Not only can a parking lot car accident ruin your day, but you may now be dealing with medical bills and a long process ahead of you to hold the negligent driver accountable. If you or a loved one was involved in a crash in a parking lot, it’s important that you know how to deal with the situation.
Who’s at fault for a parking lot accident? Here are some of the laws regarding parking lots in South California.
Parking Lot Right-Of-Way Procedures in South Carolina
Parking lot right-of-way procedures in South Carolina are designed to enforce safety and prevent vehicle and property damage. Despite the rules, car accidents still happen once in a while.
The general rules of right-of-way for parking lots in South Carolina include:
- Always watch out for traffic and pedestrians when exiting a parking lot.
- Generally, cars in the access or feeder lanes have the right of way.
- Always yield to access lane traffic when in the feeder lane.
- Always yield to pedestrians, especially those crossing a designated crosswalk.
- Follow traffic arrows and other signage indicating the proper direction for traffic flow.
- Yield and obey all traffic rules in a parking lot, irrespective of your lane.
Types of Accidents Leading to Injuries in a Parking Lot
Several situations can lead to parking lot accidents. While both parties involved in the accident may carry some blame, one is often has less fault and entitled to compensation.
Here are the main types of parking lot crashes:
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents mainly happen due to careless or distracted drivers who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians.
In most situations, pedestrians are not at fault because they have the right of way in a parking lot. So, in such a situation, the driver will be liable for damages.
Sideswiping
This fault occurs when one vehicle strikes another on its side when exiting or entering a parking lot. Distracted drivers or those under the influence may drift and sideswipe another vehicle in a parking lot.
Pull-out Crashes
Pull-out crashes occur when a driver enters the exit lane and does not yield to the traffic. Pull-out crashes in a parking lot can also happen when two vehicles pull out from their parking spaces simultaneously or when a driver hits another parked vehicle. Check your rearview mirror constantly while driving in reverse.
Head-on Collisions
A head-on collision usually occurs when exiting a parking lot without paying attention to traffic., particularly where arrows on the pavement mark the proper direction of travel. Drivers who disobey these markings can contribute to head-on parking lot crashes.
How to Avoid Parking Lot Crashes
The best way to avoid causing a parking lot accident is to always exercise caution. If you spot an oncoming vehicle, stop immediately and allow the other driver adequate room to pass safely.
You should also ensure no pedestrians or other vehicles are near your car before backing out of a space or entering an exit lane.
Get Professional Attorney Services
Determining who is at fault for parking lot car accidents is not always straightforward. Among competing accusations of blame, it can also be frustrating and confusing to get to the bottom of the situation, particularly if you’re in pain, worried about the cost of vehicle repairs, or the possibility of going to court.
At David R. Price, Jr., P.A., we are here to help you navigate the legal process and get your life back on track as quickly as possible. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Greenville will help determine fault in a parking lot accident, and take care of all the paperwork so that you can worry less about moving forward.
Car Accident FAQs
What should you do after a parking lot car accident?
The best thing is to contact a law enforcement officer and exchange information with the other driver, including insurance and contact information. You should also take photos and record other evidence, get a medical check-up, and contact an attorney immediately.
Do you need to call the police in a parking lot car accident?
It is always the best idea to contact law enforcement after a car accident, even if both drivers are able to exchange insurance information.
David Price is a Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Collections, and Criminal Defense Attorney who practices in Greenville, SC. He graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law, and has been practicing law for 12 years. David Price believes in helping those who have been injured. Learn more about his experience by clicking here.
