Is It Illegal to Back Into a Parking Spot in Arizona

1. Backing into Parking Spot, Car Drove Behind

   My question involves a traffic accident in the State of: South Carolina.

   I know that parking lots are a large grey area when in comes to insurance and who is at fault, but I would really like to know if there is nothing I can do here to keep my rates from rising. I was backing into a parking spot, as seen in the model below, and a suv drove behind me at the last second, as I had already been in motion, and we hit, the rear bumper of my car hitting right before the driver's side door. There was no effort by the other driver to yield or signal to me that he was driving through (horn etc.). Is there not anything I can do in this situation to lean any fault to the other driver?

   

   

   ---

2. Re: Backing into Parking Spot, Car Drove Behind

   Nice graphic. If I knew which way north is, I could even tell the time from the shadows from the light poles.

   You were obviously not fully aware of your surroundings but if you were in fact moving, he should not have attempted to drive behind you. If it were my call, I would lay most of the blame on the other guy but of course, we haven't heard his side of the story either.

   I wouldn't be surprised to hear it is called a shared liability.

   

   ---

3. Re: Backing into Parking Spot, Car Drove Behind

   Thanks for the quick reply. As far as being aware of the surroundings, I looked out either of my windows before looking backwards, however I drive a tiny 2 seater convertible, so straight back was the only option for me really to look. From what he said after the accident, "I didn't see you until we hit.", which honestly is all I can say as well, as I was looking out the small back window.

   Oh, and the lot came from google. Sadly, no shadows at 8:00am when it's 12F out.

   

   ---

4. Re: Backing into Parking Spot, Car Drove Behind

   Quoting Schuyler

   ---

   

   Is there not anything I can do in this situation to lean any fault to the other driver?

   Unforntunately not... With you being the driver who is backing up, you carry the full responsibility that such movement can be made with safety and without interfering with other traffic. (from SC code of laws SECTION 56-5-3810. Limitations on backing).

   You're free to argue that the code section does not apply to parking lots but I'm not so sure that will work in your favor.

   

   ---

5. Re: Backing into Parking Spot, Car Drove Behind

   As far as being aware of the surroundings, I looked out either of my windows before looking backwards, however I drive a tiny 2 seater convertible, so straight back was the only option for me really to look.

   I understand and it's the old drivers training thing to look over your right shoulder as you back up. The argument from the other side is going to be that you should have seen the SUV before you turned your head to back up and made sure he was not going to do something stupid like pull behind a car with their back-up lights on.

   Now, the cold temp and the convertible also brings in a possibility: frosty windows that obscured your view out your side window. I don't know if it is applicable but if your window was frosted, you can be sure it will be used against you.

   From what he said after the accident, "I didn't see you until we hit.",

   that is quite damning, in my opinion. How could he not see a vehicle crosswise in the traffic lane? He would have to have been paying no attention to where he was going to lay claim to a statement such as that.

   

   ---

6. Re: Backing into Parking Spot, Car Drove Behind

   Now, the cold temp and the convertible also brings in a possibility: frosty windows that obscured your view out your side window. I don't know if it is applicable but if your window was frosted, you can be sure it will be used against you.

   Car had been idled at home before leaving, windows were completely clear.

   As far as him saying he didn't see me, is there anything that can be done seeing as the investigating officer deemed it no-fault?

   

   ---

7. Re: Backing into Parking Spot, Car Drove Behind

   Quoting That Guy

   ---

   

   Unforntunately not... With you being the driver who is backing up, you carry the full responsibility that such movement can be made with safety and without interfering with other traffic. (from SC code of laws SECTION 56-5-3810. Limitations on backing).

   You're free to argue that the code section does not apply to parking lots but I'm not so sure that will work in your favor.

   The only way I can see the statute being applicable is if the OP were perpendicular to how he is pictured in the graphic facing the opposite direction of the SUV and as he backed up he turned into the space hitting the SUV in the process. Then I would consider it totally the OP's fault but if he was actually parallel to the parking space already, the SUV is to blame IMO.

   

   ---

8. Re: Backing into Parking Spot, Car Drove Behind

   I just backup at full speed w/o caring about other folks ........ outta my way or die !

   

   ---

1. ---

Is It Illegal to Back Into a Parking Spot in Arizona

Source: https://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111799

Share this post