Winter Weather Increases Baltimore Parking Lot Accident Risks
As people come and go and drivers jockey for space, Baltimore parking lots are crowded year-round. Unfortunately, this makes them among the most common places for accidents, and the risks increase dramatically during the winter season.
Ice, snow, slush, and limited visibility pose serious hazards. Add in distracted driving, speeding, and other reckless behaviors, and what would otherwise be a minor fender bender can end up causing serious harm. Our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers help injured Baltimore residents get compensation and hold negligent drivers and property owners accountable.
Parking Lot Accidents in Baltimore Impact Motorists and Pedestrians
Parking lots may not seem inherently dangerous, but they are among the most likely places for a crash, causing serious harm to other drivers, their passengers, and pedestrians.
Decreased daylight hours during winter, combined with freezing rain, snow, or other adverse conditions, increase the risk, but reckless driving is often ultimately responsible. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that driver distraction is a common cause. Other dangerous driving behaviors that often play a role in Baltimore parking lot accidents include:
- Speeding through parking lots and going too fast for winter conditions;
- Racing to pull into spaces;
- Not looking before pulling out of a parking spot;
- Failing to yield to pedestrians or other motorists near store entrances or exits.
Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to these crashes and, even at low speeds, may suffer concussions, multiple broken bones, internal bleeding, and spinal cord injuries.
How To Protect Yourself Against Baltimore Parking Lot Accident Injuries
Throughout the winter months (and really, at any time of year), be cautious when navigating parking lots. Crashes happen in a split second and can cause harm for years afterward. When reckless drivers are responsible, you have the right to hold them responsible. Property owners may also be liable if they fail to address ice, snow, or other dangerous conditions.
Under the Maryland Statutes, you have up to three years to file an injury claim. To protect yourself and your rights to compensation for your losses, take these steps if a Baltimore parking lot accident happens:
- Notify the police and property owner or store manager immediately, and request a written report.
- Document everything, taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and snow or ice buildup.
- Get names and contact numbers for any witnesses.
- Avoid downplaying your injuries and get checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Parking lot accident injuries may appear relatively minor at first but can impact you for months or even years to come. Contact our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers before speaking to insurers.
Request a Consultation With an Experienced Maryland Parking Lot Accident Lawyer Today
Parking lot accidents in Baltimore are common during the winter and can cause devastating injuries. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we represent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians hurt in these crashes, helping them get the maximum amount they need to recover.
You have one chance to get the compensation you deserve. To hold those at fault accountable, contact our office and request a consultation with an experienced Maryland car accident lawyer today.
Sources:
nsc.org/road/safety-topics/distracted-driving/parking-lot-safety?srsltid=AfmBOorqzVHjKJEPY-Zal8YwU37aenMBazXFvacqPkW8uh9AIe8XZ11r
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=5-101
