What are the common causes of parking lot accidents?
Accidents in a parking lot can happen for many reasons. But all things considered, they boil down to drivers making simple mistakes (typically referred to as driver error).Driving errors are mostly preventable — yet they are a leading cause of parking lot accidents in Canada.2 Most of these errors can be attributed to:
- Speeding: While there may not always be signage in place, speeding in congested areas can make it difficult to react to unforeseen dangers (like a child running onto the driveway). Some provinces also have strict enforcement when it comes to parking lot speeds. For instance, in British Columbia, the maximum speed is 20 km/h.3
- Driving while distracted: Whether it’s texting, adjusting the radio, or fiddling with the infotainment system, many of these activities can divert your attention from the road.
- Failing to obey traffic signs: Stop signs, yield signs, and no parking zones are there to control the flow of traffic — ignoring them creates hazardous conditions for everyone.
- Ignoring blind spots: Checking your side mirrors isn’t always enough; you’ll need to pay attention to areas with limited visibility that may be obstructed by pillars, parked cars, or bad weather.
The rules of the road are there to be followed, and parking lots are no exception. It’s important to be mindful of how you’re driving in an area that contains multiple hazards.
Determining fault in parking lot accidents
Dealing with a parking lot collision is the same as any other road accident — you’ll report to the police, collect witness statements, and then file a claim with your insurer. When filing your claim, you’ll need to provide detailed information about the accident, including the date, time, location, and any injuries or damage involved. You might find it helpful to submit photos of the accident scene and your vehicle, too (if you have them). This information will give your insurer a more accurate representation of the collision, which could speed up the claims process and your settlement.
Fault determination varies by province. In Ontario, insurers use a series of fault determination rules to assign a percentage of fault to each driver, ranging from 0 to 100 percent. These rules outline who is at fault in almost every possible traffic scenario, so some will apply to parking lots, too. Similar laws exist in Alberta, Quebec, and other provinces as well.
Parking lot accident scenarios
Two vehicles back into each other
When two cars hit each other while simultaneously backing out of a parking space, both drivers will share fault equally — unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.
If it’s determined that one of the drivers could have reasonably avoided the collision (or was negligent), they’ll be the ones liable for the damages. Think of a car reversing out of a parking space and hitting an oncoming vehicle. The car already on the roadway usually has the right of way, so the car pulling out would be at fault.
Fortunately for many drivers, every new car sold in Canada after May 1st, 2018, comes equipped with a backup camera.4 Many of these vehicles also feature a parking collision warning system, which beeps when the car is narrowly close to other objects. With these features installed on your car, the chance of rear-ending other vehicles becomes much lower.
Although these technologies are designed to assist with parking, they’re not always foolproof. You should still look around to make sure your surroundings are clear before you reverse — especially when in a congested parking area.
A vehicle hits a pedestrian
Pedestrians are a common hazard in parking lots. They almost always have the right of way unless a traffic sign or officer directs otherwise. Drivers who fail to yield in these cases are typically presumed responsible if they end up striking a pedestrian.
One thing to note is that pedestrians can be at fault, too. For instance, if a pedestrian darts out in front of a moving car without looking (an act of negligence), they could share or even bear full responsibility for the accident.
A vehicle hits a stationary object or a parked car
Stationary objects include things like fire hydrants, light posts, traffic signs, and most obviously, parked cars. Since there’s no other driver to hold accountable, you’ll likely be 100% at fault if you crash into a non-moving object.
A vehicle rear-ends another vehicle at a corner or stop sign
Rear-ending another vehicle at a stop sign is a clear indication of driver error. If you hit another car at a controlled intersection or in a parking lot area where you’re required to yield, your insurer may find you at fault and raise your rates. Or worse, if the other driver is seriously injured, you could be held liable for their medical costs — though this only happens in extreme cases.
A vehicle hits another vehicle and leaves (hit and run)
Hitting a parked car or another vehicle and leaving the scene is considered a crime in most jurisdictions. In these instances, the driver who ‘fails to remain’ is generally considered the at-fault party.
