1. Overview
Date and Time of Accident: Weekday, around 3:00 PM
Weather Conditions: Clear skies, dry road surface
Location: Exit area of a large shopping mall parking lot (shared entrance and exit structure)
Vehicle A: A compact SUV driven by a middle-aged woman, exiting the parking lot after shopping and attempting to merge into the main road.
Vehicle B: A sedan driven by a man in his 20s, approaching from the main road intending to turn left into the shopping mall.
Point of Collision: Front left side of Vehicle A and front right bumper of Vehicle B
Extent of Damage: No personal injuries; both vehicles sustained damage to the bumper and fender areas
2. Accident Details
The accident occurred on a clear, dry weekday afternoon around 3 PM. Vehicle A was moving toward the parking lot exit, appearing to briefly stop but not come to a full halt. The exit led directly onto a two-way street. On the left side of the exit, visibility was limited due to signage and support columns, which obstructed the driver’s view.
At the same time, Vehicle B was driving straight along the main road toward the mall entrance. The collision occurred at the junction between the parking lot exit and the main road. CCTV footage and dashcam records confirmed that Vehicle B maintained a steady speed and did not apply brakes until less than one second before impact. As a result, the two vehicles collided at the point where the exit met the main road.
3. Fault of Each Party
Vehicle A
Vehicle A was at fault for failing to come to a complete stop before merging and for attempting to enter the road despite having obstructed visibility. Given the direct connection between the parking lot and the main road, and the high traffic volume in that area, the driver was expected to proceed with extreme caution. The driver later claimed that she was moving slowly and assumed the other driver should have seen her, but this argument neglected her legal obligation to yield.
Vehicle B
Vehicle B also bore some fault for failing to drive defensively. The area near the parking lot exit posed a predictable risk of vehicles pulling out. Although Vehicle B was traveling within the speed limit, it failed to reduce speed while approaching a known hazard zone. The fact that the brakes were applied only a fraction of a second before the collision suggests a delayed reaction and insufficient attention to surroundings.
4. Legal Basis
Drivers emerging from private areas such as parking lots or alleys are legally required to check all directions and yield to oncoming traffic before entering public roads. Vehicle A clearly violated this obligation.
Additionally, drivers are required to adjust their speed and anticipate potential hazards according to road conditions and surroundings. In this case, Vehicle B should have reduced speed and exercised greater caution near the parking lot exit. Insurance assessors concluded that both parties failed to meet their respective duties of care, leading to shared responsibility for the collision.
5. Conclusion
This case was settled through negotiation between the insurers without going to court. The liability was apportioned equally, with each driver held 50% at fault. Vehicle A was cited for inadequate visibility checks and failure to stop, while Vehicle B was faulted for not driving defensively and failing to decelerate. Both vehicles were repaired under their respective collision insurance policies. However, both drivers experienced a reduction in their no-claim discounts as a result of the incident.
6. Recommended Actions Immediately After the Accident
Vehicle A
After the accident, the driver of Vehicle A should have stopped the car immediately and documented the vehicle’s exact position before moving it. Taking photos of nearby obstructions (e.g., signs or pillars), the exit structure, and the scene would have been critical. Ensuring that the dashcam was functioning properly and retrieving footage, along with requesting CCTV footage from mall security, would have further supported her case.
Vehicle B
The driver of Vehicle B should have remained calm and taken clear photographs of the scene, emphasizing the location of the parking lot exit. Providing dashcam or GPS data to prove that he was driving at a safe speed would have strengthened his position. If any witnesses were present at the scene, gathering their contact information could serve as valuable evidence in the event of a dispute.