Who Has The Right Of Way In A California Parking Lot?

Automobile accidents can happen anywhere, even in the parking lot. Being aware of the right-of-way rules in a California parking lot will allow you to prevent an accident or, if an accident occurs, obtain the damages you are entitled to.

For help filing a personal injury claim for compensation, please reach out to an experienced California automobile accident attorney at Maire & Deedon today.

Who Has The Right Of Way In A California Parking Lot?

California parking lot rules indicate a basic instruction: a driver, who is currently in the traffic flow, has the right of way.

Just as an example, if you are driving in the main lane, then you have the right of way over other drivers who are pulling out of their parking spot.

Outside of that rule, here are some basic situations, and a series of rules that relate to them, that a driver might face when driving into or out of a California parking lot:

  • A driver who is exiting a parking space must stop, check for any incoming traffic, and then exit their parking space when they have the time and space needed to do so in a safe manner.
  • A driver who first arrives and then stops at an uncontrolled intersection has the right of way.
  • A driver who arrives at an uncontrolled intersection simultaneously with another driver must yield to the driver on the right.
  • A driver never has the right of way over a pedestrian in a parking lot.

 All of these situations, and the rules that underlie them, must be abided by.

What Are The Most Common Accidents That Occur In A Parking Lot?

A variety of accidents can occur in a parking lot. Some of the most common accidents that occur in a parking lot are as follows:

  • A distracted driver who is focused on finding a place to park clipping another car.
  • A distracted driver who is focused on finding a place to park clipping a pedestrian.
  • A rear-end collision due to sudden stopping.
  • A sharp turn in front of an oncoming vehicle leads to both cars colliding.
  • A collision that occurs due to a driver driving at an unsafe speed.

Every single one of these accidents is relatively common. Someone who is the victim of one of these accidents may become injured or, if they were driving, their vehicle may become damaged.

What Should You Do After A Parking Lot Accident?

Right after a parking lot accident, there are several things you must do. And, with that in mind, the things that you must do are as follows:

  • Take as many photographs of the scene as you possibly can.
  • Record the names, addresses, license numbers, and phone numbers of the other drivers and witnesses.
  • Obtain the other driver’s insurance information.
  • Tell your insurance company about the accident
  • Visit the doctor and obtain a medical diagnosis of the ways in which the accident has affected you.

You must also speak with an automobile accident attorney outside of those actions. By doing so, you can begin the process of obtaining the damages you are entitled to.

Speak With Our Northern California Automobile Accident Attorneys

You can, and should, obtain damages for the parking lot accident you have experienced. Speak with our Northern California automobile accident attorneys at Maire & Deedon, and we will assist you in obtaining the damages you are entitled to.