Parking lot accidents may seem insignificant, but they happen more frequently than many understand. From fender benders to door dings, they can result in costly repairs and insurance claims. This blog aims to explore the causes, preventive tips, and statistics of parking lot accidents in Vancouver. Reborn Autobody is a specialized repair shop that can perform repairs regarding parking lot accidents as efficiently and quickly as possible. 
The Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents in Vancouver
Parking lots can also be potential places for car accidents, particularly in highly populated areas. The most common causes of parking lot accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the main causes of parking lot accidents. With the emergence of smartphones, more and more people are using their phones while behind the wheel, even when driving in a parking lot. This puts them and other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in danger.
- Careless Driving: Parking lots usually have scant spaces and cramped lanes, making it easy for drivers to become hostile and careless. This can involve speeding, weaving via parked cars, not following traffic signs or signals, and stopping other drivers. These actions tremendously raise the risk of accidents in parking lots.
- Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting is another common cause of parking lot accidents, particularly at night. Without adequate lighting, drivers may have problems seeing passengers or other vehicles, resulting in accidents and injuries.
- Lack of Maintenance: Parking lots that are not maintained well can also pose a serious threat to drivers. Potholes, cracks in the pavement, and debris can cause drivers to lose control of their cars and get involved in accidents. It is the parking lot owner’s duty to ensure that their lot is maintained well to prevent accidents.
- Pedestrians: Parking lots can be perilous for pedestrians as well. With so many cars in a limited space, it’s not strange for drivers to fail to notice or ignore pedestrians, resulting in injuries and even fatalities. Pedestrians should always utilize specific walkways and crosswalks, and drivers should be careful with any pedestrians in the area.
- Lack of Consciousness: In busy parking lots, drivers may concentrate on finding a parking area or exiting rapidly, causing them to ignore their surroundings. This lack of consciousness can result in accidents with other cars or pedestrians. Drivers must always stay aware and conscious when driving in a parking lot.
Parking Lot Accidents Statistics
Distracted behaviors typically result in serious collisions in parking lots. These accidents number in the hundreds of thousands every year, and the number increases during the holidays.
- One in five car accidents happen in parking lots
- Parking lots can be hot spots for accident
- Many people are injured in parking lots annually
- Parking lot accidents rise in number during the holiday shopping season
Does ICBC Insurance Cover Parking Lot Accidents in Vancouver?
Yes, ICBC insurance does cover parking lot accidents in Vancouver. If you’re found at fault, your Basic Autoplan will take care of the damage to the other person’s vehicle or property, as well as any injuries. If you’ve got optional collision coverage, it will also help cover the repairs to your own car. Even though parking lots are private property, ICBC handles these claims just like any other accident on the road. It’s always a good idea to report the accident, no matter how small it seems. 
How to Prevent Parking Lot Accidents?
Since cars and pedestrians in parking lots can move abruptly, unpredictably, and at different speeds, changing course suddenly and often without looking, you can’t be too cautious. Motorists would be well advised to obey all rules and safely move through a parking lot. To prevent parking lot accidents, it is necessary to follow preventive measures:
- Follow the indication of traffic: Most parking lots are equipped with signs showing traffic flow. Drivers should pay attention to them and maintain a reasonable speed.
- Be cautious and patient: One reason parking lot accidents occur is drivers are too quick to get in their cars and arrive at traffic. Motorists should be patient and wait.
- Ensure your vehicle is ready: A clear 360-degree view is particularly significant in a parking lot. In bad weather, motorists should ensure windows are free from obstacles on all sides.
What to Do If Someone Hits Your Vehicle in a Parking Lot?
If someone else hits your vehicle in a parking lot, you can act as follows:
- Do not leave the scene: You must remain at the accident scene until you have shared information with the other driver and, if required, with the police.
- Communicate with any witnesses: If there are any witnesses here, ask for their names and phone numbers. This information can be useful in case of a dispute or if you must file a claim with your insurance company.
- Contact your insurance company: You need to contact your insurance company as immediately as possible to let them know about the accident. They will inform you of the next steps, like fixing your car or filing a claim.
- File a hit-and-run accident claim: If the other driver does not remain at the accident scene, you are allowed to file a hit-and-run claim with your insurance company. This type of claim can help compensate for the cost of repairs to your car and any medical expenses you must pay due to the accident.
Conclusion
Parking lot accidents are common issues, but you can decrease the risk of them by knowing their causes and taking preventive measures. It is important to be alert, drive carefully, and be aware of pedestrians and other cars. In addition, you need to check your insurance coverage to ensure suitable protection in case of an incident. By taking these preventive measures, you can move through parking lots safely and safeguard yourself from the potential financial and emotional complications of parking lot accidents.
FAQs
1. What type of crashes happen most often in parking lots?
The most common types of parking lot accidents include baking-up collisions, T-bone accidents, fender benders, head-on collisions, pedestrian accidents, card incidents, multiple vehicle chain reactions, slips, trips, falls, hit-and-runs, vehicle theft, or break-ins.
2. How do you make a parking lot safe?
To make a parking lot safe, it is important to use ample lighting, install access control, practice impeccable facility maintenance, hire guard patrols, implement surveillance systems, install phones and panic buttons, and use clear signage.
3. Are parking lot accidents 50-50 in Vancouver?
It is a common misconception that all parking lot incidents are considered 50-50 faults. This is not true. Fault for a parking lot accident is decided on a case-by-case basis. While some parking lot accidents are hard to determine fault, it’s decided according to the details and causes of the accident.
