Auto Accidents and Parking Lots: More Serious Than You Think
The team at the Tawwater Law Firm does not take any sort of incident or accident for granted. Our Oklahoma lawyers know that even minor car accidents can result in injuries and property damage, and that should never be taken for granted.
With that in mind, we would like to turn our attention to collisions that occur in parking lots and parking garages, which can be more serious than you think.
Low-Speed Collisions Can Be Serious
Many people are rightfully concerns about the dangers of high-speed collisions. The force generation from such kinds of crashes can lead to major injuries and even death. Yet even though these collisions can be quire serious, it's important that patients not take low-speed accidents lightly.
While major harm seems less likely, a bad bump even at low speeds can cause serious injury to the neck, spine, and other parts of the body. This is worth noting for the elderly in particular, who are more vulnerable to injury as a result of advanced age. Even in a parking lot or a parking garage, the situation may be more dangerous than you think.
Collisions Due to Inattentiveness
One of the most common causes of auto accidents while in a parking lot or a parking garage is inattentiveness. Drivers may be distracted in their car as they are backing out of a space, pulling into a space, or simply traveling along part of the lot. When not paying attention, they may strike other vehicles or even pedestrians walking through the area.
Texting While Driving in a Parking Lot/Garage
On the note of distraction and inattentiveness, many accidents are the result of drivers texting while they are behind the wheel. The temptation to do this is high in parking lots and parking garages since people travel at slow speeds, but the level of distraction when people text is severe, and it makes bumps and collisions far more likely. Never text while you are behind the wheel.
Poor Parking Lot/Garage Layout
Sometimes the parking lot or parking garage accident has less to do with driver errors and more to do with the nature of the space. The layout of the parking area may be poor, resulting in tight turns, narrow spaces, blind turns, dim lighting, and very difficult maneuvering. In these cases, property owners may be accountable for collisions.
Issues with Property Damage
Property damage tends to be the most common issue related to parking lot and parking garage auto accidents. Dents, scratches, and even serious structural damage may occur while at low speeds depending on the nature of the accident.
Injuries from Low-Speed Auto Accidents
While serious and life-threatening injuries are uncommon from low-speed accidents, bruises, sprains, and cuts can happen. Sudden rear-end collisions, even at low speeds, can potentially result in whiplash, which can affect the mobility and flexibility of the neck.
What to Do If a Parking Lot Accident Occurs
If an accident in a parking lot occurs, be sure to speak with any security staff on duty. Exchange information with the other motorist or motorists involved the collision. Take photos and/or video of the collision's aftermath as evidence. Finally, be sure to speak with any witnesses and get their information as well.
Speak with the Tawwater Law Firm About Your Auto Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, it's important that you contact our personal injury law firm today. The legal team at Tawwater Law Firm will fight diligently for you in your time of legal need.
