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Parking lot accidents happen all the time. The combination of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, shopping carts, medians, and tight driving lanes make them a potential recipe for disaster.
Considering all the factors in play, it’s no surprise parking lot accidents happen. Parking lot accident statistics show they are more common than most realize. About 1 in 5 accidents happen in parking lots. Almost all of them are avoidable.
While most parking lot accidents are minor and involve low speed impact, they can still result in serious damage and injury.
Parking lot accidents can also have a big impact on your car insurance rates – a reason why many go unreported and parking lot hit and runs are common.
In this post, we will take a look at the types of parking lot accidents that occur, how fault is determined, rules, laws, tips to avoid these types of accidents, and answer common questions about parking lot accidents.
Since the accident happens on private property, and not on a public road, many people assume how you should react to a parking lot accident will be different.
Contrary to popular belief, parking lot accidents should be treated the same as any other accident.
If you are involved in an accident, check to make sure all parties involved are not injured. If they are injured, call for emergency assistance.
If the damage is more than the $2000 threshold in Ontario and Alberta, call the police and file a police report. Make sure you exchange information with all parties involved and notify your insurance company.
Follow the same steps as you would any other type of traffic accident :
Some drivers choose to pay for minor damage out of pocket. Even if you choose to pay for the damage, you are still required to notify your insurance company about the accident.
Parking lot accident fault is commonly misinterpreted. Just like any other auto accident, fault is determined on a case by case basis. Determining fault in a parking lot accident can be difficult due to the variety of factors in play.
Drivers in the traffic lane have the right of way over vehicles exiting parking spots. This is a key factor when determining fault. In some instances, one driver may be solely at fault, and in other situations, drivers share fault.
In general, if you collide with a legally parked vehicle, you are to blame for the at fault accident. Anyone who is exiting a parking spot must yield to vehicle driving down the lane. If you disobey a traffic sign and it results in an accident, you will most likely be found to be at fault. These fault determination are applicable in Ontario, Alberta and most other Canadian provinces.
There is a misconception that all parking lot accidents are considered to be 50-50 fault. This is not true. Fault for a parking lot accident is determined on a case by case basis. While some parking lot accidents are difficult to determine fault, its determined based on the details of the accident.
There are many common types of parking lot accidents that could happen. Here are some of the most common :
Yes. A parking lot accident is treated the same as an accident anywhere else. If reported, it will go on your driving record and it could impact your insurance rates. For this reason, many drivers choose not to report parking lot accidents.
We’ve all heard stories about vehicles getting hit in parking lots. Doors get dinged and bumpers scratched and dented all the time. There are two parking lot accident hit and run scenarios :
If you hit another vehicle in a parking lot and the other driver is not present, see if you can find the driver. If you cannot locate the driver, leave a note on the driver’s windshield. Provide them with your contact information so you can sort out the details. This will help you avoid a potential hit and run charge.
It’s also good karma. You’d want other drivers to leave a note if they hit your vehicle.
There is a certain set of rules, or parking lot right of way laws, that apply in parking lot accident situations :
Parking lots are busy places. You need to pay attention at all times to avoid accidents. Here are some tips to drive safe in parking lots :
Parking lot accidents are treated just like any other type of accident by insurance companies. They use the same rules to determine who the cause of the accident is and parking lot accidents can impact your car insurance rates if you are found to be at fault.
Yes. Just like any other accident. You should always notify your insurance company if you are involved in an accident in a parking lot. You are required to report all accidents to your insurer, even if you plan to pay for the damages out of pocket.
Here are some additional questions drivers frequently ask about parking lot accidents :
It’s estimated that approximately 20% (1 in 5) of all car accidents happen in parking lots.
Yes. Treat any parking lot accident in Alberta, or any other province as you would any traffic accident. Call for help if someone is injured, file a police report if damage exceeds $2000, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
In this instance, both parties are commonly found to have some fault in causing the car accident. The percentage each driver is found to be at fault will depend on the details of the situation.
Follow the same process as you would if you had an accident in the road. Do your best to locate the driver if they are not present. Leave a note with your contact information.
Yes. You can file a claim for a car accident in a parking lot. Parking lot accidents are treated the same as other types of traffic accidents.
It depends. If you are not at fault, your car insurance rates will not be impacted. If you are at fault, your rates will likely increase.
At Fault Accidents And Insurance In Ontario - What You Need To KnowParking Lot Accident : Who's At Fault? Driving Record, Insurance And Other FAQs
Jul 24, 2018
What Happens If You’re Involved In A Parking Lot Accident In Ontario?
Steps To Take If Involved In A Parking Lot Accident
Who's At Fault In A Parking Lot Accident?
Fault Determination In A Parking Lot Accident
Is An Accident In A Parking Lot 50 50?
Common Types of Parking Lot Accidents
Does A Parking Lot Accident Go On Your Driving Record?
Parking Lot Accidents and Hit and Runs
What To Do If You Are Involved In A Hit And Run Car Accident In A Parking Lot?
Parking Lot Accident Rules, Regulations and Laws
Tips To Avoid A Parking Lot Accident
Parking Lot Accidents and Car Insurance
Do I have To Notify My Insurance Company About A Parking Lot Accident?
Parking Lot Accident FAQs
How Many Accidents Occur In Parking Lots?
Is A Parking Lot Accident in Alberta Treated The Same As In Ontario?
What Is Parking Lot Accident Fault If Are Both Backing Up?
What Do You Do If You Hit A Car In The Parking Lot?
Can You Claim For Car Accident On Private Property?
Do My Insurance Rates Go Up If Someone Hits My Car?
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