Beware of mall parking lot shenanigans

If you’re going out to the mall to finish (or begin) your holiday shopping, you are certainly not alone. Given the improvement in the nation’s economy and the recent drop in gas prices, it is likely that more people will spend money this holiday season. It is reasonable to believe that retailers are banking on this, so it would not be surprising to see more sales to draw shoppers to the mall.

But with more consumers at shopping centers, the more crowded the parking lots will likely be; which increases the chances for an accident. A recent MarketWatch.com report indicates that more than one in five car accidents occurs in a shopping center parking lot. This number is likely to increase during the holiday season.

Indeed, the holiday season is supposed to be festive and bright, but that may not apply in parking lots where shoppers compete for the best spots. It is likely that drivers will get agitated when a driver sneaks by to grab a spot, or cuts a driver off to prevent a spot from being taken. When emotions run high, it is possible that drivers will take unusual and aggressive measures to land a spot.

What drivers should remember though, is that the same duty of care that applies on the street applies in a parking lot. As such, if a driver does not use reasonable care while navigating a parking lot and someone is injured as a result, the driver could be held liable.

The preceding is not legal advice, but rather information on how the law may apply in a particular situation.