Black Friday brings an increase in parking lot activity at busy shopping centers like Boise Towne Square and The Village at Meridian. Unfortunately, this leads to a rise in accidents. Understanding fault, using camera footage, and knowing the claims process are crucial in ensuring you’re prepared if you’re involved in a parking-lot collision.
The Risks of Parking-Lot Collisions on Black Friday 
Parking lot accidents may seem less severe than highway collisions, but the high volume of vehicles and pedestrians on Black Friday makes them particularly dangerous. Boise Towne Square and The Village at Meridian, two of the most popular shopping destinations in Boise and Meridian, become a hotspot for these types of incidents during the holiday season. With shoppers rushing to take advantage of Black Friday deals, drivers often overlook basic safety measures, increasing the risk of parking lot collisions.
Though these collisions are often low-speed accidents, the aftermath can be stressful. Questions arise about who’s at fault, whether there’s sufficient evidence to support your claims, and how to handle the insurance process. In this post, we’ll discuss the common causes of parking lot collisions, how fault is determined, how camera footage can help strengthen your case, and how to navigate the claims process after an accident in Boise or Meridian.
Common Causes of Parking-Lot Collisions During Black Friday
Parking lots are inherently tricky spaces to navigate, even without the added stress of a busy shopping day like Black Friday. When you combine limited space, distracted drivers, and impatient pedestrians, collisions are almost inevitable. Here are some of the most common causes of parking lot accidents:
Reversing Without Properly Checking for Obstacles
One of the most common accidents that occur in parking lots happens when drivers attempt to reverse out of parking spots without fully checking their surroundings. On busy shopping days like Black Friday, drivers may feel rushed, leading to quick decisions without taking the time to check for nearby vehicles, pedestrians, or objects. This can result in collisions with other cars or pedestrians who have the right of way.
Failure to Yield to Pedestrians
Parking lots are filled with pedestrians walking between stores and parked cars, especially on Black Friday. Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing pedestrian lanes or walking between parked vehicles. Unfortunately, in the chaos of the holiday shopping rush, drivers might ignore pedestrian traffic, leading to accidents. If a driver strikes a pedestrian, they could be held fully or partially responsible for the incident, depending on the situation.
Sudden Lane Changes or Turning Without Signaling
With the constant movement of vehicles in a parking lot, it’s easy for drivers to make sudden lane changes without using their turn signals. Drivers who turn too quickly, cut through parking spaces, or fail to signal when entering or exiting a space may cause collisions with other cars or pedestrians.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on any day, but on Black Friday, the distractions are amplified. Drivers may be distracted by their phones, their shopping lists, or even the chaos of the parking lot itself. If a driver isn’t paying full attention to their surroundings while driving through the parking lot, a collision is more likely to occur.
Determining Fault in a Parking-Lot Collision
One of the first questions that come to mind after any car accident is: Who is at fault? In parking lot accidents, determining fault can be tricky, as there are many factors to consider. The general rule of thumb is that whoever was negligent or failed to follow traffic laws will be held responsible for the collision.
Negligence and Carelessness
Negligence is the most common cause of parking lot accidents. For example, if a driver fails to check their surroundings before backing out of a parking space and collides with another vehicle, they may be considered negligent. Similarly, if a driver is speeding, not paying attention, or failing to follow parking lot rules, they may be at fault.
Who Has the Right of Way?
In a parking lot, the right of way is often unclear, but there are still general rules that help determine fault:
- Pedestrian Right of Way: Pedestrians always have the right of way in parking lots. If a driver strikes a pedestrian who was walking in a designated crosswalk or between vehicles, the driver is likely at fault.
- Yielding to Incoming Traffic: When leaving a parking space, the driver must yield to vehicles that are already moving in the aisle.
- Speeding and Recklessness: If a driver is speeding through a parking lot or driving recklessly, they may be considered at fault, especially if they fail to give the right of way to other vehicles or pedestrians.
Shared Fault
In some cases, both parties may share responsibility for a parking lot accident. For example, if a pedestrian is jaywalking and a driver fails to yield, both might be partially at fault. In Idaho, the concept of comparative fault applies, meaning that both parties can be assigned a percentage of fault, which will affect the compensation each party can receive from their insurance or a lawsuit.
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How Camera Footage Can Impact Your Case
In today’s digital age, many shopping centers, including Boise Towne Square and The Village at Meridian, are equipped with security cameras that monitor parking areas. These cameras can be a crucial asset when determining fault in a parking lot collision.
How Camera Evidence Helps
If your accident occurred near a camera, there’s a good chance that the footage could help clarify the details of the incident. Video footage can:
- Show the sequence of events: Cameras can capture the exact moment of the collision, including the actions of both drivers and pedestrians.
- Provide a neutral perspective: Camera footage can provide an objective viewpoint that is not influenced by biased witness testimony or conflicting stories.
- Support your claim: If you have filed an insurance claim, camera footage can serve as evidence to prove fault and ensure that you’re compensated fairly.
Obtaining Camera Footage
The first step in obtaining footage is to determine whether the collision occurred in an area monitored by cameras. Many shopping centers have cameras that monitor entrances, exits, and major pedestrian areas, but they might not cover every parking spot. If the footage is available, contact the management of the shopping center or the property owner to request a copy of the video.
Verdicts & Settlements
Keep in mind that camera footage is often time-sensitive, so it’s essential to request it as soon as possible after the incident. Additionally, some footage may be stored for only a limited time, so delaying your request could result in the loss of valuable evidence.
The Claims Process: What to Do After a Parking Lot Collision
After a parking lot accident, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive proper compensation. Here’s what to do after a parking lot collision in Boise or Meridian:
1. Ensure Safety First
Check for injuries immediately after the collision. If anyone is injured, call emergency services right away. Even if the collision seems minor, it’s crucial to document everything, especially if someone is hurt.
2. Gather Evidence
Collect as much information as possible from the scene of the accident:
- Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
- Get witness statements from bystanders who saw the incident occur. Their testimony can help corroborate your version of events.
- Note down the details of the other driver, including their name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance details.
3. File a Police Report
In some cases, especially if there are injuries or significant damage, you may need to file a police report. The police will document the accident and assign fault, which can be useful when dealing with insurance companies.
4. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Notify your insurance company of the accident, even if it seems like a minor collision. If you plan to make a claim, your insurance company will need all the details. Be sure to provide them with the evidence you’ve gathered, including witness statements and photographs.
5. Consult with an Attorney
If there are disputes about who’s at fault, or if the other driver’s insurance company isn’t cooperating, it may be helpful to consult with a personal injury lawyer. At Hepworth Holzer, LLP, we specialize in helping clients involved in accidents in Boise and Meridian. Our experienced team can guide you through the claims process, help you gather evidence, and advocate for your rights.
Black Friday parking-lot accidents are unfortunately common, but with the right information, you can protect your rights and secure fair compensation. From understanding fault to using camera footage to strengthen your case, knowing how to navigate the aftermath of a collision is crucial. If you’ve been involved in a parking-lot accident in Boise or Meridian, don’t hesitate to reach out to Hepworth Holzer, LLP. We’re here to help you with the claims process, advocate for your rights, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.