During the holidays, people flock to local grocery and retail stores. It is one of the busiest times of the year and the frantic pace of the season makes personal injuries more likely to happen. Parking lot car accidents in Oregon are one of the most common causes, resulting in serious harm to drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. To protect yourself and other shoppers, follow some simple precautions to reduce your risks.
No Minor Accident: Parking Lot Poses Major Risks
The holidays are bustling for all types of retailers, as people make frequent trips for food, gifts, and other items needed to celebrate the season. Unfortunately, this can increase personal injury risks, with parking lots being one of the places where accidents are most likely to happen. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 160,000 parking lot accidents occur each year and are particularly common during the holiday season.
When you think of parking lot accidents, you may associate them with minor fender benders, causing minimal damages or personal injuries. This is not the case. These crashes can cause serious and potentially life-threatening harm to victims while leaving at-fault drivers facing legal liability. Common types of parking lot crashes that pose the biggest risks include;
- Rear-end collisions when backing out of space;
- Head-on crashes while navigating parking lot lanes or pulling out onto local roads;
- Pedestrian parking lot accidents, in which children are particularly vulnerable;
- Parking lot accidents involving motorcycles, bicyclists, and other road users.
Ways To Prevent Parking Lot Accidents In Portland During The Holidays
As a motorist, be aware that the same rules apply in parking lots as they do on other roads. You are required to adhere to posted speed limits, obey all traffic signs and signals, and take other precautions to prevent car accidents from happening. Aside from following traffic regulations, other steps that reduce parking lot accident risks include:
- Pay attention: Be alert to what is going on around you, both when driving or walking through parking lots.
- Never assume other drivers see you: Be particularly cautious when walking behind vehicles or crossing lanes;
- Be considerate of pedestrians: Give them the right of way and be alert for unexpected behavior, such as walking in front of vehicles;
- Consider backing into spaces: While this can be somewhat more difficult and time consuming, it is safer when pulling out.
If a parking lot accident does happen, do not downplay the situation. To protect your rights in filing a claim, State Farm Insurance advises notifying police, getting contact and vehicle information from the driver, and seeking medical care right away, regardless of the severity of the crash or your injuries.
Contact Our Portland Car Accident Attorneys
Parking lot accidents are common over the holidays and can result in serious personal injuries. At the Johnston Law Firm, we help you get the compensation you deserve. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland car accident attorneys online and request a consultation today.