Who's at Fault for a Parking Lot Accident?

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Cars in Parking LotFault for the parking lot accident depends on how the accident happened, and which party acted negligently or violated traffic laws.

This is an overview of common causes and types of parking lot accidents, how to prove fault, and which party or parties may be liable. For legal help with your parking lot accident case, call the Kirkland car accident lawyers at Max Meyers Law today for a free consultation.

Types of Parking Lot Accidents

Some of the common scenarios that lead to car accidents or pedestrian accidents in parking lots include:

  • Failure to yield to a pedestrian
  • Failure to yield to another vehicle
  • Backing out a parking space without looking for other vehicles or pedestrians
  • Speeding or aggressive driving
  • Distracted driving

Evidence to Establish Who Caused a Parking Lot Wreck

The evidence you may use to prove fault for the parking lot accident will depend on what evidence is available. Some of the common types of evidence used in parking lot wreck cases include:

  • Surveillance video from parking lot or store cameras
  • Cell phone video (if anybody recorded the incident)
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Police/accident reports

If you were involved in an accident in a parking lot, write down the other party’s contact and insurance information. Jot down eyewitness names and phone numbers. And call the police to report the accident. Also, be sure to seek medical care.

Any evidence you gather may help prove fault and liability for your accident. We can further help you collect evidence and request testimony from eyewitnesses. Call 425-399-7000 for help.

Who Can Be Liable for a Parking Lot Collision

Whoever made a mistake that caused or contributed to the wreck can be responsible for the damages. Some of the parties who can be at fault include:

  • A driver who drove too fast for the circumstances, failed to keep a careful lookout, did not take reasonable action to avoid a crash, or failed to yield to a pedestrian or another vehicle.
  • The shopping center or store if the parking lot contained inherently dangerous conditions, such as an unsafe crosswalk in which vehicles do not have a clear view of pedestrians.
  • A vehicle manufacturer if a vehicle defect contributed to the wreck, such as faulty brakes or accelerators.
  • A pedestrian who darted out from between parked cars or stepped into the path of a vehicle without looking.
  • A passenger whose horseplay distracted the driver, blocked his vision, or otherwise contributed to the wreck.

Factors That Govern Liability in Parking Lot Accidents

Here is how the law evaluates who is at fault in parking lot accidents:

  • We all have a duty of care. Pedestrians must pay attention to their surroundings, keep a lookout for vehicles and other hazards, and proceed with caution. Drivers have a duty to drive at an appropriate speed for the circumstances while keeping a close lookout for pedestrians and other cars.
  • Breaching the duty of care (negligence). When someone fails to meet the duty of care, he or she is negligent. A pedestrian who walks into traffic without looking breaches the duty to pay attention to surroundings. A driver who backs out of a parking space without checking for other vehicles or pedestrians is negligent.
  • Causation. The other party’s negligence must have caused the accident. If a driver was not paying attention and strikes another vehicle, then that driver’s negligence caused the wreck. Or if the pedestrian walks into traffic without looking and causes a driver to swerve and strike another object, then the pedestrian’s negligence caused the wreck.
  • Damages. The claimant or plaintiff must have suffered damages (e.g., medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering). The types of damages that are recoverable in a parking lot accident case depend on the physical, emotional, and financial effects of the accident on the parties involved.

Get Help After a Parking Lot Crash

Our accident injury team is waiting for your call so that we can help you. Max Meyers Law can help injured drivers and pedestrians who were involved in accidents in parking lots.

We will arrange a free consultation when you call 425-399-7000. We do not charge legal fees unless and until you get compensation.

Max Meyers
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Max is a Kirkland personal injury attorney handling cases in Seattle, King County & surrounding in WA State.