What to Do After a Parking Lot Accident

Accidents in grocery store parking lots or other privately owned parking areas are more common than you might think. With cars constantly pulling in and out, distracted drivers, and pedestrians weaving between vehicles, parking lot collisions are an everyday risk.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in a private parking lot in Colorado, it’s important to understand the legal aspects, especially since law enforcement may not always be involved. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself, file an insurance claim, and seek compensation for damages or injuries.

Will Police Respond to a Parking Lot Accident?

In most cases, Colorado police won’t respond to minor parking lot accidents, as private property falls outside their direct jurisdiction. But that doesn’t mean you should skip reporting the crash.

• Always call the police to document the incident and file an accident report.
• Insurance companies rely heavily on police reports when evaluating claims. Without one, the at-fault party may deny responsibility, making it harder to prove your case.

Essential Steps to Take After a Parking Lot Car Accident

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‍1. Exchange Information with the Other Driver

‍Even if law enforcement doesn't respond, you must gather details from the other party involved in the collision. Make sure to collect:

• Full name and contact information (phone number, email, and home address)
• Insurance provider and policy number
• Driver’s license and license plate number

2. Document the Scene with Photos and Videos

‍A parking lot accident claim is easier to prove if you have visual evidence of what happened. Use your phone to take:

• Pictures of vehicle damage from multiple angles
• Wide shots of the parking lot, including stop signs, crosswalks, and lane markings
• Close-up images of skid marks, debris, or other contributing factors

Additionally, if the store has security cameras, request that management preserves any footage that may have recorded the crash.

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‍3. Determine Fault for the Parking Lot Accident

‍Determining fault in a parking lot accident can be tricky. Colorado follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages. While police may not assign fault, your observations and evidence will be critical for your insurance claim or personal injury case. Here are some common parking lot accident scenarios and who is typically at fault:

• A driver backing out of a space and hitting a moving vehicle: The driver reversing is usually responsible.
• Running a stop sign in a parking lot: The driver who failed to stop is at fault.
• Two vehicles backing out simultaneously and colliding: Both drivers may share fault.
• A pedestrian being hit by a car: The driver is generally at fault, but shared liability may apply if the pedestrian was distracted or crossing improperly.

4. File an Insurance Claim for Your Parking Lot Accident

‍If you’ve sustained vehicle damage or personal injuries, you may need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. To succeed, you will need to prove:

• The other driver had a duty of care (e.g., following parking lot traffic rules).
• They breached that duty (e.g., speeding, failing to yield, driving distracted).
• Their negligence caused the accident and your damages (vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages).

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If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) may help cover your losses. Need Legal Help After a Parking Lot Accident? Contact Chris Parks Law. Navigating the aftermath of a parking lot accident in Colorado can be frustrating, especially if insurance companies try to deny your claim or place blame on you.

At Chris Parks Law, we help accident victims understand their rights and recover fair compensation for their injuries and damages. Whether you need assistance negotiating with insurance adjusters or pursuing a personal injury claim, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Call Chris Parks Law today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your case and explore your legal options. Stay safe on the roads—and in parking lots!