At The Johnson Injury Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how these seemingly low-risk areas can quickly become dangerous. As a Richmond parking lot accident attorney, we want to raise awareness about these often-overlooked hazards and help victims understand their rights.
Why Parking Lot Accidents Happen More Than You Think
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), tens of thousands of crashes occur in parking lots and garages every year, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.
Drivers tend to be distracted, pedestrians are frequently in blind spots, and vehicles are often moving unpredictably. Despite the slower speed limits, the combination of close quarters and distractions makes these areas ripe for collisions.
A study by the NSC found that 66% of drivers admitted to making phone calls while driving through parking lots, and over half said they would send or read texts, use social media, or program GPS. These actions may not seem as risky at low speeds, but even a slow-moving vehicle can cause serious harm in a confined space.
Common Types of Parking Lot Accidents in Richmond, VA
Parking lot accidents can happen in a variety of ways. As a parking lot accident lawyer in Richmond, we’ve handled claims involving:
- Backing-up accidents: Two cars reversing at the same time, or a driver backing into a pedestrian or vehicle.
- Pedestrian accidents: A vehicle striking a person walking through the lot.
- Wrong-way driving: Drivers going against directional arrows and colliding with another car.
- Failure to yield: Drivers ignoring stop signs or pedestrian crosswalks.
- Dooring incidents: A driver opens their door into the path of another car or cyclist.
- Low-visibility collisions: Accidents during poor weather or at night, visibility is compromised.
Even at five or ten miles per hour, these accidents can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries. Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable because they don’t have the protection of a vehicle.
Virginia Law and Liability in Parking Lot Accidents
When a parking lot accident occurs, liability depends on who acted negligently. In Virginia, we follow the doctrine of pure contributory negligence—this means that if you are even 1% at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover compensation. That makes proving the other party’s negligence critical.
As Richmond, VA, auto collision attorneys, we investigate the details thoroughly: security footage, witness statements, accident reports, and even digital evidence from phones or apps. We know that each piece of evidence can make a difference in proving your case.
If a business or property owner owns or maintains the lot, we also investigate whether poor design, broken signage, bad lighting, or potholes contributed to the accident. In such cases, a premises liability claim may be possible in addition to the auto collision case.
Parking Lot Pedestrian Accidents Are Especially Dangerous
One of the most heartbreaking types of parking lot accidents involves pedestrians, particularly children and the elderly. Because parking lots lack traditional sidewalks, people often walk directly behind or between cars. Distracted or rushed drivers may not see someone until it’s too late.
In Virginia, pedestrian rights are protected under Code of Virginia § 46.2-924, which requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections. Many parking lots are considered private property, but that doesn’t eliminate drivers’ responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and remain vigilant. We’ve successfully held negligent drivers accountable for striking pedestrians in parking lots when they fail to check mirrors, use backup cameras, or reduce speed.
Injuries We Commonly See from Parking Lot Crashes
Despite the low speeds, parking lot crashes can lead to severe injuries—particularly to pedestrians or when two vehicles collide with high impact due to poor visibility or high acceleration. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back injuries, including disc herniation
- Fractures and broken bones
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations and contusions
- Crush injuries from being pinned
In some cases, victims suffer long-term disability or chronic pain. These injuries can lead to weeks or months of recovery, medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Distracted Driving Is the #1 Culprit
As a car accident lawyer in Richmond, we can’t stress this enough: distracted driving is the leading cause of parking lot accidents. The NSC survey revealed that drivers engage in these behaviors while navigating parking lots:
- 63% program GPS
- 56% send or read text
- 52% use social media
- 50% email or watch videos
Because drivers perceive parking lots as “safe zones,” they let their guard down. That one second of checking a notification or looking down at a map can be all it takes to hit a pedestrian or another vehicle.
We work with accident reconstruction experts and use phone records to determine whether the at-fault party was distracted during the crash. This is especially important when there are no cameras or witnesses.
Do You Need to Report a Parking Lot Accident in Richmond, VA?
In Virginia, drivers involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage must report the incident to police under Virginia Code § 46.2-894. Even in private parking lots, you must remain at the scene, exchange information, and report the crash if there’s notable damage or injury.
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run or the other driver leaves the scene, contact the police immediately. We can help you file an uninsured motorist claim if the at-fault party is never identified.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Parking Lot Crash?
Determining liability in parking lot crashes can be complex. Potentially responsible parties include:
- The other driver
- A business owner who failed to maintain the property
- A delivery service operating a vehicle recklessly
- A government or private contractor responsible for signage and lighting
As your Richmond accident attorney, we’ll determine whether a third party contributed to the crash and pursue all avenues for compensation. This can help maximize your recovery when multiple factors are at play.
How We Help Victims of Parking Lot Accidents
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we provide full-service representation for individuals injured in parking lot crashes. We:
- Gather evidence, including video surveillance, witness interviews, and police reports
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- File all necessary legal paperwork
- Coordinate with your doctors and medical providers to document injuries
- Pursue both economic and non-economic damages
- Negotiate or litigate aggressively to recover maximum compensation
In these cases, we know what insurance companies try to do—shift blame, deny claims, or offer low settlements. Our role is to protect your interests and ensure you aren’t shortchanged.
When a Business Is Responsible for a Parking Lot Injury
Parking lot accidents sometimes occur because a property owner failed to maintain a safe environment. Hazards like broken asphalt, lack of stop signs, poor lighting, or missing crosswalks can lead to injuries. In these cases, premises liability law applies.
To bring a successful claim, we must prove:
- The business or property owner knew or should have known about the hazard
- They failed to correct it or warn about it in a reasonable time
- That failure caused your injury
We’ve held shopping centers, office parks, grocery stores, and apartment complexes accountable for unsafe parking lots. When these cases arise, we pursue them aggressively to ensure safety standards are upheld.
What to Do After a Parking Lot Accident
If you’re involved in a parking lot crash in Richmond, here’s what we recommend:
- Stay calm and call the police if anyone is injured or there is significant damage.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including names, insurance details, and license plates.
- Take photos of the damage, injuries, location, signage, lighting, and road conditions.
- Get medical attention even if you feel fine—some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately.
- Contact a Richmond accident attorney before speaking to insurance adjusters.
Remember: insurance companies want to settle quickly and cheaply. Let us protect your rights and build a case reflecting the full value of your damages.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a “Minor” Accident
Many people assume a parking lot fender bender isn’t legally worth pursuing. But even minor crashes can lead to neck, back, or head injuries that don’t show up until days later. Without documentation, you may lose the chance to seek compensation later.
We always recommend at least speaking with a car accident lawyer in Richmond after any crash, even a low-speed one in a parking lot. You deserve to understand your legal options and make informed decisions about your next steps.
Get Help from a Parking Lot Accident Lawyer in Richmond
If you’ve been injured in a parking lot crash, don’t assume it’s too minor to matter. These accidents can result in serious injuries, complex liability, and long-term consequences. As a Richmond, VA, auto collision attorney, we’re here to help you make sense of the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to talk with an experienced parking lot accident lawyer in Richmond who puts your recovery first.
