California Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lots can be very dangerous places for pedestrians and accidents may happen when you least expect them. Those who walk through parking lots often find that a parking lot is not a very pedestrian-friendly place. Drivers often move through parking lots at a higher rate of speed than they should, and distractions are common. Parking Lot Accident Statistics According to the National Safety Council, each year there are more than 50,000 accidents in garage structures and parking lots. More than 60,000 people are injured in this way and there are over 500 deaths. The fact that people are driving at a slow rate of speed in a parking lot doesn’t lessen the danger to pedestrians. Driving slowly may lead to a false sense of security and causes people to think it’s ok to text while driving or talk on their cell phones. A public opinion poll taken by the National Safety Council revealed that over 60 percent of people polled said they would make calls or program GPS systems while driving through a parking lot. Parking Lot Dangers for Pedestrians Distracted driving isn’t the only thing that makes walking through a parking lot dangerous for pedestrians. Accidents may happen because a pedestrian slips and falls in front of an oncoming car, which could be caused by a variety of reasons including wet or icy roads. Other hazards that drivers may encounter in parking lots that may cause an accident include: Potholes Poor lighting Inadequate pavement markings Puddles or ice Debris Not enough signage Other drivers who may be negligent or aggressive Large parking lots can be especially dangerous to pedestrians who may have to navigate around quite a few moving vehicles on the way to their own. Whenever possible, pedestrians should try to park in well-lit spots that are as close to the store or another place of business they are visiting. Safety Tips for Pedestrians When you are walking in a parking lot, you can’t assume drivers are going to be paying attention or driving safely. You have to take responsibility for staying safe to the best of your ability. Some safety tips to keep in mind include: Stay hypervigilant at all times. This means you should avoid being focused on your phone or plugged in listening to music which drowns out your surroundings. Treat a parking lot like a busy street. Look all around before proceeding, and stay on sidewalks whenever possible. Don’t assume drivers can see you. Even drivers that are trying to be completely responsible may have the sun in their eyes or have difficulty seeing you in poor lighting. If you can see or hear a vehicle coming, get out of the way. Walk in groups whenever you can. Keep control of children and strollers. Avoid walking in the middle of the parking lot aisles. Elderly people may also need assistance recognizing an impending danger such as a speeding driver. Don’t try to race in front of cars assuming you can beat them. If You Are Injured in a Parking Lot Accident Even when you do everything you can to be careful, accidents happen. If you have been injured in a California parking lot accident caused by the negligence or aggression of a driver, an expert in the field of personal injury law can help you understand your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact Kuvara Law Firm by filling out the contact form on this page. One of our skilled lawyers will get back to you very soon to discuss what happened and to find out how we can help.
How to stay safe as a pedestrian
Although many of us are drivers, we are also all pedestrians. We are therefore at some risk of injury from a car whenever we are walking in close proximity to a moving vehicle, and that probably includes all of us at some point every day. This blog will provide a brief introduction to pedestrian accidents, how it can be prevented, and who is most at risk. The dangers Pedestrians are at a surprisingly high risk of being in an accident involving a car. In 2015, for example, 5,376 pedestrians were killed due to traffic crashes. This is a worrying number and justifies the need to take every precaution possible to prevent pedestrian accidents. What’s more, during each trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than a passenger sitting in a moving vehicle to be killed by a car. Who is at risk? Those who are often involved in an accident are those who are visually impaired or have reduced mobility. Therefore, most at risk are older people, namely those who are over the age of 65. In fact, 19 percent of all pedestrian deaths in 2015 were people over the age of 65. Pedestrians who are impaired by alcohol or other drugs are also more at risk. How can pedestrian accidents be prevented? The good news is that pedestrian accidents and injuries can be prevented. Visibility can be increased at night by carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective clothing. Make sure that you are always walking on the sidewalk, and if a sidewalk is not available, always face oncoming traffic and walk on the shoulder of the road. Source: CDC, “Pedestrian safety,” accessed Aug. 10, 2017
Pedestrian dies in first fatal accident of 2017
A pedestrian died last month in West Sacramento after being hit by a truck. It was the city’s first traffic fatality of the year. The accident happened on Tuesday, May 30, around 10:30 p.m. on West Capital Avenue. Events unfolded when two westbound vehicles, a truck and a car, collided. The impact of the collision caused the truck to careen into a bus stop, striking a woman waiting there. A sergeant with the West Sacramento Police Department said that the unidentified pedestrian died at the accident scene. The person driving the car suffered minor injuries and was taken from the scene to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the truck, a 23-year-old West Sacramento resident, was charged with driving under suspension and suspicion of driving under the influence (felony). Any time a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the individual who gets hit is at risk of suffering serious or even fatal injuries. The sheer disparity of the pedestrian’s weight and size compared to a vehicle makes the odds decidedly not in his or her favor. Even when those who get hit escape with their lives, recovery from the injuries they suffer can be a long and grueling process. Multiple surgeries are commonly needed to repair extensive damage, followed by intense, painful rehab. Many suffer permanent damage, meaning that they may not be able to return to work in the capacity they formerly managed, if at all. With all the medical bills pedestrians face after an accident, this can be devastating. But pedestrians are not without legal recourse after being injured in an accident. A California personal injury attorney may be able to provide guidance and advice on the options that are available. Source: The Sacramento Bee, “First fatal crash of year in West Sacramento claims life of pedestrian,” Bill Lindelof, May 31, 2017
