Los Angeles, CA asked in Car Accidents, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for California

Q: Is it legal to park a car on a white curb for a quick in and out pizza delivery in Orange County, CA?

I had a car accident. Parked at a white curb (if not, uncolored) to deliver food. Quick in and out but came out to see a woman backing out of her parking space and hit my car. She had more than a whole car lane of room to go out. I think she’s at fault but was it legal for me to park on the curb, like a fedex driver, and blocking the road to delivery food? This occur at a private commercial parking lot in front of a salon

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, parking regulations can vary by city and county. However, in general, white curbs are typically used to indicate passenger loading zones with a time limit, usually around 5 minutes. These zones are intended for quickly picking up or dropping off passengers, not for parking while making deliveries.

Parking in a loading zone for a delivery, even if it's brief, could potentially result in a ticket. The legality of using these zones for deliveries may depend on local ordinances and the specific parking lot's rules.

Regarding the accident, fault determination often depends on the specific circumstances. Factors such as the visibility, the amount of space the other driver had, and the presence of any witnesses or surveillance footage can all play a role in determining fault.

It's best to consult with your insurance company and consider speaking with a local traffic attorney to assess your specific situation and determine the best course of action. They can advise you on the parking regulations in your area and help determine fault in the accident based on the details of your case.

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