San Francisco’s charm comes with a challenge – finding a parking spot can feel like striking gold. The city’s steep hills, narrow streets and dense population make parking a daily struggle for many.
What happens when the quest for that elusive spot results in a collision? These tight spaces often lead to accidents, leaving drivers unsure about fault and next steps. Grasping the nuances of parking-related accidents is crucial for everyone in the city. It can help you pursue fair compensation when things go wrong in parking spots.
Common parking accidents
In a city where parallel parking is a fine art, accidents tend to happen. Typical scenarios include:
- Hitting another car while backing out
- Sideswiping a parked vehicle while parking
- Colliding with an opening car door
- Striking pedestrians or cyclists in tight spaces
These incidents can cause injuries and property damage. Understanding liability is essential for anyone involved.
Determining fault
Figuring out who’s at fault isn’t always easy under California’s comparative negligence system, in which more than one party can share responsibility. Considerations may include:
- The moving vehicle is often considered at fault.
- Drivers opening car doors may share the blame.
- Property owners could be liable for poor lot design.
San Francisco’s unique layout can complicate matters. If you’re in a parking accident, ensure you thoroughly document everything to ensure all responsible parties are held liable.
Steps to take after a parking accident
If you find yourself in a parking-related incident:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
- Take photos and videos of the scene.
- Get contact and insurance information from all parties.
- File a police report, no matter how small the damage seems.
- Inform your insurance company promptly.
California law also mandates reporting accidents with injuries or property damage over $1,000 to the DMV within 10 days.
Don’t let the stress of San Francisco parking cloud your judgment. Consulting a motor vehicle accident attorney may help you determine responsibility and advocate for fair compensation if you get injured.
The city streets may be steep, but the road to resolution after a parking collision doesn’t have to be. Drive smart, park carefully and remember that knowledge is your best defense.