Aurora Pedestrian Accidents in Parking Lots
Parking lot accidents are troublesome in the sense that drivers think they do not need to abide by the markings on the pavement within the parking lot. There are usually posted stop signs where pedestrians can cross safely. Too often, someone is in a hurry to get out of the parking lot and cuts across the parking spots.
When pedestrians are walking in and around a parking lot, they sometimes cut in between those markings. If a pedestrian comes out unexpectedly from their car, the driver may not see them. The driver may be traveling at a higher rate of speed because they are in a hurry to leave. The space in a parking facility is smaller, the reaction time, the time it takes to to slow down is longer, and the driver often does not see the pedestrian until it is too late. If someone has been injured in a parking lot due to a negligent driver, they should consult a qualified lawyer who has experience in cases involving Aurora pedestrian accidents in parking lots.
Parking Lots as Private Property
Parking lots are usually private property, meaning police officers will not come to the scene unless first responders arrive to provide first aid. Because both parties may think they are not at fault, there is usually a lot of disagreement about what caused the accident. The best way to combat that issue is to secure an independent witness if possible and contact the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. Although they may be hesitant to come out, it is in the person’s best interest to try to get someone to the scene of the accident.
Accidents while Exiting onto the Street
Aurora pedestrian accidents occur in parking lots when a driver does not pay attention to people using crosswalks. Their focus is getting their car out into the traffic. They are not looking for pedestrians because people on foot do not pose a threat to the vehicle. As a result, pedestrians are usually struck in those crosswalks. It takes only a split second for the driver to make a miscalculation, and the pedestrian could be seriously or fatally injured. That is why it is important for drivers to pay attention when exiting parking lots and driving onto the street.
Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Cars Backing Up
Motorists backing up have the same duty to ensure the safety of pedestrians as drivers on a roadway. With the technology available, many vehicles are equipped with safety features that alert drivers when someone is behind them or in their blind spots. This is an added feature but should not be relied on solely. The driver has a duty to ensure no one is behind them when they back up.
When some drivers back up, they become complacent because of the safety features in their car. They never really look in the rear-view mirror or the side view mirrors. They do not turn their entire body to look out the rear window. That can be a problem when the pedestrian is distracted and never sees the car backing up and the driver never sees the pedestrian. Computers and other electronics are not 100 percent fail-proof. The safety features on someone’s car can fail. The person has a duty to make sure that no one is behind the vehicle when they are backing up.
Impact of Distracted Pedestrians
Another potential problem is a distracted pedestrian walking behind a car that is backing up. Pedestrians may not pay attention to cars because they think a driver should be paying attention to them. The only saving grace in parking lot accidents or cars backing up is that the vehicles are not traveling at a high rate of speed. At a maximum, they might be going 10 miles per hour, and the driver can quickly stop a car traveling that slowly. There is a potential for the injuries to be severe, but usually, they are not. If an individual has been injured in a serious pedestrian accident, they should consult a qualified lawyer who could help. Aurora pedestrian accidents in parking lots can lead to serious injuries, which is why it is important for individuals to work with attorneys who could advocate for them.
