Parking lot accidents are more common than you may believe. According to information provided by the National Safety Council (NSC), there are about 50,000 parking lot accidents each year nationwide that result in more than 60,000 injuries and 500 fatalities. While these statistics are alarming, a new trend may make parking lots even more dangerous and increase the number of parking lot accidents.
Distracted Driving in Parking Lots
The NSC said that two in three drivers might be distracted while driving in parking lots. Because of the number of cars moving in very close proximity to each other and the number of pedestrians in parking lots, being distracted while driving through a parking lot is extremely dangerous. The risk of an accident increases substantially when a driver is not focused on the task of driving.
According to the poll conducted by the NSC, respondents said they were engaged in the following activities while driving in parking lots:
- 66% make phone calls
- 63% would program their GPS
- 56% send, receive, or read text messages
- 50% send or read emails
- 52% use social media
- 49% watch videos or take photographs
- 43% use their smartwatch
- 43% surf the internet
- 42% are engaged in a video chat
The distracted driving in parking lots may be due in part to the driver feeling “safer” because he is not on a road or traveling at a high rate of speed. However, a crash in a parking lot can be just as deadly as a crash on the interstate. Distracted driving, regardless of the location of the vehicle, is deadly and preventable.
Preventing Distracted Driving Accidents
The best way to prevent distracted driving is to put down the cell phone, don’t use electronic devices, and focus 100 percent of your attention on the road in front of you. For information on how you can reduce your risk for a distracted driving accident, visit the Distracted Driving page on the AAA Exchange website. Parents can find information and tips for helping their teen drivers prevent distracted driving from Distraction.Gov.
What Should I Do If I Am in A Parking Lot Accident?
If you are involved in a parking lot accident, you should treat it like any other motor vehicle accident. Call 911 for police and emergency medical services. Take photographs of the accident scene and obtain contact information for any eyewitnesses, if you are able to do so without causing yourself additional injury or placing yourself in danger. As soon as possible, seek medical attention, regardless of the severity of your injuries. It is always best to be checked by your doctor after any accident.
Don’t discuss the accident or post pictures on social media. Before speaking to the insurance adjuster for the other driver, contact an experienced New Orleans parking lot accident attorney to discuss your options for receiving compensation for your injuries.
Contact a New Orleans Parking Lot Accident Attorney Today
Our attorneys offer free consultations and no-obligation case evaluations for victims and their families. We encourage you to take advantage of the free consultation to obtain information about your legal rights and obtain legal advice regarding your case before accepting any settlement or providing any statements to the other driver’s insurance company.
Call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule your free consultation.