You don’t think much of it, but you probably walk through parking lots almost every day of your life. This happens after you park your car at work in the morning (and when you leave). It also happens when you visit the grocery store or shopping mall. And that’s just the start.
While it doesn’t necessarily seem like a dangerous place, parking lot accidents injure and kill many people every year. And for that reason, you must know how to protect yourself. Here’s what you should do:
- Keep your head on a swivel: The most challenging part of navigating a parking lot is that cars are driving every possible direction. And in many cases, they aren’t obeying the law. For example, someone may drive the wrong way down a one-way aisle in order to secure an empty spot close to the building.
- Watch where you walk: If possible, walk on a designated sidewalk or directly behind parked vehicles.
- Watch for parked vehicles: Parked vehicles are just as dangerous as those that are moving. As you navigate the lot, watch for anyone who may be backing out of their space.
Even at a low rate of speed, you won’t win in a collision with a motor vehicle. This type of accident can result in many types of injuries, ranging from paralysis to broken bones.
If you’re injured as a pedestrian in a parking lot accident, stay where you are, call for help and seek immediate medical treatment. Once stabilized, you can collect evidence, file an insurance claim and begin the process of seeking compensation from the negligent party.
