Legends Legal Marketing | January 19, 2026 | Car Accident
Parking lots may seem low-risk, but accidents happen more often than many people realize. With tight spaces, limited visibility, and frequent distractions, even a small mistake can lead to property damage or injuries. Whether you were hit while backing out, sideswiped in a crowded lot, or struck as a pedestrian, knowing what to do next can make a major difference.
At Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers, we help clients throughout San Diego County handle all types of car accident claims, from busy intersections to parking lots. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
Common Parking Lot Accident Scenarios in San Diego
Parking lot crashes often involve:
- Drivers backing out of spaces without checking for pedestrians
- Vehicles cutting across lanes or speeding through rows
- Failing to yield at intersections within lots
- Collisions near entrances or exits during rush hours
In some cases, property owners may also share responsibility for poor lighting, confusing layouts, or a lack of signage.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call for Help
The first priority after any crash is safety. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away and request medical assistance. Even in low-speed collisions, injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage can appear hours later. It’s always better to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Step 2: Move to a Safe Spot and Exchange Information
If your vehicle is blocking traffic or posing a hazard, move it to a safer location if possible. Then, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. You’ll need:
- Full name and phone number
- License plate number
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance policy information
If the other driver leaves without sharing their details, try to note their license plate and call the police to report a hit-and-run.
Step 3: Take Photos and Gather Evidence
Document the scene while it’s fresh. Take photos of:
- Vehicle positions and damage
- License plates
- Tire marks or debris
- Surrounding signage (like “Stop” or “One Way” signs)
- Any visible injuries
If anyone saw the accident, ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can help confirm what happened later.
Step 4: Report the Accident
In California, police might not respond to every parking lot accident, especially if there are no injuries. Still, it’s smart to report the incident to the California Highway Patrol or local authorities if damage exceeds $1,000 or if anyone is hurt. You’ll also need to notify your insurance company.
When speaking to insurers, be brief and factual and avoid making statements about fault until you’ve talked with a lawyer.
Step 5: Get a Medical Evaluation
Even if you walked away feeling fine, symptoms from neck, back, or head injuries can take time to show up. Prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also strengthens your claim by linking your injuries to the crash.
Worrying about medical costs is common after an accident, but knowing how to handle those bills can help you plan your next steps confidently.
Step 6: Understand Who’s at Fault
Fault in parking lot accidents isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, both drivers share responsibility. California uses the pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you’re partly at fault. Your percentage of responsibility simply reduces the amount you recover.
For example, if your damages total $20,000 and you’re found 25% at fault, you could still recover $15,000. Learning how California’s comparative negligence system works can help you understand what to expect.
Step 7: Contact a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer
Even in a parking lot, insurance companies may dispute liability or minimize your injuries. Having an attorney handle communication and negotiations can help you avoid costly mistakes.
At Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped clients throughout San Diego, Vista, and Oceanside resolve complex accident claims and secure fair outcomes.
What to Do after a Parking Lot Car Accident
A parking lot crash can be frustrating, but taking the right steps early will help protect your health, finances, and peace of mind.
If you’ve been injured in a parking lot accident in San Diego County, reach out to Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
FAQs: Parking Lot Car Accidents in California
1. Do I need to call the police for a parking lot accident?
If anyone is injured or there’s more than $1,000 in property damage, yes—you should report the accident to the police or California Highway Patrol. Even for minor collisions, a report helps document what happened.
2. Who’s at fault in a parking lot accident?
Fault depends on how the crash happened. A driver backing out without checking, failing to yield, or speeding through the lot is often responsible. Sometimes, both drivers share part of the blame under California’s comparative negligence rule.
3. Should I call my insurance company after a minor parking lot accident?
Yes. Even if the damage seems small, your insurance policy likely requires you report the incident. Just avoid admitting fault or giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
4. What if the other driver leaves the scene?
If the other driver takes off, try to write down their license plate number and call the police. You may be covered through your uninsured motorist policy.
5. Can parking lot owners ever be responsible?
In some cases, yes. If poor lighting, broken signage, or unclear traffic markings contributed to the crash, the property owner might share liability.
6. How long do I have to file a claim after a parking lot accident?
In most California car accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. Acting sooner helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.