Things to know about parking lot car accidents
Tennessee sees its fair share of auto accidents. In 2016, reports from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security indicate that over 50,000 injuries took place in the state.
When many people think of motor vehicle accidents, they assume a grand collision that takes place on a freeway. In contrast, a decent amount of collisions take place in parking lots. These types of impacts may not seem too severe. Many drivers even assume they do not have to exchange contact information. However, it is always good to see a doctor no matter how severe the collision seems because drivers can sustain serious injuries even if the cars are not moving that fast.
What injuries can occur?
People sustain the same injuries from car accidents in parking lots as ones on highways. These include:
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Lacerations and burns
- Fractured or broken bones
- Damage to nerves
- Traumatic brain injuries
The truth is that while a vehicle may look fine after a collision, the human body is another matter entirely. You should think of it this way: when you drive through a parking lot at 15 miles per hour and suddenly stop when you hit a car, your body just went from moving at 15 mph to 0 mph. That is significant, and it can still result in whiplash and other complications.
How can drivers reduce the likelihood of an accident?
It is vital for drivers to remain aware of the most common accidents to occur in a lot. Two cars can strike one another when they are both backing out at the same time. Another common incident occurs when a car backs out of a spot only to hit a car coming down the parking lane. It is particularly critical for drivers in parking lots to keep an eye out for pedestrians. It may be best for people to park far away from the entrance of the building to stay away from the more hectic areas of the parking lot.