By Ashley Jones


Unfortunately, parking lot accidents can and do happen from time to time. It's important to realize that they can affect your car insurance premiums just as much as any other accident. Parking lot accidents tend to be reported less since frequently since they are usually relatively minor incidents, but they can be every bit as significant to your driving and insurance records.

If you are in a parking lot accident it can often be hard to know who is at fault " in other words, who caused the accident. Parking lot rules are not as well known on the roads as usual road rules, these are some of the most common rules that you should keep in mind when driving in a parking lot to avoid accidents.

1. Drivers in a thoroughfare (a lane that directly exits onto a road or highway) have the right of way over a driver in a feeder lane. A feeder lane is a lane in a parking lot that does not directly exit onto a road or highway, such as the lane between two rows of parked cars. So, for example, if you were in a feeder lane turning into the lane that leads directly to the parking lot exit, you must wait for any traffic in that lane to pass before turning.

2. Drivers who are in parking spaces are responsible to yield to other traffic. This means that whether you are pulling in or out of a parking space, you should check your surroundings carefully to make sure there is no other traffic.

3. If you are driving your vehicle, you are automatically at fault if you collide with a legally parked car. No matter the circumstance, if you hit a legally parked vehicle, you are at fault. On the other hand, if the car is parked illegally, the driver of that car could be at fault.

4. You are responsible to follow all signs and rules in the parking lot that you are driving in. Because it is private property, the laws of the parking lot are also your laws while you are there. Follow all of their traffic signs to avoid getting into trouble.

5. If you hit the open door of a car, the driver who opened the door is at fault. It is the responsibility of the person opening a car door to ensure that there is no traffic approaching before they do so.

What are the steps you need to take after a parking lot accident?

A parking lot accident should be handled the same as any other accident. Any accident with over $1,000 in damage should still be reported to the police. Some people choose to pay for the accident out of their pocket without informing their insurance company, but this approach can backfire. Your insurance company is within their right to cancel your insurance policy if you fail to report and accident. In addition, if you have a cancelled policy on your record, it makes it much more difficult to find affordable insurance at another company. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Most people drive in parking lots almost every day. Now you know some of the rules of parking lots and can start driving safer and more aware while you are in them and doing all you can to avoid a wreck during your daily errands and commute. Yield where appropriate and be courteous always, this will keep your parking lot driving safe and simple.




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