Parking lot accidents often result from driver distraction, limited visibility, blind spots, vehicles reversing, and heavy foot traffic. Most people think of parking lot accidents as being relatively minor. After all, they usually involve low speeds.
But the truth is, they can be very dangerous and lead to serious injuries, particularly to pedestrians, children, and older adults. Statistics reveal that thousands of individuals face serious injuries, and hundreds die in parking lot accidents.
In this article, we’ll explain why parking lot accidents occur, common causes, injuries, prevention, and what to do after such an incident. Keep reading to learn about what steps to take if injured to protect your health and legal rights.
How Common Are Parking Lot Accidents?
People think most accidents happen on the road. However, parking lot accidents are far more common than they realize.
- According to research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 20% of all accidents occur in parking lots.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) further revealed that 1 person is killed approximately every 2.5 hours due to distracted driving, and 18 people are injured every 30 minutes in distracted driving crashes.
- A study by Kids and Cars (a non-profit child safety advocacy group), at least 50 children are backed over every week in the U.S. In addition, from 2013-2017, 32% of child non-traffic fatalities were due to backovers.
More than 60,000 people are injured each year, while hundreds lose their lives in these low-speed environments. Parking lot accidents are most likely to happen between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. when people are commuting home from work or school.
The ratio of parking garage accidents surges during holidays and shopping seasons like Black Friday. Auto insurers often report an increase in the number of accident claims during this time period. Many minor parking lot collisions go unreported, particularly when only minor property damage occurs.
Why Parking Lot Accidents Are More Dangerous Than They Appear
Here are some main reasons that make parking lot collisions dangerous:
- There are a lot of pedestrians in parking lots, and cars often have to back up or turn around, making it easy to hit someone.
- Parking lots are often cluttered with obstacles like shopping carts, garbage cans, and other vehicles, making it difficult to see people or objects in your path.
- Although vehicles usually travel at lower speeds, the close proximity of pedestrians and parked vehicles leaves little room for error.
- Many drivers become distracted without even realizing. That’s why it is important to never be on your phone while driving. Many times, people try to argue that they were trying to enter a destination into their GPS. There is no excuse for using your GPS while driving; route planning should be done while your car is parked and turned off.
- People only do one check before backing out or moving in a parking lot. It is too common for people to glance from one angle and decide it is safe. Always check multiple times when backing up, making turns, or proceeding through a parking lot to ensure no one is behind or near your car.
- Drivers trust backup cameras and sensors. Although these are tools to help detect something if you cannot see it, it is still your responsibility to check your surroundings, and you should never solely rely on these pieces of technology.
Why Do So Many Parking Lot Accidents Happen?
Parking lots create conditions significantly different from those on public roads. Drivers are entering parking spaces, backing out, turning unexpectedly, and sharing the same space with pedestrians. Here are the core factors that contribute to parking lot accidents:
Reason #1. Distracted Driving
Many drivers become less cautious once they enter a parking lot. Some make phone calls, send texts, use social media, program GPS systems, read emails, or look at notifications because they believe the slower speed makes these activities safe. Even a momentary distraction can lead to a collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian.
Reason #2. Backing Vehicles
Backing-up accidents are among the most common parking lot collisions. Drivers reversing from parking spaces may not see approaching vehicles or someone walking behind their car. Rear-view cameras and backup cameras improve visibility, but they cannot eliminate blind spots. Drivers should always check mirrors, look over their shoulder, and scan the area before moving.
Reason #3. Blind Spots and Poor Visibility
Large vehicles, parked cars, poor lighting, broken signage, potholes, cracks, debris, and crowded parking lots can all reduce visibility. Drivers may also have difficulty seeing around corners or spotting someone walking between parked vehicles. These hazards make it easier for collisions to happen, even at low speeds.
Reason #4. A False Sense of Security
Parking lots often feel safer than highways or busy intersections. Because vehicles travel at low speeds, drivers and pedestrians often become less attentive. This false sense of security causes people to underestimate the amount of vehicle traffic and foot traffic around them.
What Are Common Injuries From Parking Lot Accidents?
Even at speeds of only a few miles per hour, parking lot accidents can cause serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Head trauma
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Crush injuries (particularly involving pedestrians)
- Lacerations and contusions
- Pedestrian injuries
Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable because they have no protection from the impact of a moving vehicle. Children and older adults are at an even greater risk of severe injuries during parking lot crashes.
What Should You Do After a Parking Lot Accident?
When involved in a parking lot accident, there are a few things you should do:
- Call the police. Even if the damage seems minor, it’s important to have an official report on file.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance information.
- Take photos of the damage to both vehicles.
- Get the contact information of any witnesses.
- See a doctor, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not appear until days or even weeks after the accident.
If you’re injured in a parking lot accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Parking lots may appear less dangerous than highways, but they present unique risks because drivers, pedestrians, and parked vehicles all occupy the same space. Distracted driving, backing vehicles, blind spots, poor visibility, and heavy foot traffic can quickly turn a routine trip into a serious accident. Staying alert, following safe driving practices, and knowing what to do after a crash can help reduce injuries and make parking lots safer for everyone.
FAQs
Who is responsible for a parking lot accident?
The person or company whose carelessness results in an accident may be held responsible for the parking lot accident. Potential responsible parties may include:
- A driver who acted distractedly or was speeding
- A parking property owner who ignored unsafe conditions
- A company or contractor for not maintaining the area
A claim requires proving the owner knew about the hazard, failed to fix or warn about it, and caused the injury.
Should you call the police after a parking lot accident?
If the accident involves injuries, significant property damage, or another situation that requires documentation, contacting the police is generally a good idea. An official report can also be helpful for insurance purposes.
How can drivers make parking lots safer?
Drivers should slow down, stay in their marked lanes, obey stop signs, use directional signals, check their mirrors before backing up, avoid using their phones, and never rely solely on backup cameras when maneuvering through a parking lot.
Why do so many parking lot accidents involve pedestrians?
Pedestrians often walk between parked vehicles, making them difficult to see. Blind spots, backing vehicles, and distracted driving all increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.
How can parking lot accidents be prevented?
To prevent drivers and pedestrians from having parking lot accidents, we must:
- Keep parking areas safe and organized
- Use clear signs and proper lighting
- Introduce safety barriers and regular maintenance
