Parking lots can be dangerous areas. Many people are supposed to drive slowly and pay attention when driving in a parking lot, but drivers tend to have everything but driving on their minds. This fact, along with the overall chaotic atmosphere of a parking lot, makes them a hot spot for accidents.

Common Parking Lot Accidents

Determining who is responsible in a parking lot accident can be a complicated matter and depends entirely on the circumstances. Some common parking lot accidents include:

A driver backs out and hits a vehicle driving down the parking lane.
Fault in this type of accidents would usually fall on the driver backing out of the parking spot. The car driving down the parking lane would have the right of way in this situation. An exception may be if the driver going down the parking lane was traveling at a high rate of speed not appropriate for a parking lot. It is important to always pull out of your parking space slowly and look around you for oncoming traffic.

A driver pulls forward and hits a vehicle driving down the parking lane.
Again, fault in this situation would typically fall on the driver pulling out of the parking spot. This commonly happens when a driver attempts to “pull through” another parking spot and into the parking lane. It is important to make sure that no one is coming down the parking lane before pulling forward.

A driver is rear-ended in the parking lane.
In rear-end collisions, fault almost always lies with the driver in the rear. It is a driver’s responsibility to stay far enough behind another vehicle to ensure they have enough time to brake.

Two vehicles collide while backing out of two different spaces.
Generally, these accidents may be the fault of both vehicles involved. It is the responsibility of both drivers to ensure that no one is coming down the parking lane and that no one is pulling out of another spot before backing up.

A driver turns in front of an oncoming vehicle to pull into a parking spot.
When fights for parking spots begin, especially when a parking lot is busy, accidents can occur. Responsibility would generally fall on the driver who pulled in front of the oncoming vehicle. It is important to wait patiently for a parking spot. It’s not worth getting into an accident.

A driver in the parking lot hits a pedestrian while pulling out of a parking spot or driving down the parking lane.
It is the responsibility of both pedestrians and drivers to be aware of their surroundings in a parking lot. Responsibility in this situation will depend on the particular circumstances of the accident.

Steps to Take After a Parking Lot Fender Bender

Parking lot accidents are usually less severe than collisions on the road, but they can still lead to injuries and significant property damage. Here’s how to handle the situation if you’re involved in a parking lot accident:

1. Document the Scene

Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious accident, documenting the scene is crucial. Take pictures of the vehicles, damage, and the area where the accident occurred.

2. Exchange Information

Be sure to exchange names, insurance details, and contact information with the other driver. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well.

3. Call the Police (If Necessary)

In Florida, you’re required to report accidents that result in property damage of $500 or more. While police may not always respond to a parking lot incident, it’s important to file an accident report if needed.

4. Look for Surveillance Video

Since many parking lots have surveillance cameras, it’s worth checking with nearby businesses to see if any cameras recorded the incident.

5. Understand the Rules

While stop signs and other traffic control devices in parking lots may not be enforced by police, from a civil liability standpoint, failure to follow those rules can still make you negligent in the event of an accident.

Why Accidents in Parking Lots Still Deserve Serious Attention

Even though parking lot accidents are usually less severe, they still require proper documentation and care. Be sure to gather evidence and contact the proper authorities to ensure your case is handled appropriately.

Case Study: Accidents in Parking Lots and How Insurance Handles Liability

Parking lot accidents may seem minor, but they can result in serious injuries, especially when there is a failure to yield or pedestrians are involved. A recent parking lot case that Dana Hoffman handled involved a client who was backing out of a parking spot and collided with a vehicle coming down the aisle too quickly. The incident led to a significant neck injury, though the damages were not as high as those seen in major road accidents.

One key challenge in parking lot accidents is the tendency of insurance companies to be more stingy with payouts. They often downplay the severity of minor accidents in parking lots. However, when property damage is extensive or there is significant injury, the insurance company’s stance may change. In Dana Hoffman’s experience, documentation at the scene is critical—taking pictures, exchanging insurance information, and ensuring witnesses are gathered all play a role in building a case.

Key Takeaway: Parking lot accidents can lead to serious injury cases, but insurance companies often challenge the severity of the claims. Proper documentation and swift action can help secure a fair payout.

Contact a Trusted Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a parking lot accident, you may need an experienced and trusted attorney on your side. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we’ve been helping injured Floridians for over 35 Years. Contact us to set up your free consultation.