Tumi: Parking Lot Car Accidents - It's That Time of Year

Parking lot car accident Automobile accidents happen everywhere, but did you know that approximately 20 percent of car accidents happen in parking lots? With Christmas shopping season, the chances of being involved in a parking lot accident increases. However, there are ways to reduce the chances of a car accident in a parking lot.

One way to prevent a parking lot car accident is to be on lookout for bad drivers--those that cut across empty rows, drive too fast, or ignore signs and pavement markings. A driver needs to be extra cautious in parking lot to make up for those drivers that are less cautious.

For some reasons, pedestrians seem to be less watchful as they stroll to find their car. While looking for their car, they are not looking out for your vehicle. By anticipating pedestrians, you may be able to avoid crashing into them.

My favorite (and my wife's least favorite) is to simply to park as far away from other drivers as safely possible. It may be inconvenient, but we could all use the walk and it reduces the chances of a car accident.

Even if you take precautions, others may not causing you to be involved in a parking lot car accident. If that happens, here are a few things you should do:

Notifying police or security. You will want a record of the crash for your insurance company.
When a parking-lot accident first occurs, never admit it was your fault and don?t argue over who was at fault. Just exchange names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance information. You will never change their opinion at the accident scene.
Find witnesses to the accident and ask whether they?d be willing to furnish a name or contact number. The location of the vehicles at the time of impact is important in establishing liability after a parking lot automobile accident.
Take pictures--lots of them. Don?t move the vehicles until you take pictures. Photograph the skid marks, if any, along with broken glass or other debris.
Although parking lot accidents don't typically cause huge property damage, they can still cause significant neck and back injuries--especially if the neck and back are turned when the car is struck. Make sure you see your doctor after any car accident, even a parking lot accident, to get checked out.

Enjoy Christmas shopping, but be safe in the parking lots and watch out for those who aren't.

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Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes represents those injured in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents and other types of personal injury matters. His Clearwater law firm ? Perenich Caulfield Avril Noyes ? is one of the oldest personal injury law firms in Pinellas County. Call Attorney Matthew Noyes now at 727-796-8282 or simply click here to schedule a free case consultation.