Parking lots feel “safe” because cars are moving slowly. But parking lots are one of the most common places for crashes and close calls—especially for pedestrians. The truth is: low speed doesn’t mean low risk. Even a 5–15 mph impact can cause serious injuries, expensive medical treatment, and long-term pain.
Why parking lots are riskier than people think
Parking lots combine a lot of hazards in a small space:
- Drivers backing out with limited visibility
- Pedestrians walking between cars where they’re hard to see
- Distracted driving (phones, GPS, looking for a spot)
- Poor lighting at night
- Tight lanes, blind corners, and blocked sightlines from large vehicles
- Confusing right-of-way rules and unpredictable behavior
Because everything happens close together, there’s less time to react—and more chances for a “minor” bump to become a major injury.
How pedestrians get hurt in parking lots
Pedestrians are vulnerable because there’s no protection—no seatbelt, no airbags, no steel frame. Common pedestrian scenarios include:
- A driver backing out and not seeing someone behind the vehicle
- A car rolling forward while a pedestrian is crossing an aisle
- A turning driver focusing on other cars, not foot traffic
Injury potential for pedestrians (even at low speeds)
Low-speed impacts can still knock someone down, causing secondary injuries when they hit the ground. Parking lot pedestrian injuries often include:
- Head injuries and concussions
- Broken wrists/arms from trying to catch a fall
- Hip, knee, and ankle injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and deep soft-tissue injuries
For older adults and children, the risk is even higher because they’re more likely to suffer serious harm from a fall.
How drivers and passengers get injured at low speeds
People assume that if there’s “barely any damage,” there can’t be real injury. But the human body doesn’t measure force the same way a bumper does.
In low-speed collisions—like backing into another car or getting hit while pulling out—occupants can still suffer:
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Shoulder injuries from bracing
- Back injuries (including aggravated disc problems)
- Jaw and facial injuries (from impact with the steering wheel or airbag deployment in some cases)
- Hand/wrist injuries (from gripping the wheel during impact)
And even when symptoms feel mild at first, pain and stiffness can ramp up over the next 24–72 hours.
Why “minor” parking lot crashes can turn into major problems
Parking lot accidents often create complications that make claims harder than people expect:
- Drivers may disagree about who had the right-of-way
- Some drivers leave the scene (hit-and-run)
- Witnesses may be hard to find
- Security cameras may not capture the angle—or footage may be deleted quickly
- Insurance companies may downplay injuries because the crash was “low speed”
That’s why documenting what happened matters.
What to do after a parking lot accident
If you’re involved in a parking lot crash—whether you were walking or driving—take it seriously.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt
- Get medical attention promptly (even if you feel “okay”)
- Take photos: vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, lighting, signs, and the surrounding area
- Get witness names and contact info
- Ask nearby businesses about security cameras right away
- Exchange information and file a police report if appropriate
- Don’t give recorded statements to an insurer until you understand your rights
Bottom line
Parking lot accidents are common, and they can cause real injuries—especially to pedestrians. If you or a loved one was hurt, don’t let the “low-speed” label minimize what you’re going through. The right next steps can protect your health and your ability to recover financially.
If you have questions about a parking lot accident in Las Vegas or anywhere in Clark County, talk to a personal injury lawyer who will take the time to listen and explain your options in plain English.
Disclaimer
This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every accident and injury claim is different, and the laws that apply depend on the specific facts of your situation. For advice about your particular circumstances, consult a qualified attorney licensed in your state. If you need immediate help, call 911 or seek medical attention right away.
Sources
- National Safety Council, Injury Facts: Motor-Vehicle Deaths by Road User (context on pedestrian vulnerability in traffic environments): https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/pedestrians/
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Traffic Safety Facts: Pedestrians (overview of pedestrian crash injury risk): https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Pedestrians (risk factors and injury context): https://www.iihs.org/topics/pedestrians
