Car Park Accidents and Injuries
While car crashes and collisions often occur on major highways or at traffic intersections, they can also happen in your local grocery store parking lot or at your office building. Car park accidents and injuries may seem minor, but they can result in serious harm, particularly when they involve pedestrians or escalate into physical altercations. As we head into the holiday season, with busy shoppers vying for a limited number of spaces, it is important to be aware of the dangers that exist. You’ll also want to know what you can do to protect yourself in the event that this type of accident occurs.
Types of Car Park Accidents and Injuries
According to the crash statistics from Ameriprise, a home and auto insurer, there are four basic types of accidents that are likely to occur in parking lots. These involve:
- Two or more drivers who back out of their spaces at the same time
- Multiple drivers vying for the same space
- Accidents in which a driver either pulls forward or backs out of a space, colliding with oncoming traffic or pedestrians
- Collisions in which driver’s hit pedestrians at crossings or stop signs
These accidents may seem minor, but the injuries that result can be severe. Studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate more than 90,000 people are injured each year in non-traffic related accidents. These car park accidents can result in concussions, whiplash, broken bones, or soft tissue injuries for drivers. Pedestrians who are struck face the potential for severe injuries as well that could be disabling and even life threatening. Unfortunately, in addition to the injuries that drivers and passengers face, there is also the danger that verbal disagreement between drivers in these situations will lead to physical altercations and even assaults.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
What To Do If You Are Involved In A Parking Lot Accident
Unfortunately, the winter season is a prime time for car park accidents to occur, as crowds of shoppers rush to attend to gift buying and holiday preparations. The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is one of the most potentially dangerous for shoppers, particularly in South Carolina. According to surveys conducted by the real estate website Estately, the Palmetto State is listed as tenth highest in the nation in terms of areas where Black Friday fights are most likely to break out.
In light of these facts, it is important to allow yourself plenty of time and use extra care when pulling in and out of a space and navigating parking lots. If you are involved in a collision, take the following steps:
- Stay calm, and notify store security or your local law enforcement
- Exchange contact, vehicle, and insurance information with other drivers involved
- Report your injuries to your doctor and get medical care as soon as possible, even if no immediate symptoms appear
- Take photos of the damage, and look for witnesses at the scene
Get Help From a Charleston, SC Car Accident Attorney
If you or someone you care is involved in a car park collision, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm right away. Our experienced South Carolina car accident attorneys understand the potentially serious injuries that can occur in these accidents. We can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve for injuries and property damages.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
