Pedestrian Accidents in Parking Lots and Garages

Parking Lots and Garages Are Surprisingly Dangerous for Pedestrians

Most people think of pedestrian accidents as something that happens on busy streets. But parking lots and garages are among the most common locations for pedestrian injuries. Vehicles moving in tight spaces, drivers backing out of spots without looking, poor visibility, and confusing traffic patterns all create hazards. In a parking lot, every person walking to or from their car is a pedestrian at risk.

If you were hit by a vehicle in a parking lot or parking garage in Chicago, you may be able to seek compensation from the driver, the property owner, or both.

Why Parking Lot Pedestrian Accidents Are So Common

Backing Out Without Looking

The most common cause of parking lot pedestrian accidents is a driver backing out of a space without adequately checking for people behind them. Rear visibility is limited in many vehicles, especially SUVs, trucks, and vans. Even vehicles with backup cameras have blind spots. Drivers who rely entirely on mirrors or cameras without turning their head may miss a pedestrian walking behind them.

Distracted Drivers

Drivers in parking lots are often distracted. They may be looking for open spots, checking their phones, adjusting GPS, or searching through bags. At the same time, they are operating a vehicle in close proximity to pedestrians. Even at low speeds, a distracted driver can cause serious injuries.

Speeding Through Parking Lots

Some drivers treat parking lots like roads, driving at 20 to 30 mph through lanes designed for much slower speeds. At those speeds, a pedestrian hit by a car can suffer broken bones, head injuries, and worse.

Failure to Yield at Pedestrian Walkways

Many parking lots have designated pedestrian walkways or crosswalks near store entrances. Drivers are supposed to yield to pedestrians in these areas. But many drivers either ignore the markings or are not paying attention.

Poor Visibility

Parking garages are especially dangerous because of low lighting, blind corners, tight turns, and low ceilings that can obstruct views. Ramps and transitions between levels create additional hazards. A driver rounding a corner in a dark parking garage may not see a pedestrian until it is too late.

Weather Conditions

In Chicago winters, parking lots can be covered in ice and snow. Vehicles may slide on slippery surfaces, and drivers may lose control. Pedestrians may also slip on ice while trying to get out of the way of an oncoming vehicle.

Who Is Liable for Parking Lot Pedestrian Accidents?

Liability in parking lot accidents can involve multiple parties.

The Driver

The driver who struck you is the most obvious party. If they were backing up without looking, speeding, distracted, or otherwise driving carelessly, they are liable for your injuries. The same negligence standards that apply on public roads apply in parking lots.

The Property Owner

The owner or operator of the parking lot or garage may also be liable if the property’s design or maintenance contributed to the accident. Property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. This includes:

• Adequate lighting: Dark parking lots and garages increase the risk of accidents. If a property owner fails to maintain proper lighting, they may be liable.
• Clear traffic flow: Parking lots should have clearly marked lanes, directional arrows, stop signs, and speed limit signs. Confusing layouts increase accident risk.
• Pedestrian walkways: Large parking lots should have designated pedestrian paths, especially near entrances. Failure to provide these can make the property owner liable.
• Maintenance: Potholes, uneven surfaces, faded markings, and broken speed bumps can contribute to accidents. Icy or snowy conditions that are not addressed promptly can also create liability.
• Sightline obstructions: Overgrown landscaping, poorly placed signs, or structural columns that block the view of drivers or pedestrians can contribute to crashes.

Businesses and Retailers

If the parking lot belongs to a shopping center, grocery store, or other business, the business may share liability. Businesses owe their customers a duty of care, and this extends to the parking lot where customers are walking to and from the store.

Valet Services

If a valet driver hits a pedestrian, both the valet company and the establishment that hired them may be liable. Valet drivers are often rushing to park and retrieve vehicles, and they may not exercise adequate caution around pedestrians.

Parking Garage Management Companies

Many parking garages in downtown Chicago are operated by management companies like SpotHero partners, LAZ Parking, or InterPark. These companies are responsible for maintaining safe conditions in the garages they manage.

Applying Traffic Laws in Parking Lots

One common question is whether traffic laws apply in private parking lots. The answer is somewhat complicated. Illinois traffic laws technically apply on public roads and highways. Private parking lots are not public roads. However, courts still use the general principles of negligence to determine fault. A driver who backs up without looking is negligent whether they are on a public road or in a private parking lot.

Some parking lots have posted signs that adopt traffic regulations, including speed limits and yield-to-pedestrian rules. Violating these posted rules can be used as evidence of negligence.

Common Injuries in Parking Lot Pedestrian Accidents

Even at the low speeds typical of parking lots, pedestrian injuries can be serious:

• Broken hips and pelvis injuries, especially in older adults
• Knee and ankle injuries from being struck or knocked down
• Head injuries and concussions from hitting the pavement
• Back and spinal injuries
• Wrist and arm fractures from trying to break a fall
• Foot injuries from being run over
• Crush injuries when a pedestrian is pinned between vehicles or against a wall

Elderly pedestrians and children are at the highest risk of severe injury in parking lot accidents. Their smaller size and greater physical vulnerability mean even low-speed impacts can cause significant harm.

What to Do After a Parking Lot Pedestrian Accident

1. Call 911. Report the accident and request medical attention. A police report is important evidence, even for accidents on private property.
2. Stay at the scene. Do not leave until police arrive and you have exchanged information with the driver.
3. Get the driver’s information. License plate, driver’s license, insurance card, and contact details.
4. Look for cameras. Most parking lots and garages have security cameras. Ask the property owner to preserve the footage. Your attorney can formally request it.
5. Take photographs. Document the scene, including the vehicle’s position, any parking lot hazards (poor lighting, faded markings, ice), and your injuries.
6. Get witness information. Other shoppers or passersby may have seen the accident.
7. Report to the property owner or manager. Let the store, mall, or garage management know about the accident. Ask for an incident report.
8. Seek medical treatment. See a doctor even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries are not immediately apparent.
9. Contact a personal injury lawyer. Parking lot cases often involve multiple liable parties, and you need someone who can investigate and handle the complexity.

Challenges in Parking Lot Accident Cases

Parking lot pedestrian accident cases present some unique challenges:

• Disputed fault: The driver and their insurance company will often argue the pedestrian was not paying attention or walked behind a moving vehicle.
• Low-speed arguments: Insurance companies argue that low-speed impacts cannot cause serious injuries. This is not true. Falls onto hard pavement can cause traumatic brain injuries even at very low speeds.
• Private property complications: Because parking lots are private property, police may not always respond or may write a less detailed report.
• Camera footage availability: Security footage is often overwritten within days or weeks. Getting it preserved quickly is critical.

An experienced accident attorney knows how to address these challenges and build a strong case even when the circumstances are complex.

Filing a Claim for a Parking Lot Pedestrian Accident

You may have claims against multiple parties: the driver’s auto insurance, the property owner’s commercial liability policy, and potentially the business’s insurance. Your attorney can identify all available insurance coverage and pursue claims against each responsible party.

The statute of limitations for personal injury in Illinois is two years from the date of the accident. For claims against government-owned parking facilities, shorter notice deadlines may apply.

Get Help With Your Parking Lot Accident Case

If you were hit by a vehicle in a parking lot or garage in Chicago, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Multiple parties may be responsible, and multiple insurance policies may cover your losses. A thorough investigation is the key to maximizing your recovery.

Call Phillips Law Offices at (312) 346-4262 or contact us online at /contact/ for a free consultation.