Parking Lot Rear End Accidents: An Everyday Risk
Do you have a “bad” parking lot that you visit regularly? Modern automotive infrastructure makes parking facilities an absolute necessity virtually everywhere. But topography, land ownership, and economic factors often mean that parking lots and garages are often constructed in in bespoke, irregular formats. This can mean strange traffic flow patterns, tight turns, and, inevitably, fender-benders. Certain parking lots or garages enter local folklore as notorious for their risk of an accident. In these circumstances where sudden stops are frequent. The slow pace of progress may lull drivers into a false sense of security. Rear-end accidents are especially common. Today’s Malloy Law blog post will examine parking lot rear end accidents. Read on for the full story.
Who is At Fault in a Parking Lot Rear End Accident?
Generally speaking, the trailing driver in a rear end collision will be at fault for the accident most of the time. Even in parking lots, drivers have a legal obligation to maintain a safe following distance behind the car in front of them. Failure to do so can be considered negligence. Even at very low speeds, it’s of the utmost importance to leave yourself sufficient distance to stop if the car in front of you is forced to slam on their brakes.
Steps to Take After An Accident
This is simply a general framework for assigning fault in rear end collisions. The insurance companies involved will still conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and draw their own conclusions. As we explored on the previous edition of this blog, factors such as distracted driving may prove pivotal. This means that the usual evidence-gathering that should be conducted after a crash shouldn’t be ignored. This includes:
- Call 911 – A police report will mean a hard record of your accident generated by an unbiased third-party source.
- Exchange Contact Details – Any drivers involved in the accident should exchange contact information along with insurance information.
- Take Pictures – Documenting the scene “as-is” in the immediate aftermath of the accident can be very useful to the relevant authorities.
- Collect Witness Statements – If any eyewitnesses are present at the scene of the accident, their testimony can prove invaluable. Collect their names and contact details if they seem cooperative.
Low-Speed Accident Injuries and the “Whiplash” Myth
The “good” news about parking lot rear end accidents is that they’ll generally cause only light damage to the vehicles involved. While dents and dings on the front and rear bumper of a car will affect its resale value, they generally won’t take it off the road for any extended period of time. However, just because an accident occurs at a low speed, this does not mean that there’s no risk of injury. Insurance companies, seeking to avoid just payment of compensation for injuries suffered, will often dismiss the neck and soft tissue injuries that are all too common in these types of accidents as “whiplash.” A skilled personal injury attorney will work with medical professionals to generate a full picture of your injuries and the appropriate compensation to support your recovery.
How Malloy Law Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a parking lot rear end accident, Malloy Law can help. Our experienced personal injury attorney team employs some of the DMV’s rear-end accident specialists. We advocate aggressively for our clients and deploy all possible means at our disposal to get the results you deserve. Our people-first, empathetic and individualized approach to law has yielded results time and time again. Don’t wait to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma, contact Malloy Law today and let’s win your case.
