When we think of car accidents we invariably assume that they occur on highways, roads, bridges, etc. However, nearly 20 per cent of motor vehicle accidents actually happen in parking lots. Though most of them may result in property or vehicle damage and minor injuries to passengers/drivers, there have been several instances where death and serious injuries have taken place.

In these cases, it’s important for drivers and passengers to know all their rights and options. Private parking lots are considered to be private property in Ontario and not covered by the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. Hence, if you’re injured in one of these accidents, your rights could be seriously compromised unless you’re represented by an experienced personal injury lawyer.

How Parking Lot Accidents Happen

Parking lot accidents may be single vehicle accidents that involve collision with a wall/pillar, reversing into a shopping cart, or could happen when the driver/passenger of a car opens their car door and strikes an adjoining vehicle.

Hit-and-run accidents occur when another vehicle collided into your parked vehicle, damaged it and left without stopping or leaving a note.

Parking lot collisions may occur when two or more vehicles attempt to leave the lot simultaneously without due care. Drivers may reverse into lane-ways while others are attempting to pass.

Parking lots must have clear and adequate signage giving instructions about lanes, exits and availability. If they don’t have aisle-signs, stop-signs, stop-and-go signs, or clear markings on one and two-way lanes, etc, accidents occur.

Parking lots are chaotic places, filled with pedestrians, children in strollers, senior citizens, people with disabilities, shopping carts, goods and materials. Lighting may be poor in some areas and feeder lanes may not have the proper signs or enough space for maneuvering.

You need a personal injury lawyer immediately to assess the circumstances.

Rules Governing Parking Lots

Large parking lots in big malls are privately owned. Rules governing these premises are unique to the property and are enforced by the owner.

If you’re leaving a parking space, you need to yield to oncoming traffic.

In general, the driving rules for parking lot are very similar to those that need to be followed on the road. The main entrances and exits are considered to be thoroughfares and anyone entering/exiting these must yield right of way to those already traveling in them, even if no stop sign is present.

For minor accidents, the property-owner can ensure that the parties settle the matter between them. In serious accidents, the regional or provincial police, federal and municipal laws may be involved.

Establishing fault is very important in parking lot collisions, as the damages have to be paid out to the injured party or the person whose car is damaged. Since insurance companies are involved, you may need expert legal representation from a an accident injury lawyer available 24×7.

What to Do When A Parking Lot Accident Happens

Usually, there are no witnesses in parking lot accidents, so it could be a question of your word against the other person’s. Your case can be made much stronger if you can provide your Richmond Hill personal injury  lawyer with certain crucial information. Any accident is traumatic, however minor or major it is. But in the chaos that follows, it’s wise if you can keep calm and ensure that you:

• Take pictures of both vehicles immediately.
• In case of serious damage, inform the police immediately.
• Record the other driver’s details like name, address, license plate, insurance details etc.
• Inform your insurance company immediately especially if it’s not your fault. Never offer to settle without informing your insurance company, since this could back-fire and they could cancel your policy.
• Note down all crucial details about how, when, where the accident occurred, what you noticed, how the other driver behaved etc.
• Move your vehicle out of the way if required after documenting details.
• Approach the other driver only if you feel it’s safe to do so. If they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this could be injurious to you and your fellow passengers.
• Contact a free consultation injury lawyer as soon as possible.

How A Car Accident Lawyer Can Assist 

Our accident injury lawyers are available 24×7. We can assist victims of parking lot collisions by safeguarding their rights, conducting all negotiations with insurance firms/adjusters, representing you in all communications with the authorities and the other party and ensuring that you get the maximum possible compensation for damages.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333.