Michael Pines | November 12, 2025 | Car Accidents
Parking lot accidents happen when vehicles collide or someone is injured in a parking area rather than on a public road. Even though these crashes often occur at lower speeds, they can still result in serious damage or injury. Though a parking lot may feel different than a street, the same general rules about liability apply.
It is important to understand what “fault” means, who might be responsible, and how liability is determined in the state of California. Our San Diego car accident lawyers can help you throughout the process.
Do Traffic Laws Apply in Parking Lots?
Just because you’re off the main road doesn’t mean the rules disappear. In California, drivers in parking lots are still expected to follow basic traffic laws and use common sense. That means watching for other cars, yielding when required, and staying alert to pedestrians.
If an accident happens, the same legal principles apply. California uses a pure comparative fault system, which means that each party involved in a crash can be assigned a percentage of the blame. Even if you’re mostly at fault, you can still recover damages—your share of responsibility just reduces your compensation.
One Law That Often Comes Into Play
Under California law, when entering a public street from a private area—such as a parking lot—you must yield to oncoming traffic. Even though parking lots are often private property, the duty to yield and drive responsibly still stands.
The bottom line is, don’t assume you’re off the hook just because the lines are faded or there’s no stoplight. If you’re in a car, the rules still apply.
Common Scenarios and How Fault Is Often Assigned
There are many ways parking lot accidents happen. Let’s break down some common ones and how liability is often decided.
Backing Out of a Parking Space
One of the most common types of accidents occurs when a driver backs out from a parking spot and hits a moving car in the aisle. Drivers who are reversing often have limited visibility and are moving slowly, which is why they are frequently considered the primary party at fault.
If someone is driving through the aisle, they generally have the right‐of‐way. Still, if the driver in the aisle was speeding or not watching for reversing cars, fault may be shared. Evidence like camera footage and witness statements becomes essential in these situations.
Pulling Forward Into Traffic Lanes
Suppose you pull out of a parking space or drive across aisles to reach your spot, and you collide with a car already driving through the main lane. In many cases, the driver entering or moving from the parking space is held responsible for failing to yield to the through traffic. This is because the main driving lane functions like a roadway where moving cars have priority.
Hitting a Pedestrian in a Parking Lot
If a pedestrian is struck in a parking lot, the driver may be liable for failing to yield or failing to see the pedestrian in a marked crosswalk or walkway. However, pedestrians also have a duty to use reasonable care.
If they walk between parked cars or behind a reversing vehicle and obscure themselves from view, they may share some fault. The parking lot owner can also be liable if poor lighting, missing signage, or bad surface conditions contributed to the accident.
Contact Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a San Diego Car Accident Attorney
Were you hurt in a parking lot crash in San Diego? You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and more. At Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped countless accident victims hold negligent drivers accountable—and we’re ready to fight for you.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced San Diego car accident attorney.
For more information, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We proudly serve San Diego, San Diego County, and its surrounding areas:
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
Available 24/7
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
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