How Common Are Parking Lot Accidents in Illinois?

 Posted on April 30, 2021 in Car Accidents

When most people think of car accidents, they usually picture a crash scene on a road or highway. Many people would be surprised to learn that one out of every five car accidents occurs in a parking lot or parking garage. Another surprising statistic is that just under 15 percent of all vehicle accidents that end up causing damage also take place in parking lot crashes. In fact, according to data gathered by the National Safety Council, more than 500 victims die and another 60,000 are injured in the more than 50,000 vehicle accidents that take place in parking lots and garages each year.

Distracted Driving

One of the most common causes of parking lot accidents is distracted driving. This is usually because once a driver pulls into a parking lot, they tend to let their guard down. They are often not as focused on their driving as they would be if they were driving on a street. Instead, they become more focused on finding a parking space. Studies show that driving at the low rate of speed required in parking lots often gives drivers a false sense of security, making them feel they do not have to be as careful and alert to what is going on around them as they would when traveling on streets and highways.  

Many drivers also tend to grab and check their cell phones once they pull into a parking lot, even if they have not yet found a space and parked. One major survey found that more than 65 percent of drivers felt comfortable making a call on their phone while driving in a parking lot, while half of those drivers said they would feel comfortable texting and checking their social media while driving in a lot.

Yet, multiple studies have also shown that it is just as dangerous to engage in distracted driving behaviors while traveling at 15 m.p.h. as it is at 50 m.p.h.

Determining Fault

It can sometimes be difficult to determine who was at fault in a parking lot accident. For example, if two vehicles were attempting to pull into one space at the same time and crashed, which driver is liable for damages? That is why many victims turn to a Hyde Park car accident attorney for legal assistance. An attorney can examine the evidence and investigate the circumstances of the crash to help prove which driver was negligent and, therefore, responsible for any losses the victim suffers as a result of the accident.

A skilled attorney can also deal with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, ensuring that any settlement offers are fair and just to the victim. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize the amount of compensation they pay to victims, and an insurer may even try to deny a claim completely.

Let a South Side of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Help

If you have been injured in a parking lot accident because of a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more. Contact Kadzai Law Group, LLC to schedule a free consultation with one of our seasoned Chicago parking lot accident attorneys. Call 312-229-0050 today.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/811555.pdf

https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/distracted-driving/parking-lot-safety