Parking lots are busy places, lines are faded, and determining fault in a parking lot is rarely obvious. Insurers treat parking lot accidents just like other claims, so a mistake could impact your insurance premium.
We will show you how a parking lot accident is treated, how to protect your rights, and how to keep your options open. The following is not legal advice.
Below is a roadmap for what you need to know about parking lot accidents, who may be at fault, and when to call our team.
Common Types of Parking Lot Accidents in Ontario
Parking lots can get chaotic at peak hours. Many parking lot incidents occur in tight lanes and crowded parking lots where sightlines are poor and drivers are impatient. Below are the common types of parking lot accidents we see and how each type of accident is assessed.
Backing out of a parking spot
When two drivers are pulling out of a parking lane at the same time, or one is exiting a parking spot into the lane, liability turns on who first entered the lane of travel and whether each kept a proper lookout. Another vehicle in a parking aisle that is already established usually has the right of way. However, every case is fact-specific and depends on the unique circumstances of the case.
Hitting a parked car
If you strike a legally parked car, insurers treat parking lot accidents just like any other accident and will usually find you at fault. However, if the parked car was jutting into the lane or in a fire route, apportionment of fault may change.
Competing for the same parking spot
Two drivers aiming for a single parking space often misjudge speed and angles. Determining fault in a parking aisle depends on right-of-way signs, lane position, and whether a driver cut across lanes. Evidence from witnesses and cameras is decisive.
Pedestrian and cyclist accidents in parking lots
Vehicles getting hit in parking aisles are common, but vulnerable users suffer most. If you hit a pedestrian or cyclist, the cause of the accident, speed, and visibility matter. In such accidents in Ontario, liability can be significant even at low speeds.
At-fault vs not-at-fault accidents
If you hit a legally parked car, you are usually at fault. If the other driver was speeding across lanes or stopped illegally, fault for the accident may be shared. Parking lot accidents are considered with the same rigour as roadway crashes, based on movement and right-of-way and the jurisprudence around negligence.
Insurance companies and evidence
Insurance companies examine driver statements, photos, and independent witnesses. If you are involved in the accident, capture the details of the accident with clear images of lane markings and signs. Surveillance often resolves disputes quickly.
What to Do Immediately After You are Involved in a Parking Lot Accident
Ensure safety first
If you are involved in a parking lot event, check for injuries and move to a safe area. Parking lots are busy places, and secondary collisions can happen.
Move the vehicle if safe.
Use hazard lights, then reposition to avoid blocking traffic. Many parking lot collisions happen when drivers remain stopped in blind zones.
Exchange information
Swap names, licence numbers, and insurance information. If someone hits your parked car and leaves, record the plate and witnesses immediately.
Document everything
Photograph skid marks, positions, the parking spot, signs, and damage. File an accident report at a collision reporting centre when required, so your accident report supports your version.
Report to the police when the law requires it.
If the threshold in Ontario for combined damage is exceeded or injuries are present, call the police and file a police report. You can also attend a centre to report the accident and file an accident report where appropriate.
Notify your insurer promptly.
You are required to report all accidents to your insurer, and these reports should be timely. Even if you plan to settle privately, contact your insurance provider so coverage is preserved.
Parking Lot Hit and Run Accidents
What happens if you get struck and the other driver leaves the parking lot without details? That is a hit-and-run scenario, and it can be a criminal matter. We recommend you call the police and file a report promptly, then notify your insurer.
Legal and insurance implications
In parking lot accident hit-and-run scenarios, uninsured and unidentified coverage under auto insurance may respond. If someone hits your parked car and flees, report parking lot accidents quickly and file a report so the claim is not jeopardized.
Do Parking Lot Accidents Affect Your Insurance in Ontario?
Car insurance rates and premiums
Depending on the fault and coverage, a parking lot accident could impact your insurance premium. Some policies offer forgiveness that can moderate car insurance rates after a first at-fault incident.
Your driving record
A recorded at-fault accident can affect your insurance and stay on your record like any other accident. Keep documentation organized from the outset.
Parking Lot Accident Rules You Need to Know
- Traffic signs and right of way apply on private property. Since most parking lots are considered private, do not assume immunity.
- Opening a door into traffic typically creates at-fault exposure.
- Drivers exiting a lane must yield. Many parking lot collisions arise from impatience and poor visibility.
- Illegally stopped vehicles may share responsibility depending on the cause of the accident.
How to Avoid Parking Lot Accidents in Ontario
- Drive slowly in crowded parking lots and follow signage.
- Do not rely solely on cameras. Check mirrors and blind spots.
- Choose a distant stall to reduce risk where many parking lot crashes cluster.
- Signal before you get into a parking lot lane or when leaving a stall.
- Be alert to pedestrians and carts. Accidents happen all the time when drivers rush.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Parking Lot Incident
Parking lots are considered private, but insurers treat parking lot accidents just like roadway claims when apportioning liability and paying benefits. If you are injured, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
We help file an accident report where needed, manage your insurance claim, and protect your rights under insurance in Ontario.
Bernstein Law Group assists clients who were involved in a parking lot crash by organizing medical evidence, completing forms, and negotiating with adjusters. If you get into an accident with another vehicle in a parking aisle, or someone hits your parked car and leaves, we will guide you step by step and sue the at-fault driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report a parking lot collision if the damage seems small?
Many parking lot accidents go unreported, but we recommend you file a report with a collision centre if statutory thresholds are met. When in doubt, call the police and file a report to preserve evidence.
Will this affect my premiums even if the other driver is responsible?
Insurers treat parking lot accidents based on evidence. If you are not at fault, the impact should be limited, but talk to your broker about auto insurance endorsements that can reduce exposure at renewal.
How common are these crashes?
Parking lots are busy places, and many parking lot collisions occur during rush periods. Industry data often suggests that around 1 in 5 accidents occur in parking lots.
Conclusion
Parking lots may seem harmless, yet surprise parking lot accidents can derail your week and your health.
If you are involved in a parking lot accident in Ontario or you get into an accident while pulling out, treat parking lot accidents with the same seriousness as roadway crashes. Report promptly, gather proof, and speak with counsel before giving recorded statements.
Whether you need guidance on how parking lot accidents should be treated, help to report parking lot accidents, or a review of how a parking lot accident could impact your insurance premium, Bernstein Law Group is ready to help.
