In an Accident, Who’s at Fault When Both Cars are Reversing?

When finding parking in one way streets, cramped parking lots and garages, unusual traffic patterns, and hundreds of pedestrians, you’ll eventually need to leave the space you found. Backing out of a parking space can be hazardous any time of the year if you are not aware of the cars around you!

Who is at Fault When both Cars are Reversing in a Parking Lot and Crash?

If you have an accident when you and another driver are backing out of your parking space, who is at fault?  In parking lot accidents, the problem often arises in determining which driver had the right-of-way after all, most parking lots don’t have stop lights or speed limits. Traffic flow, speed, and failure to yield can also play a role in determining fault.

In some cases, both drivers may be at fault for the accident. The most common types of parking lot accidents include:

• A vehicle backing into a lane of traffic
• A car pulling forward into traffic
• Two cars in reverse backing into one another
• Two vehicles collide while rushing to claim a parking place

There are several ways of determining who is at fault when an accident occurs as a result of cars reversing out of their respective parking spaces.

In the first case, if one of the vehicles was moving and the other was not, in nearly every instance, the moving vehicle is the one at fault. Like all rules, this one has exceptions, such as, if the stationary vehicle is illegally parked.

Another common circumstance to determine fault in a parking lot reversing accident is which driver had the right of way given traffic patterns clearly marked in the parking lot. Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way, driving recklessly, or too fast are often those at fault. Of course, as already mentioned, there are exceptions to every rule in determining which driver is at fault.

Common Injuries in an Accident in which Two Vehicles are Reversing

Though vehicle accidents in which both cars are reversing frequently cause less serious injuries, injuries are still common. It is important to see your doctor following an accident even if you don’t feel as if you are injured.

Many common injuries manifest in the days following an accident. Common injuries in parking lot related accidents include:

• Whiplash
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Knee injuries
• Hand and foot pain

These injuries can cause pain, weakness, and other discomforts following an accident. Your doctor will do thorough examination, including any needed tests to diagnose your injuries and prepare a treatment plan to alleviate any pain and enhance your recovery.

If you have been involved in a parking lot accident, the professionals at County Line Chiropractic Medical and Rehab are ready to help relieve your aches and pains so that you can function at your optimal level.