Car accidents can happen anywhere – including in parking lots. In fact, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), parking lot/garage incidents number in the tens of thousands annually. Despite low speed limits, distracted driving, speeding and other reckless driving behaviors are common in parking areas. Thus, it is important to take precautions while parking in order to avoid being involved in an accident. Here are a few tips our Bucks County auto accident lawyer recommends bearing in mind:
- Be sure to communicate your intentions to others – Many parking lot accidents happen as a result of miscommunication or lack of communication. Help others understand what you plan to do by using your turn signals and making eye contact with any drivers and pedestrians around before pulling in or backing up.
- Watch your speed – As you navigate parking lots, always be sure to drive at or below the posted speed limit. Still, remember that just going slow isn’t enough – you also need to keep your attention on what’s happening in front of you, not on your phone, radio or GPS.
- Set yourself up for a smooth exit – Whenever possible, you should “pull through” into a spot so as to give yourself the best possible visibility when you’re ready to leave. It’s also wise to park in a less crowded part of the lot or garage. Following this strategy will limit the number of other cars you encounter and thus reduce your chances of getting into an accident.
- Check twice before backing up – A backup camera is certainly a useful feature, but it shouldn’t be your only method of checking for people and cars around you. Also use your rearview mirror and look over your shoulder to confirm that it is safe to back out of a parking spot.
Following these simple guidelines from our auto accident lawyer in Bucks County will go a long way in helping you stay safe in parking lots. For more helpful accident avoidance tips, take a look at our post on fishing safety.
Heslin Law Firm Handles Auto Accident Cases of All Sorts
No matter how careful you are behind the wheel, there’s always a chance that you could be involved in an accident. If you are hurt in a parking lot accident or any other type of roadway incident, you can rely on our Bucks County auto accident attorney to offer the expert legal assistance you need and deserve.
Gary Heslin of the Heslin Law Firm is dedicated to seeking justice for accident victims and their families. When you hire Mr. Heslin – the auto accident lawyer Bucks County trusts – he will draw on his decades of legal experience to help you file a claim and seek a fair settlement. Further, he will level the playing field, making sure big insurance companies do not take advantage of you.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, contact the Heslin Law Firm to set up a free consultation. Our auto accident lawyer in Bucks County will sit down with you one-on-one to discuss the details of your case and advise you on how to best proceed.