Parking lot accidents are among the most common types of collisions, accounting for millions of accidents nationally each year. While often dismissed as minor fender-benders, parking lot accidents can cause serious injuries including whiplash, back injuries, and pedestrian strikes. Attorney Anand Desai fights to hold negligent drivers and property owners accountable.
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Parking lot accident cases present unique challenges because they often occur on private property, involve disputed liability, and are frequently dismissed by insurance companies as 'minor.' Attorney Anand Desai knows that even low-speed parking lot collisions can cause real injuries that require treatment and recovery time, and he fights to ensure insurance companies take your claim seriously.
With 20+ years of legal experience, over 5,000 clients served, and more than 50 jury trials, Anand Desai has the litigation skills to prove liability in parking lot accidents where both drivers claim the other was at fault. Our firm obtains parking lot security camera footage, interviews witnesses, and works with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to establish exactly what happened.
Parking lot accidents in Glendale are common at major shopping centers like the Americana at Brand, Glendale Galleria, and the numerous strip malls along Brand Boulevard, Central Avenue, and San Fernando Road. These busy commercial parking lots see thousands of vehicles daily, and the combination of backing vehicles, distracted pedestrians, poor sightlines, and aggressive drivers creates a recipe for accidents.
Beyond the negligent driver, the parking lot owner may also be liable if hazardous conditions contributed to the accident — poor lighting, missing stop signs, confusing traffic flow, potholes, or obstructed sightlines. We serve clients in 11 languages on a contingency fee basis. Call (833) 270-7800.
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Parking lot accidents take several forms, each with distinct liability considerations. Backing collisions are the most common type, occurring when a driver reverses out of a parking space and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian. Under California law, the driver who is backing has a duty to yield to all vehicles and pedestrians in the aisle or travel lane (CVC §22106). This means the backing driver is typically at fault, though the other driver may share fault if they were speeding through the lot or driving distracted.
Two-car backing accidents occur when two vehicles simultaneously back out of opposing parking spaces and collide. In these situations, both drivers may share fault because both were backing without adequate observation. Determining the relative fault in a two-car backing accident often depends on which driver had backed further out, who had a better view, and who was moving faster.
Parking lot intersection collisions occur at internal intersections within parking structures and lots. Many parking lots have stop signs, yield signs, or directional arrows, but some have inadequate traffic controls. Drivers who fail to stop or yield at parking lot intersections cause T-bone and right-angle collisions. Pull-through accidents occur when a driver pulls through a parking space into the adjacent aisle and strikes a vehicle in that aisle. Pedestrian strikes in parking lots are particularly concerning because pedestrians are often loading groceries, attending to children, or otherwise distracted and not expecting vehicle traffic.
Parking lot accident liability can extend beyond the negligent driver to the property owner or management company responsible for maintaining the parking lot. Under California premises liability law, property owners have a duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. This duty extends to parking lots, garages, and structures.
Property owner liability may arise when the parking lot has inadequate lighting that prevents drivers and pedestrians from seeing each other, missing or damaged stop signs, yield signs, or directional markings, confusing traffic flow patterns that create conflict points, potholes, uneven surfaces, or debris that cause vehicles to lose control or pedestrians to trip, obstructed sightlines from overgrown vegetation, poorly placed signs, or structural columns, missing or inadequate pedestrian walkways forcing pedestrians to walk in vehicle travel lanes, and inadequate security in parking garages.
To hold a property owner liable, you must show that the dangerous condition existed, the property owner knew or should have known about it through reasonable inspection, the condition was a substantial factor in causing your accident, and you were harmed as a result. California Civil Code §1714 establishes the general duty of care, and the specific application to property owners is well established in California case law. Attorney Anand Desai investigates both driver negligence and property owner liability in every parking lot accident case.
Glendale is home to some of the busiest retail destinations in Los Angeles County, and their parking lots see a high volume of accidents. The Americana at Brand parking structure handles thousands of vehicles daily, particularly on weekends and during holiday shopping seasons. The multi-level structure has tight turns, limited visibility at corners, and pedestrians walking to and from shops, restaurants, and the trolley.
The Glendale Galleria parking structure, one of the largest enclosed malls in the country, similarly experiences frequent parking lot accidents. The garage's multiple levels, one-way driving lanes, and heavy pedestrian traffic create numerous conflict points. The entrances and exits on Central Avenue and Brand Boulevard are particularly congested during peak hours.
