Parking Lot Pedestrian Accidents

Being hit by a car as a pedestrian can leave you seriously injured. You might expect this type of accident to happen in a crosswalk or other such setting. However, a parking lot can also be the setting of a harmful pedestrian accident.

Have you been injured as a pedestrian in a parking lot? You may be eligible for compensation if so. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation.

The Hidden Dangers: Parking Lot Accident Statistics

A parking lot may not seem hazardous for a pedestrian. Unfortunately, parking lot accidents involving pedestrians are more common than you may realize. According to a report from a Bureau of Labor Statistics economist who studied the data, approximately 13% of all parking lot accidents involve pedestrian death. The National Safety Council has also tracked a fairly consistent rate of car accidents involving pedestrians in parking lots.

Common types of injuries resulting from parking lot accidents involving pedestrians include:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• Crushing injuries
• Scarring
• Disfigurement

Avoiding certain high-risk areas in parking lots could theoretically boost pedestrian safety. Ideally, pedestrians should avoid:

• Congested areas
• Areas with poor lighting, where they may not be as easily seen
• Entrances and exits
• Behind vehicles that may be backing out
• Areas where it appears the property owners haven’t performed necessary maintenance
• Areas where a parked vehicle could block the view

That said, even if you attempt to avoid a pedestrian accident by staying away from these areas, an accident could still occur if someone is negligent. Have you been injured in a parking lot? Contact the pedestrian accident attorneys at Munley Law for a free consultation on your rights.

Causes of Parking Lot Pedestrian Accidents

A parking lot collision involving a pedestrian has many potential causes. They include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding and reckless driving
• Poor lot design or maintenance
• Inadequate lighting or lack of clear signage

These points serve as a reminder that you can only exercise so much control over your safety when walking through a parking lot. You can’t prevent others from being negligent. If you’ve been injured, let Munley Law assess your case for free.

Legal Rights of Pedestrians in Parking Lot Accidents

A pedestrian hit by a car in a parking lot can seek compensation if their injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. The negligent party is often a driver. However, property owners and managers can be held liable for pedestrian accidents caused by negligent maintenance of parking facilities, including crumbling pavement, inadequate lighting, missing or faded crosswalk markings, obscured stop signs, malfunctioning gates, improperly designed traffic flow patterns, uncleared ice and snow, and failure to address known hazards that create unreasonable risks for pedestrians traversing the property.

You need to establish liability to seek compensation. Unsure about your legal rights? Speak with a Munley Law expert today.

Compensation for Parking Lot Pedestrian Accidents

After a parking lot pedestrian accident, you have the right to pursue both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages cover your quantifiable financial losses, including:

• Medical bills and future healthcare costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Physical therapy expenses
• Transportation to medical appointments

Noneconomic damages address the personal toll of your injuries:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment in daily activities
• Diminished quality of life

Remember that insurance companies and at-fault parties rarely disclose the full scope of compensation available to you. Future costs from serious injuries can be included in both categories of damages, you must understand the complete value of your claim before accepting any settlement.

Maximize your compensation. Let Munley Law fight for your rights

Steps to Take After a Parking Lot Pedestrian Accident with a Vehicle

If you’ve been involved in a parking lot accident, follow these steps:

Immediate Safety Steps

• Check yourself for injuries and stay still if you’re seriously hurt
• If able, move to a safe location away from traffic
• Call 911 immediately for police and medical response
• Keep the driver at the scene if possible

Document Everything

Take photos of:

• Your visible injuries
• The entire accident scene
• Any hazardous conditions (poor lighting, missing signs, damaged pavement)
• The vehicle involved, including license plate
• Weather and lighting conditions
• Record the exact time, date, and location

Gather Critical Information

After ensuring your immediate safety, focus on collecting essential details from everyone involved. Get the driver’s complete information, including their full name, phone number, home address, and driver’s license number. Write down their insurance carrier and policy number, plus details about their vehicle – make, model, color, and license plate.

If there were witnesses to the accident, approach them quickly as they may leave the scene. Ask them to share their contact information and what they observed. Take note of any security cameras in the parking lot, as this footage could be valuable evidence. Many parking lots have surveillance systems operated by property owners or nearby businesses.

Protect Your Rights as a Victim of a Parking Lot Accident

To protect your legal interests, be mindful of your words and actions immediately following the accident. Never apologize or admit fault, even if you’re trying to be polite – these statements could be used against you later. Avoid discussing your injuries or making statements like “I’m fine” since some injuries become apparent hours or days later.

If the driver’s insurance company contacts you, decline to give any recorded statements without legal guidance. Document every conversation you have about the accident, noting who you spoke with and what was discussed. Keep thorough records of all accident-related expenses, medical bills, and any time missed from work. These details will support your claim and help secure fair compensation.

Been in a parking lot accident? Contact Munley Law for guidance on your next steps.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians in Parking Lots

Essential safety tips for pedestrians walking through parking lots include:

• Make eye contact with drivers when walking near them or crossing in front to confirm that they see you
• Be extra cautious when navigating a particularly busy parking lot, an outdoor parking lot in bad weather, a parking lot lacking clear signage, etc.
• Find safe places for pedestrians in a parking lot, such as areas near the side that may have protective bumpers or other such features
• Use designated walkways

Help prevent accidents. Share these tips and consult Munley Law for legal advice on your claim.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Parking Lots

Different parking facilities present distinct hazards that require specialized legal analysis. Shopping centers face constant customer turnover and cart traffic while sprawling airport lots combine rushed travelers, shuttle buses, and complex navigation systems. Multi-level parking garages add unique risks with dim lighting, blind corners, and condensed traffic flow on ramps.

Each environment demands a thorough investigation of local ordinances, property management duties, and specific safety requirements. The experienced personal injury team at Munley Law can evaluate these complex factors and build a strong case based on your unique parking lot accident. Call today for a free case evaluation.