Drivers may only be going a few miles an hour when driving through parking lots. However, even a low-speed collision can cause serious injuries. A fender bender may not seem serious enough to go to the hospital but a day later, the extent of the injury may be more clear. 

After an injury accident in Colorado, the injury victim should seek immediate medical attention. Contact an experienced Colorado rideshare accident attorney for help recovering damages after your accident. 

Car Accidents in Parking Lots

Most drivers have at least had a few close calls when driving through a parking lot. Other drivers may be distracted by their phones and not watch out for other drivers. Drivers backing out may not notice an approaching car in their blind spot. Drivers can also get very aggressive in trying to get a parking spot when a shopping mall is busy. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle crashes that happen off the public roads are known as “nontraffic crashes.” This includes single-vehicle collisions and two-vehicle crashes in parking lots and parking garages. An average of 1,621 people were killed each year in nontraffic vehicle accidents. An average of 91,000 people are injured in nontraffic motor vehicle crashes. 

Distracted Driving in a Parking Lot 

One of the common causes of parking lot accidents is distracted driving. Many drivers do not follow the same rules of the road when they are looking for a parking spot. According to the National Safety Council, 66% of drivers polled said they would make phone calls while driving through a parking lot. Other distractions include texting, sending emails, watching videos, or entering in map directions. 

Parking lots may be even more dangerous during the holidays. The shopping center parking lots are crowded with shoppers. Drivers may be thinking about all the Christmas shopping they have to do and not be watching for pedestrians cutting through the parking lot. Shorter days during winter and snowy conditions may also make it harder to drive safely under pressure.  

Parking Lot Accident Injuries

When a driver gets into a car accident at a low speed, they can still be injured. Injuries to the head, neck, and back are some of the most common slow-speed injuries. Many of these injuries take time to develop and the injury victim won't even notice them right after the crash. It may take hours or days before the pain gets worse and movement is limited. If there is any risk of a head or neck injury, make sure you see your doctor right away.

Tips After a Parking Lot Accident in Denver

After a minor fender bender, some drivers decide not to report the crash and just pay for any repairs out of pocket. However, you should always get the contact information of the other driver after a crash. If you end up suffering an injury, you will generally have to report the accident to your insurance company to get coverage for your medical bills. 

If you were injured in a traffic accident in Boulder, Arvada, or anywhere in the Denver area, contact our office today at 303-642-8888 for a free consultation. We are here waiting for you.