Parking Lot Accidents – Who is at Fault?
Car accidents in parking lots occur more often than you might think, and sometimes they are critical. Fortunately, most drivers proceed slowly in parking lots; therefore, car accidents are rarely fatal.
On the other hand, automobiles are driving in multiple directions, making right of way and who should be held liable for an accident challenging to determine, hence the reason people consult Utah Car Accident Attorneys.
This post will discuss determining who is responsible for a parking lot collision and why it makes a difference.
Rules for Parking Lots and Right-of-Way
There are multiple lanes with cars parked on both sides of a typical shopping center or office building parking lot, and through lanes surrounding the lot’s perimeter, from which vehicles join the parking lanes.
Drivers approaching the through lanes from the parking lanes must cede the right of way to drivers in the through lanes. As a result, if a driver pulls out into a through road while attempting to leave a parking lane then crashes with an automobile moving along the through lane, the exiting driver will most likely be held responsible for the collision.
Failure of the through lane driver to observe the yield and stop signs that grant the right of way to motor vehicles leaving the parking space create an exception to the general rule. Talking to Provo car accident attorneys will help you understand and navigate the process easier.
Entering and Exiting Parking Spots
Collisions commonly occur when two vehicles are backing out of places on opposite sides of the same parking lane, in addition to accidents that occur in the parking lots through lanes and parking lanes.
In this situation, determining guilt can be problematic since, under the legal doctrine of negligence, both drivers must ensure that backing into the lane of movement is adequately safe before doing so.
When one vehicle has begun to back up, the driver on the other side of the parking lane shall exercise reasonable caution in observing the other moving vehicle and waiting before exiting the parking space. If the driver fails to do so and collides with another moving vehicle, they will certainly be held responsible for the collision.
When it’s unclear whether a vehicle started backing out first and a collision occurs in the center of the parking lane, determining fault is significantly more difficult.
Unfortunately, “simultaneous backup” accidents appear to be the most prevalent sort of collisions in parking areas, and you’re never to think that you’re liable simply because you backed into another vehicle while exiting your parking place.
Why Is Fault Important?
Fault decisions are critical for drivers engaged in parking lot collisions, especially when determining if your auto insurance policy will cover vehicle damage and any personal injuries sustained, so you should contact a Utah parking lot accident attorney quickly.
A fault may well be a factor in deciding insurance coverage regardless of your state’s statute. As a result, you should be cautious about what you say at the scene of an automobile accident — don’t acknowledge fault, even if you believe you are at fault — and leave the insurance companies to sort things out through their claim investigations.
Even if you believe the parking lot collision caused little or no damage or injury, the first step is to notify your auto insurance carrier. Learn why it’s critical to inform your vehicle insurance carrier after a minor accident.
Consult a Provo Personal Injury Lawyer
Provo Accident Attorneys at Howard Lewis & Petersen law firm understands the intricacies of parking lot accidents and will help investigate your accident to ensure that you receive the best compensation. Once you’re not severely hurt, always call your Provo personal injury attorney and your insurance company first, and do not volunteer information to any investigators. We have your back.
