Parking lots might seem like low-risk areas, but they are the scene of many pedestrian accidents every year. Because of the constant movement of vehicles and people in close proximity, these areas present more danger than many realize. Drivers are often distracted, pedestrians may be walking between cars, and visibility is frequently limited. These factors combine to create conditions where injuries are more likely to happen.
Drivers Are Not Always Focused
One of the most common causes of pedestrian injuries in parking lots is driver distraction. Drivers may be checking their phones, adjusting their GPS, or looking for an open spot. Many are more focused on finding a space than watching for people walking through the lot. Because parking lots don’t always have clear traffic patterns, some drivers may move unpredictably or even cut across lanes to get to a space faster.
People often assume parking lots are slow zones, they may not give their full attention to driving. That overconfidence creates risks for everyone walking nearby. Many pedestrian and car accident lawyers have tackled cases involving bodily harm inside a parking lot.
Pedestrians Face Visibility Issues
From the pedestrian’s side, parking lots come with their own risks. Cars backing out of spaces can be hard to see, and it’s not always clear which way a vehicle is headed. A person may step into what seems like a safe area, only to be hit by a car moving out of a blind spot. Poor lighting, tight spaces, and a lack of sidewalks or crosswalks make it harder for pedestrians to move through the lot safely. In many cases, there are no marked walkways at all, leaving people to walk between vehicles, increasing the chance of not being seen.
Children And Older Adults Are At Higher Risk
Certain groups face more risk than others. Children, due to their height and unpredictability, may dart out from between cars. Older adults may move more slowly or have trouble judging vehicle speed or direction. These groups are more likely to be seriously injured even in lower-impact crashes.
Legal Questions After An Injury
When a pedestrian is hit in a parking lot, there can be questions about fault. Was the driver speeding or distracted? Was the pedestrian walking where they were supposed to be? Sometimes, the design of the parking lot itself can come into play, such as poor signage, bad lighting, or lack of pedestrian paths can contribute to the accident. A pedestrian accident lawyer can review the details of your case and determine what party should be held liable.
Attorneys like those at Kelso Law can attest that fault is not always straightforward in these cases. That’s why it helps to gather details early, including photos of the scene, witness names, and any available video footage. These pieces of information can help a legal team piece together what happened and assess whether a claim is worth pursuing. Get the help you need today by reaching out to an attorney to review your options!