Understanding Accident Liability in School Parking Lots
You probably won’t be surprised to learn that 59 percent of teenagers admit to grooming themselves while driving through school parking lots. What might surprise you is that parking lots—even school lots—are not governed by traffic laws. If your teenager accidentally dings the principal’s car while applying cologne, no police officer will show up to issue a ticket. That doesn’t mean school parking lots are a free-for-all. Accidents in these areas are still subject to accident liability in school rules.
Determining Fault: Which Car Was Moving?
If one car was stationary and the other was moving, liability is fairly simple to determine. The moving vehicle is usually at fault, as long as the stationary car was legally stopped or parked. In the case of the principal’s car being parked, the moving car—probably your teenager’s—would likely be considered responsible.
Right-of-Way Conflicts
When both cars are moving, determining liability becomes trickier. Often, liability depends on who had the right-of-way, which can be unclear in parking lots. Most school lots have a hierarchy:
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Narrow lanes lead to parking spots
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Larger lanes connect to the street
Drivers in thoroughfares generally have the right-of-way over lane drivers, and lane drivers have the right-of-way over cars pulling out of parking spaces. For example, if your teen is searching for a spot and another student pulls out without checking, that student would likely bear more responsibility. Understanding these rules helps clarify accident liability in school situations.
Rhode Island Comparative Negligence
Rhode Island uses a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you may owe the other party some damages. The same applies if your teen is involved in a parking lot accident. Understanding accident liability in school is essential for parents and students alike.
Have a teenager involved in a school parking lot accident? Contact Inman & Tourgee online or call (401) 823-9200 to discuss liability issues and your legal options.
