Motorcycles are more maneuverable and can fit into spots cars can’t. This gives them a distinct advantage over the average passenger vehicle—not too bad on the gas mileage either. However, in parking lots, this advantage can actually be deadly.
Parking Lot Dangers for Bikers
According to a study by the National Safety Council, as many as two-thirds of drivers are pulling into shopping centers distracted. This is because drivers let their guard down thinking that they got to their destination so it’s ok to just focus on parking.
Another problem is cell phone use. Many of those who wouldn’t use their phone driving feel it’s ok in a parking lot. These distractions and the lack are dangerous for motorcyclists, pedestrians and other drivers.
Types of Accidents in Parking Lots
Any impact—even at lower speeds—between a motor vehicle and a motorcycle can send the rider off their bike and onto the pavement. So a small bump in a parking lot can be devastating for a motorcyclist.
When it comes to parking lot accidents, there are some common scenarios that come up over and over. These are:
- Backing out of a parking space: The low profile of a motorcycle makes it difficult for motorists to see them while backing up.
- Rounding the rows of parked cars: Sometimes a driver can be focused on a specific spot and quickly round the end of one row and hit a motorcycle.
- Cross-stall driving: Sometimes parking lots have many empty rows and this tempts the driver or the motorcycle rider to zip across the lot to save time. This can end poorly for the motorcyclist.
- Lay-down crash: These are common in parking lots when a motorcycle rider lays the bike down on the pavement to avoid a direct hit from a car rounding a row of cars or shooting across the parking lot.
Who Has the Right-of-Way?
Kentucky has few parking lot laws, and the ones on the books address the storage of cars and disabled parking spots but not who has the right-of-way.
However, Kentucky law does say that each driver should operate their vehicle in a manner such that others around them may proceed in safety. All vehicle operators must stop at stop signs, obey crosswalks and flashing caution lights and not speed. If an accident occurs and someone is injured, the court will look at which party was acting carelessly.
If you’ve been injured on a motorcycle in a parking lot crash, you need to talk to an attorney to find out your rights and to go to bat for you and get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Accident victims often wonder if they need an attorney, and the answer is almost always yes. The insurance company agents have years of experience and are good at their job which is to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. You need someone just as experienced to help you level the field.
Talk to a Louisville Motorcycle Accident Attorney you can trust to be on your side and get you what is yours under the law. The attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, have that knowledge and a combined 100 years’ experience in helping clients get the results they deserve. To discuss your case, contact Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC today, by clicking here to contact them online.