Parking Lot Accident

When people hear of car accidents, what comes to mind is a crash on the road. Car crashes also happen in places such as garages or parking lots. Parking lots are sometimes busy too, especially where people are moving in and out of stores. Besides, these accidents are also common during winter when visibility decreases. In parking lots, it’s not always clear who has the right of way. While most of the accidents in parking lots are not severe, others have been known to cause severe injuries. If you have been involved in a parking lot accident, you need to know how to protect your rights and seek compensation.

Who Is At Fault During A Parking Lot Accident?

 While most people think that both drivers are always at fault, this is not true. The most challenging part of any parking lot accident is determining fault. But with the help of a car accident lawyer in Alaska, this can be easier. Typically, any car in the through lane is supposed to have the right of way. Any driver who approaches the through lanes from a parking lane should then yield the right of way to a driver in the through lane. If this doesn’t happen and the driver pulls out into a through the lane and hits a vehicle moving through the lane, the driver is at fault. However, there is an exception to this rule. If the driver moving in the through lane fails to yield or obey stop sign to cars exiting parking lanes, they might be held liable. The general rule is:

ü A driver in thoroughfare (path forming a route between two places) has the right of way over a vehicle in a feeder lane (a path that doesn’t lead directly to a road.

ü A feeder lane driver has the right of way over a vehicle pulling out of the parking lot.

 If you were in a busy parking lot and your car was hit and got damaged, you may consider looking for a car accident lawyer in Alaska to offer legal advice. The lawyer may also help to determine who is at fault in the parking lot car accident.

 Steps To Take After A Parking Lot Accident

Typically, when one is involved in a parking lot accident, they need to follow some necessary steps to ensure they secure their compensation. Even if you think the parking lot accident was minor, you should consider looking for the best attorneys in Wasilla to get legal advice on what you need to recover damages. In most cases, drivers who hit and damage other vehicles' cars in parking lots always leave a note under the windshield wiper. Whether this happens or not, one should take the below steps:

ü Check for damages on your car.

ü Call the police to obtain a formal police report. This is also vital in cases where there are injuries incurred. Be careful about what you say at the parking lot accident, as some statements may be used against you.

ü Take photos of the damaged vehicle; consider taking a snap of other cars nearby too.

ü Write done information such as the time you discovered the damages.

ü Talk to witnesses if any and write down any information they may have

   Taking pictures and gathering information is vital. The at-fault driver insurance company will try to deny their insured caused damage. Your car may be damaged and may incur much for the repair costs. You can consider looking for the best attorneys in Wasilla to get the compensation you need to repair your car.