Parking lot accidents in Vancouver may not happen at high speeds, but they can cause serious injuries and expensive vehicle damage. Whether it’s a backing-up collision, a pedestrian getting hit, or two drivers fighting over the same spot, these crashes can raise a question about who is liable for a parking lot accident.

Under Washington law, liability in a parking lot wreck is based on fault. This means the driver who acted negligently or broke a traffic rule is financially responsible for damages. While it may sound simple, parking lot accidents often involve gray areas, especially when both parties share some level of fault. 

At Craig Swapp & Associates, a Vancouver auto accident lawyer can help those injured or who suffered losses in parking lot accidents, involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, or even bicycles.

Common Parking Lot Wrecks in Vancouver

Parking lots may seem like low-risk zones, but the number of accidents that happen in them proves otherwise. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), tens of thousands of crashes occur in parking lots each year, often due to distractions, tight spaces, or unclear right-of-way.

Some of the most common types of wrecks in Vancouver parking lots include:

  • Back-up collisions – When a driver reverses out of a parking spot without checking for crossing vehicles or pedestrians.
  • Two vehicles competing for a parking space – Disputes over who has the right to claim a spot can end in a scrape or side-impact crash.
  • Pedestrian accidents – Shoppers, children, or elderly individuals are sometimes struck by vehicles traveling too fast or not checking blind spots.
  • Rear-end accidents at stop signs or crosswalks – Often caused by distracted or impatient drivers.
  • “Dooring” incidents – A parked driver opens a door into the path of an oncoming car, bicycle, or pedestrian.
  • Accidents near exits or entrances – These areas tend to be congested and confusing, especially during peak hours.

Because parking lots are private property, the rules differ slightly from traditional roadways. However, Washington state laws still apply when it comes to fault and negligence.

Liability in Vancouver Parking Lot Accidents

Determining liability for a parking lot accident in Vancouver comes down to one key issue: who was at fault. Under Washington’s fault-based insurance system, the party who causes the accident is responsible for the resulting damages.

Parking lots typically fall under the category of “private property,” but that doesn’t change the application of standard legal principles. Liability is generally based on negligence, failure to act with reasonable care.

Some scenarios where one party may clearly be liable include:

  • A driver reversing into a moving vehicle in a lane of travel
  • A driver who fails to yield at an internal stop sign
  • A driver who strikes a pedestrian in a crosswalk or a walking lane
  • A speeding or reckless driver navigating the lot too aggressively

While most parking lot crashes involve two drivers, there are situations where the parking lot owner or business could be partially liable. In such cases, a premises liability claim may be filed alongside a car accident claim.

However, some situations involve shared fault, such as two cars backing out of opposite spots and colliding. In these cases, Washington’s comparative fault law comes into play.

What Is Comparative Fault in Vancouver, Washington?

Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means that if both parties share some degree of fault for a Vancouver accident, they can still recover compensation, although their recovery will be reduced based on their percentage of fault.

For example, if a pedestrian is found 10% at fault for walking outside of a crosswalk, and the driver is 90% at fault for speeding in the lot, the pedestrian’s compensation would be reduced by 10%.

This law applies to insurance claims as well as personal injury lawsuits. It’s crucial to understand this when seeking compensation because insurance companies may try to inflate your share of the blame to reduce their payout. A trusted car accident lawyer in Vancouver, WA, can challenge these determinations and push back against lowball settlements.

Does Insurance Cover Parking Lot Accidents? 

Yes, car insurance generally covers parking lot accidents, but who pays depends on fault and policy type. 

In Washington, all drivers are required to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage

If another driver is at fault for a parking lot crash in Vancouver, their liability insurance should cover your damages. But if you’re hit by an uninsured driver or in a hit-and-run, your own uninsured motorist (UM) or collision coverage would apply, if you purchased it.

Not every parking lot crash results in visible damage or immediate pain, but injuries such as whiplash or concussions can develop after the fact. That’s why it’s always recommended to document the scene, report the crash, and seek medical evaluation.

What if You’re at Fault in a Vancouver Parking Lot Wreck?

Even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident, you still have rights. Washington’s pure comparative fault rule allows you to pursue compensation, even if you were 99% at fault.

What matters is documenting the facts and presenting evidence that shows the other party’s responsibility, such as:

  • Surveillance footage (most parking lots are under camera surveillance)
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Vehicle damage angles
  • Police reports
  • Cell phone records (to prove distracted driving)

Keep in mind that in some cases, both drivers could have failed to yield, or visibility may have been obstructed. Rather than accept full blame, speak with a personal injury lawyer who can examine the evidence and protect your claim.

Call a Vancouver Accident Lawyer When Liability Is Disputed

Liability for a parking lot accident in Vancouver can affect everything, from your ability to recover damages to how insurance companies value your claim. When there’s a dispute about who’s at fault, or when multiple parties are involved, having a car accident lawyer helps settle the case.

At Craig Swapp & Associates, our car accident lawyers work to hold the right parties accountable and fight for the compensation you need. Call us at 360-964-8079 to speak with our lawyer in Vancouver, or send us a message about your case using our online form here to schedule your free consultation.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp