When many people think of pedestrian accidents, they probably think of cars crashing into pedestrians at intersections. While that can happen and cause severe injuries, pedestrians can also receive impact from a motor vehicle in a parking lot.
Research indicates over half of United States drivers admit to distracted driving in parking lots. Distracted driving and other forms of negligent driving can result in a driver pulling out into a person in the parking lot, resulting in a traumatic pedestrian accident.
Drivers owe it to pedestrians to operate their vehicles safely to avoid them receiving severe injuries. Negligent drivers who cause pedestrian accidents in a parking lot can be held liable in a pedestrian accident claim, with their insurance company possibly having to pay for damages.
The experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at The Russo Firm can help with the process by assessing your damages, determining the at-fault party, and collecting evidence to prove your case.
Backup Up Pedestrian Accidents in Parking Lots Can Cause Severe Injuries
Automobile drivers must pay attention when they are backing up in a parking lot, as pedestrians will likely walk through the parking lot behind them. If a driver is not paying attention, they can back up into a pedestrian trying to get to their car or walk into the establishment. The pedestrian will have no protection from the impact of the vehicle, which means they are exposed to harm that can cause severe injury.
Pedestrian accidents caused by backing up in a parking lot can cause significant injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. The severity of the injury can depend on how fast the driver was pulling out and whether the pedestrian rolled underneath the car.
No matter how the injury occurs, the driver can be held liable for pedestrian accident damages for not paying attention and hitting a pedestrian while they pulled out of their spot in a parking lot.
Distracted Driving is Common in Parking Lots
It’s common for distracted driving to occur in parking lots as drivers place phone calls, adjust their GPS, and use social media. According to a public opinion poll conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC), about 66% of United States drivers involved in the survey admitted to driving distractedly in parking lots.
The following are some of the ways drivers admitted to being distracted while pulling out of parking lots:
- Adjust GPS app (63%)
- Use their phone to text message (56%)
- Use a social media app or platform (52%)
- Draft or read emails (50%)
- Take photos or watch videos (49%)
Teenagers were also found to be more likely to engage in personal grooming while driving in a parking lot. All of the above distractions are dangerous in parking lots where many people are walking around. A slight distraction can lead to a driver crashing into a pedestrian or almost colliding with another vehicle, which can lead to an evasive maneuver that exposes a pedestrian to impact
Pedestrians in Vehicle Blind Spots Can Be Exposed to Dangers in a Parking Lot
Pedestrian accidents in a parking lot can also result from a pedestrian walking in the blind spot of a driver while they pull out. A blind spot is an area a driver cannot see while at the wheel. While the driver backs out of their spot, the pedestrian may walk into the blind spot, and a pedestrian accident can result.
It is the driver’s job to ensure that there is nobody behind them before they pull out of a parking lot. That means seeing what is in the blind spot by putting their head outside of the car window to check the blind spot.
They could also adjust their mirrors to see whether someone or something is in the blind spot. Failing to do so could lead to them backing up into a pedestrian, which could cause a traumatic pedestrian accident they could be held liable for.
Crowded Parking Lots Can Be Dangerous for Pedestrians
Another issue that could lead to pedestrian accidents in a parking lot is if there are a lot of people there. Congested parking lots can lead to a lot of traffic, with some drivers possibly committing negligent behavior. Pedestrians will not have a lot of space to walk to the establishment. Frustrations with how crowded it is could lead to negligent driving behavior, such as reckless driving, which could lead to a pedestrian accident.
How Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help With Your Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Pedestrian accidents can result in expensive damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and loss of enjoyment of life. Filing a pedestrian accident claim can help recover compensation for the economic, medical, and psychological fallout of the parking lot pedestrian accident.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you with the claims process, as they will have the experience to know how to handle the process properly. They will have experienced pedestrian claims processes before and can use that knowledge to inform the legal counsel plan.
They can assist you with collecting evidence to prove your claim, negotiating with an insurance company trying to deny, delay, or devalue your claim, or representing you in court.
Contact The Russo Firm for Help With Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
No one expects to suffer a severe injury like a traumatic brain injury (TBI) when they go to the grocery store to pick up a few items for dinner. However, negligent driving can cause that when a driver backs up into a pedestrian in a parking lot. At The Russo Firm, our pedestrian accident attorneys understand the pain, confusion, and suffering you can experience in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident.
We can help you recover compensation for your damages by offering personalized legal counsel, vast resources, and years of proven experience.
At The Russo Firm, our personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to victims of accidents, such as pedestrian accidents, to show how we can help them recover compensatory damages. Contact us for a free consultation today at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.