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During the busy holiday season from Thanksgiving weekend through December, Southwest Florida’s parking lots are going to be full of distracted drivers. The combination of these drivers and the many pedestrians going to and from stores can be dangerous. Accidents can result in injuries and even deaths, even though vehicles may be driving slowly in the parking lots.

Many parking lot accidents take place under the following conditions:

• A driver pulls out of a parking space into traffic.
• Two drivers pull out at the same time.
• Two vehicles attempt to pull into the same space.
• Vehicles collide at an intersection with a stop sign.

Distraction is a primary cause of parking lot accidents. The National Safety Council (NSC) took an opinion poll in which 66 percent of drivers nationwide said they would make phone calls while driving through parking lots. They also responded they would:

• Program GPS systems (63 percent)
• Text (56 percent)
• Use social media (52 percent)
• Send or receive emails (50 percent)
• Take photos or watch videos (49 percent)

NSC wants to remind drivers to:

• Stay in lanes and avoid cutting across lots.
• Drive slowly and use directional signals.
• Anticipate the actions of other drivers.
• Obey stop signs and no-parking signs.
• When backing out, be mindful of vehicles and pedestrians.
• Watch for small children and parents with baby strollers. 

When parking lot accidents happen in Florida, responsibility may become a factor. Responsibility may be determined based on the following:

• A driver pulls out of a parking space into traffic – The driver in the lane of traffic has the right of way, so the driver pulling out of the parking space into traffic will most likely be held liable.

• Two drivers pull out at the same time - Since both vehicles are moving, unless there is evidence of negligence on the part of one driver, the responsibility may be shared by both drivers involved in the accident.
• If two vehicles are pulling into the same parking space, the fault will be determined on which driver had the right-of-way.
• Vehicles collide at an intersection with a stop sign – Investigation will need to be conducted to determine which vehicle is at fault.

“Should you or a loved one be injured because of the negligence of another, please contact our experienced legal team after seeking medical attention. Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. represents people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. We are available to assist you 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.