Parking lots in Connecticut can be dangerous. They are areas used by drivers and pedestrians, and they can be congested—especially around the holidays.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), tens of thousands of crashes occur each year in parking lots across the country.
Parking lot accidents often result in preventable injuries and fatalities.
One of the most dangerous days to use a parking lot is on Black Friday, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. NSC reports that accidents run higher than usual each day throughout the season.
Distractions that lead to parking lot crashes
Accidents in parking lots are preventable. Most happen because negligent drivers are distracted.
In an NSC poll, 66 percent of drivers said they make phone calls while driving through parking lots.
Other findings show drivers:
- Program GPS systems
- Read and send text messages
- Use their phones to check social media
- Respond to or send emails
- Take photos or check out videos on their devices
Drivers in parking lots engage in other distractions such as grooming themselves behind the wheel or eating. If you’re driving in a parking lot, it's your duty to stay alert, attentive, and aware of your surroundings. Failure to do so could result in a bad accident that leaves someone else with severe injuries.
How to avoid parking lot accidents
Some drivers might incorrectly think it’s time to relax when they enter parking lots after negotiating a busy road or highway. But once they’re using a parking lot, it’s time to be extra alert for pedestrians and other motorists.
Here are some ways to stay safe.
Drive slowly and anticipate the actions of other drivers
Other drivers might cut across empty rows or back out of spaces without checking behind them. Slowing down will give you time to react.
Watch out for pedestrians
People on foot might be carrying bags from the store or tending to children. Drivers have a responsibility to look out for them at all times.
Don’t rely completely on technology
Backup cameras are helpful, but remember to look over your shoulder and check mirrors when backing out of a parking spot.
Legal help is available for injury victims
Pedestrians face the biggest risk of injuries in parking lot accidents. They can get seriously injured or even die after getting hit by a car, and in a parking lot, the risk of getting hit by an inattentive driver increases.
If you were injured after getting hit by a car in a parking lot or you were hurt in a car accident that took place in a parking lot, call 911 right away (if you're healthy enough to do so). Make sure to ask for an ambulance if you were injured and ask the police to respond so they can investigate and create an accident report. Get medical attention as soon as possible. If you have any pain or discomfort, let a doctor examine you to determine the extent of the injuries.
Your next step is to contact a Connecticut personal injury attorney. By working with an experienced lawyer, you can increase your chances of recovering full compensation for your losses. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after getting injured in an accident. You will have so much to consider, from medical bills to insurance forms to time off from work while you recover.
Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli for a free consultation. We have decades of experience in handling claims and helping clients maximize their compensation after accidents. Call or use our online contact form to get started.