Parking Lot Collisions Can Injure Pedestrians

 Posted on December 27, 2023 in Car Accident

Although a fender bender is usually a mere inconvenience, pedestrians are at risk of suffering serious injuries when hit by a moving vehicle

Many do not realize the dangers that pedestrians face simply walking through a parking lot. On average, there are over half a million accidents in parking lots and garages annually. Of these, at least 60,000 people suffer injuries.

If you have been injured in a parking lot collision, speak with our Fort Collins pedestrian and bicycle accident attorney to learn more about recovering compensation.

Dangers to Pedestrians in Parking Lots

Pedestrians are at high risk of being injured in a parking lot due to the following factors:

Motorists Usually Do Not Adhere to Traffic Regulations

Motor vehicle drivers usually do not take the same care driving through a parking lot as they would driving on the road. Many drivers will even cut through empty parking spaces, not following the posted speed limit. This disregard for traffic laws results in a large number of injuries and fatalities.

More Distracted Drivers

Two-thirds of parking lot drivers admitted that they would make a phone call while driving through a parking lot. Respondents in the same poll also admitted that they would use a GPS or other navigational device, send text messages, and answer emails while their vehicle is in motion.

There are Significantly More Pedestrians

Many people who exit their vehicle in a parking lot are in a hurry to get somewhere. This, combined with motorists being in a rush to park or heading off to their next destination, creates a disaster waiting to happen.

Pedestrians Have No Designated Place to Walk

Parking lots normally do not have a designated place for pedestrians to walk. Pedestrians are forced to walk behind vehicles, which is just asking for trouble - so much so that 9% of pedestrian fatalities are caused by backing up vehicles.

Ways For Pedestrians to Stay Safe

As a pedestrian, you will want to take all necessary measures to keep yourself out of harm’s way. This should include:

Keeping Your Head Up and Your Phone Down

You cannot rely on drivers to remain vigilant when parking their vehicles or backing out of parking spaces. Walking through a parking lot is not the time to catch up on your favorite book or text messages from friends.

Keeping Your Eyes Open

Remain aware of your surroundings, being on the lookout for moving vehicles. Drivers normally do not give their full attention to traffic in parking lots, but you should.

Staying Visible 

Avoid areas where oncoming drivers cannot see you. It is important not to walk directly behind parked vehicles since a vehicle could move at any moment.

Contact a Fort Collins, CO, Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Attorney

Even if you take necessary measures in a parking lot, your safety is not guaranteed. It is not uncommon for pedestrians to sustain life-threatening injuries from moving vehicles in parking lots and garages. Approximately 500 pedestrians succumb to these injuries each year.

If you have been injured in a parking lot collision, do not hesitate to contact our Larimer County, CO, pedestrian and bicycle accident attorney at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C.. Contact us online or by calling 970-225-2190 to schedule your free consultation