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It’s a quick drive to the store, and you make it once a week. You’re careful and safe the entire way. There’s one potentially dangerous intersection, but you go out of your way to avoid it. You know how many people get injured in car accidents every year, and you do not want to be included in that number.

But what if getting to the store is actually the most dangerous part of the trip? You still have to walk through the parking lot, and you’re very exposed to dozens or even hundreds of other cars.

Tens of thousands of accidents happen in parking lots every year

The National Safety Council notes that most people underestimate the risks in parking lots, but that there are actually tens of thousands of accidents every year.

One major reason for the number of accidents is driver distraction, as roughly two-thirds of drivers admitted to navigating a parking lot while talking on the phone. Congestion also plays a role, since you have so many vehicles in a small space, and there can be a serious lack of visibility when drivers are backing out of spaces — often when people are trying to walk down the same rows that the cars use to get to the store.

If you’re in your car, you have some protection from a crash, especially at low speeds. But on your feet? Even getting struck by a car at five or ten miles per hour can lead to life-changing injuries. The risk is especially great for children, due to their smaller size and the reduced visibility for drivers.

Seeking compensation for your losses is your right

If you have suffered major injuries in a parking lot crash, you need to know how to seek compensation for your medical bills and related costs. An attorney can help make sure that you’re treated fairly by the insurance company involved.