Parking lot pedestrian crashes, even at low speeds, can lead to serious injuries and high dollar claims. Although vehicles move more slowly in parking lots than on regular roads, the tight quarters where pedestrians and cars interact, along with driver distractions and flaws in parking lot design, can result in severe outcomes.
If you’ve been part of a pedestrian accident in a parking lot in Illinois, reach out to Lloyd Miller Law Group at (773) 838-8100.
Table of Contents
Why Parking-Lot Pedestrian Crashes Often Result in Serious Injuries
Parking lot pedestrian accidents can cause severe injuries due to factors like distracted driving, poor visibility, and pedestrians’ vulnerability near vehicles. Even at low speeds, collisions can be harmful. While parking lots may seem safer than busy streets, as most accidents occur in crosswalks, a simple event, such as a vehicle reversing from a spot, can lead to fatal injuries for unsuspecting walkers.
Parking lots can be more dangerous than they appear, mainly due to driver inattention. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that up to two-thirds of drivers admit to using technology inappropriately while in parking lots. Many drivers feel safer in these less hectic environments, leading to decreased vigilance and increased risk for pedestrians.
In parking lots, pedestrians are exposed without the protections available in other traffic settings. They often walk between parked cars, cross lanes, or navigate through crowded areas, which heightens the chances of getting struck by a vehicle. Even slow-moving vehicles can cause serious injuries to pedestrians, who may also not be fully aware of their surroundings, further contributing to the risk of accidents.
Common Causes of Low-Speed Pedestrian Accidents in Parking Areas
Parking lots are often busy areas filled with both pedestrians and vehicles, which can create a range of hazards that might result in accidents and injuries, including low-speed impact injury claims. Some reasons for accidents include:
Driver Distraction
Drivers may be preoccupied, rushing, or simply not paying enough attention while navigating parking lots. They could be searching for a spot, chatting on their phone, or distracted by their passengers, which increases the risk of not noticing pedestrians.
Backing Vehicles
Vehicles that are reversing can be particularly hazardous for pedestrians walking behind them. Limited visibility when backing out of spaces means drivers may miss seeing people in their way, as their focus is typically on avoiding other parked cars.
Pedestrian Actions
Pedestrians sometimes rush out from behind parked cars or walk behind vehicles without having an awareness of dangers. They may wrongly assume that drivers can see them. Additionally, distractions such as headphones or phone usage can lead to mistakes by pedestrians.
Reduced Visibility
Visibility issues, especially at night or during inclement weather, can increase the likelihood of accidents for both drivers and pedestrians. Conditions like rain, fog, and glare from headlights can obstruct the view of pedestrians in parking areas.
Excessive Speeds
Despite low speed limits in parking lots, some drivers may still exceed these limits. Higher speeds reduce the time pedestrians have to react and can limit a driver’s ability to stop in time if someone crosses their path.
Unpredictable Behavior
In parking lots, both pedestrians and vehicles often make sudden stops, starts, and turns. This unpredictability can contribute to collisions.
Nearby Large Vehicles
Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, have larger blind spots, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians nearby. Their higher fronts also increase the impact force in case of a collision.
Lack of Designated Crossings
Using marked crosswalks in parking lots enhances safety compared to crossing in undesignated areas. When people expect to cross anywhere, it can lead to unexpected encounters for drivers.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help with Your Parking Lot Crash Claim
In Illinois, working with a personal injury attorney for pedestrian accidents can enhance your chances of successfully navigating a parking lot accident claim. They assist you throughout the journey, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance firms, and if needed, representing you in court.
Determining Liability
Illinois follows a fault-based system, making the at-fault party liable for compensating the victim. In parking lot incidents, a car accident attorney can identify negligence, whether from another driver, a pedestrian, or the lot owner, due to poor maintenance or design. They understand right of way and fault in parking lot accidents, will investigate the details, and determine who is at fault and liable. This assistance helps combat insurance companies’ attempts to shift blame and reduce your claim.
Gathering Evidence
A lawyer will gather essential evidence to support your case, including police reports, witness accounts, medical records, surveillance footage, and photos of the accident site. Additionally, they may consult professionals, such as accident reconstruction experts, to bolster your case further.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Lawyers know what the average settlement for a pedestrian is and can use this knowledge to negotiate with insurance companies. They ensure all costs, like medical bills and lost income, are covered. They also consider potential future medical needs during negotiations, preventing you from accepting lowball offers
Handling the Legal Process
Your lawyer will take care of all legal details pertaining to your claim, which includes filing required paperwork and communicating with insurance representatives. They’ll guide you seamlessly through each phase of the process, ensuring that all deadlines are adhered to and documentation is completed accurately.
Representing You in Court
Should negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit, where they can prepare and present a strong case, and a judge or jury can decide what compensation to award you.
Engaging a personal injury lawyer allows you to relieve stress associated with a parking lot accident claim, enabling you to focus on your recovery while safeguarding your rights. Contact us at Lloyd Miller Law Group for assistance with your parking lot pedestrian accident claim.
