What happens when you back up in a parking lot?
There’s a lot going on in a parking lot—you have cars pulling into spaces, backing out of spaces, driving through the lanes, and often driving hazardously with no regard to the lines or other cars.
What should a driver do when backing out of a parking space?
When one car is backing out of a parking space, that car’s driver is supposed to look for cars before reversing. However, as we all know, drivers don’t always do what they’re supposed to.
What causes a car accident when backing up?
Another common car accident involving backing up occurs when backing out of a driveway. The car backing out of the driveway has an obligation to look before backing up. Since the car backing up was moving when the accident happened, the driver must not have been paying enough attention to see the other car.
Who is at fault in a parking lot accident?
Similarly, the vehicle in the traffic lane has the natural right-of-way, so the driver pulling out of the space is primarily at fault unless the other vehicle is driving recklessly, speeding, or fails to yield. This might be the most common type of accident in a parking lot. Since both vehicles are moving, both drivers share responsibility.
What should you do in a parking lot accident?
What to do if you damage a car in a parking lot Don’t drive away from the scene of the accident, no matter how minor. If another customer or a surveillance camera spots you, you could be punished with hit-and-run charges. Track down the other car’s owner. Head into the store and speak to someone at the customer service desk. Leave a note. Call the police.
What if an accident occurs in a parking lot?
If you’re in a car accident in a parking lot, do the following: Call the police Exchange contact information with others involved. Take photos. Seek medical treatment if there’s the slightest chance you have any injuries As soon as you can, write out a narrative of what happened. Work with an attorney quickly to secure surveillance video that may be available and contact witnesses
What percentage of accidents occur in parking lots?
Even though we tend to think of parking lots as generally safe, parking lots can be dangerous. In fact, CBS News reports that as many as 20 percent of car accidents happen in parking lots. Parking lot accidents occur because there are not clear lanes of travel or adequate signage to direct the flow of traffic.
How common are backing up accidents?
By the numbers: 99% amount of time drivers operate a vehicle moving forward. 25% of vehicle accidents occur while backing up. 96% of backing fatalities involve children under 5. The Ten Commandments of Backing. 1. Back only when necessary. 2. Back the shortest distance possible.