Parking Lot Accidents in Maryland: Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?

Parking lots may seem like low-risk environments compared to busy highways or intersections, but they are a common site for car accidents in Maryland. From fender benders to collisions involving bicyclists or pedestrians, these crashes have the potential to cause life-threatening injuries.

Unfortunately, figuring out who is responsible for a parking lot accident and getting the compensation you need to recover is not always easy. Our experienced Maryland car accident attorneys explain how they often happen and key factors in determining liability.

Parking Lot Accident Injuries in Maryland: How They Happen

Local parking lots are busy places, between motorists rushing to get in and out and pedestrians or bicyclists passing through. You have people moving in multiple directions, limited sightlines, and drivers who are frequently distracted or moving too quickly for the environment.

That combination creates the perfect condition for car accidents. The National Safety Council (NSC) advises that they are one of the most common places for a crash to happen and injure tens of thousands of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians each year.

Common causes of Maryland parking lot accidents:

• Motorists pulling out of parking spaces without checking for pedestrians or oncoming traffic.
• Speeding and rushing to get a parking space.
• Being distracted by cell phones, passengers, or to-do lists.
• Failing to stop or yield right of way.
• Poor lighting and poorly marked or faded traffic lanes, crosswalks, and stop signs.
• Slippery or uneven pavement, potholes, or inadequate drainage.

Parking lot accidents in Maryland often happen due to multiple factors, which makes determining liability more difficult. The driver, property owners, and even your own actions may have all played a role.

Determining Liability for Maryland Parking Lot Accident Injuries

Accidents that happen in Maryland parking lots may seem minor, but they can still leave victims suffering devastating injuries. Key factors that determine who can be held liable and your rights in seeking compensation for your losses:

• Was the at-fault driver reckless or in violation of traffic laws?
• Did the parking lot owner know about and fail to correct dangerous conditions?
• Were adequate signage and traffic controls in place to guide drivers and protect pedestrians?
• Did the design or layout of the parking lot create unreasonable risks?
• The specific evidence available, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and police or incident reports.

Maryland’s contributory negligence standard applies in these cases, meaning if an insurer can prove you were at least partly responsible, they can deny compensation. To protect your rights in a claim, get legal help right away.

Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Maryland Parking Lot Accident Attorneys

Car accidents are common in Maryland parking lots and can leave victims suffering severe injuries. At Berman Sobin Gross LLP, we help victims get the compensation needed to cover their medical care, lost earnings, and other costs.

Our Maryland car accident attorneys provide trusted, local legal service to clients in these cases. Contact us today to request a consultation.

Sources:

nsc.org/road/safety-topics/distracted-driving/parking-lot-safety?srsltid=AfmBOorrJwnarwYz6DqssYHFxwduZNhgFaID-nRJ_YqlET8zUmQOeIU-#/

dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/CourtCrimCivil/Negligence-Systems.pdf