Common Causes of Pedestrian Parking Lot Accidents

Parking lots are everywhere in urban and suburban areas in and around Boston. They may seem to be controlled environments, but in reality they can be perilous for pedestrians. If you’re on foot anywhere in a parking lot, you are under constant threat of danger, both from traffic and from possible unsafe conditions. When an accident occurs, you need to understand who might be responsible and how to pursue a claim for damages.

Here are the most frequent causes of parking lot accidents leading to pedestrian injuries:

• Poor lighting — Inadequate lighting, in indoor parking lots or in outdoor lots at night, hampers visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. This can lead to drivers failing to see pedestrians crossing walkways or maneuvering around parked cars, increasing the risk of collisions. Low lighting can also make it hard for pedestrians to notice slip and fall hazards.
• Sharp corners and uneven pavement — Blind spots can be created by sharp corners. Uneven pavement can be caused by potholes, cracks and depressions. Pedestrians can be blindsided or may lose balance and fall into traffic. Also, drivers may have limited visibility or might swerve to avoid obstacles, putting pedestrians at risk.

• Traffic congestion, distracted driving, and speeding — Parking lots are often congested and busy, creating a chaotic environment where driver attention is easily diverted and reaction time is reduced. Furthermore, exceeding the designated speed limit in a parking lot, even by a small margin, can drastically increase the chance of a pedestrian accident.

• Unmarked lanes and spots — The lack of clear lane markings and designated parking spaces can lead to confusion among drivers and pedestrians. This can cause accidents as drivers misjudge their positions or fail to yield the right of way.
• Uncontrolled shopping carts — Loose carts rolling freely or acting as obstacles can cause vehicles to swerve to avoid them, putting pedestrians in peril. 

• Ramps not meeting building standards — Ramps that lack proper handrails, have insecure railings or do not adhere to slope requirements pose a significant risk of falls for pedestrians, particularly those who are mobility challenged.
• Unremoved snow and ice — In outdoor lots, slippery surfaces due to unremoved snow and ice can cause pedestrians as well as drivers to lose traction. Uncontrolled vehicles can endanger pedestrians around them.

If you’re hurt in a parking lot accident, you should immediately call for medical attention. If possible, take photos of the scene and of any vehicles involved. Report the accident to the manager of the parking lot. Then, contact a qualified pedestrian accident attorney to investigate the facts of your case and to gather evidence for your claim. Your attorney will build your case, calculate the value of your damages, negotiate for a fair settlement amount and if necessary go to court to secure a fair result.

The team at Feinberg & Alban PC has decades of experience represent pedestrian accident victims in Greater Boston. Give us a call at 617-232-5950 or contact us online to set up your free initial consultation.