Running errands is one of the regular, normal activities many people have on their to-do list each week. They often want to get in and out of stores quickly and may not consider that in their rush, they could cause an accident.
Common accidents
While a parking lot might seem relatively safe, a person who is not paying attention can easily hit another car or a person, causing significant damage to the vehicle and serious injuries to the victim.
Accidents can happen when the driver backs out of a parking space and does not look for a car or person behind him or her. Even though many modern vehicles have back-up cameras already installed, there are many people on the road who drive older models without this technology. Children can be especially susceptible to serious injuries from back-up accidents.
Accidents can also happen when a driver goes through a stop sign, drives around a waiting vehicle or travels faster than the posted speed limit in the parking lot. Pedestrians can also be seriously injured if they are hit walking through the parking lot’s crosswalk.
Injuries and documentation
Injuries can range from cuts and bruises to broken bones or fractures. Unfortunately, even minor injuries can cause a person to lose time from work and incur medical expenses. In addition to physical injuries, the victim may have to pay for expensive car repairs.
It’s important for the victim to seek medical attention if needed and to document the accident whenever possible. This may include taking photos of the accident, asking witnesses to provide statements, filing a report with the police and documenting the other driver’s name, license plate number, insurance information and type of vehicle.
If a person has been in a car accident, there is help available to file a claim for compensation.