parking lot is very seldom very fast, damage still can still occur when an auto accident happens in a parking lot. These are a few possibilities of the types of crashes that can happen. One such instance is a pedestrian walking behind or between vehicles. Yes, it happens and seemingly they come out of nowhere. A vehicle pulls out or backs up and strikes the pedestrian.
Two vehicles vying for the same parking spot is another example. These accidents happen many times when people are rushing. You see the spot and attempt to pull in, and surprise, someone else had the same plan. Backing into each other is another type of accident that frequently occurs. Whether due to lack of looking or distraction, two vehicles back out of their respective parking spaces and crash into each other.
Another common example is reversing from a parking space into the lane of traffic. This happens more than anyone wants to admit. A driver is in a hurry to get somewhere and backs out to leave and BAM, slams right into another vehicle. Crashes also occur when someone is parked at the stop sign at the edge of a parking lot and gets rear-ended.
Who Takes The At Fault Status In These Auto Accidents?
It is always easier to blame the other involved party when this sort of auto accident happens when in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie or anywhere in Florida. Let’s look at how the law may view these situations.
According to Florida Auto Accident Attorneys , these cases are burden of proof cases. The pedestrian needs to prove they were walking where it is safe, such as crosswalk. The driver who is turning into a parking spot would have the right of way. However, drivers also have a responsibility, especially in a parking lot, to be on the look out for pedestrians and other vehicles. In many cases, both can share fault or responsibility.
Again, it is each drivers responsibility to be aware of the surroundings. When a vehicle is backing out of a spot and hits a vehicle that is driving in a lane of traffic, that driver is violating someone’s right of way and may be held accountable. Being rear ended by another vehicle when at the stop sign, that is typically the fault of the vehicle that is driving and did not stop.
No matter where you live, if you have an auto accident in Fort Pierce or Port St. Lucie, Florida, be smart and take a few steps to protect yourself. Be sure to get the contact information, such as a driver’s license, and the insurance information of the other driver. Then obtain any witness contact information, in case that is needed. Then, most importantly, contact an Attorney that specializes in auto accidents.