Beyond these major shopping centers, parking lot accidents in Glendale commonly occur at grocery store lots (Ralphs, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and ethnic grocery stores along San Fernando Road), strip malls along Brand Boulevard and Glendale Avenue, restaurant parking lots throughout the city, medical office parking lots, and the downtown municipal parking structures. Regardless of the specific location, the same principles of negligence apply. The driver who was less careful is typically at fault, and the property owner may share liability if the lot's design or maintenance contributed to the accident.
One advantage of parking lot accidents compared to accidents on public roads is the high likelihood of security camera coverage. Most commercial parking lots, particularly those at shopping centers, garages, and large retail stores, have extensive security camera systems. This footage can be decisive in establishing who was at fault.
However, obtaining this footage requires prompt action. Many security camera systems record on a loop, overwriting older footage after days or weeks. Some systems retain footage for only 24 to 72 hours. If you wait too long to request the footage, it may be permanently lost. An attorney can send a formal evidence preservation letter (also called a spoliation letter) to the property owner, demanding that they preserve all footage related to your accident.
If the property owner destroys footage after receiving a preservation letter, the court can impose sanctions including an instruction to the jury that they may presume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the property owner. This is known as a spoliation inference. Beyond the property owner's cameras, nearby businesses may have exterior cameras that captured the accident. Ring and Nest doorbell cameras from adjacent residential properties, other vehicles' dashcams, and the victim's own dashcam are additional sources of video evidence. Anand Desai Law acts quickly to identify and preserve all available video evidence in parking lot accident cases.
Pedestrian strikes in parking lots are among the most dangerous parking lot accidents because the pedestrian has no protection against even a low-speed vehicle. A vehicle traveling at just 10 mph can cause significant injuries to a pedestrian, including broken bones, head injuries, and soft tissue damage. Children and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable because they may be harder for drivers to see and may be less able to react quickly.
California law does not specifically regulate right-of-way in private parking lots the same way it does on public roads, but the general duty of care applies. Drivers must exercise reasonable care when operating a vehicle in a parking lot, particularly in areas where pedestrians are expected such as near store entrances, crosswalks, loading zones, and between parked vehicles. Backing drivers have an enhanced duty because they have limited visibility behind their vehicle.
Property owners may share liability for pedestrian accidents in their parking lots if they fail to provide safe pedestrian walkways, adequate lighting, speed bumps or other traffic calming measures in pedestrian-heavy areas, or clear pavement markings directing pedestrian traffic. Many parking lot designs force pedestrians to walk in vehicle travel lanes because no dedicated pedestrian paths exist. This design deficiency is a basis for property owner liability. Attorney Anand Desai evaluates all aspects of a parking lot pedestrian accident to identify every responsible party and maximize the victim's recovery.
While parking lot accidents occur at lower speeds than freeway or surface street accidents, they can still cause significant injuries that justify substantial compensation. Whiplash, cervical and lumbar disc herniations, shoulder injuries, knee injuries (from bracing against impact), concussions, and broken bones are all common in parking lot collisions. Pedestrians struck in parking lots may suffer more severe injuries including fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries.
Economic damages in parking lot accident cases include all costs — emergency treatment, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, chiropractic care, injections, surgery if needed, prescription medications, and any future treatment necessitated by your injuries. Lost wages for time missed from work and vehicle repair or replacement costs are also recoverable.
Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety about driving in parking lots, loss of enjoyment of daily activities, and the overall impact of the injury on your quality of life. Insurance companies routinely undervalue parking lot accident claims because they assume low-speed impacts cannot cause real injuries. This assumption is medically incorrect — studies have shown that injuries can occur at impact speeds as low as 5 mph. Attorney Anand Desai pushes back against insurance company tactics designed to minimize your parking lot accident claim. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Under California Vehicle Code §22106, the driver who is backing has a duty to yield to all vehicles and pedestrians in the travel lane or aisle. This means the backing driver is typically at fault in a parking lot backing accident. However, the other driver may share fault if they were speeding through the parking lot, driving distracted, or failed to honk or take evasive action. In cases where two vehicles back out simultaneously and collide, both drivers may share fault. Attorney Anand Desai investigates the specific circumstances of each backing accident to establish clear liability.
Yes, if the parking lot owner's negligence contributed to your accident. Property owners have a duty under California law to maintain their parking lots in a reasonably safe condition. If hazardous conditions such as poor lighting, missing stop signs, confusing traffic patterns, potholes, or obstructed sightlines contributed to your accident, the property owner may share liability. You must prove the dangerous condition existed, the owner knew or should have known about it, and it was a substantial factor in causing your accident. Attorney Anand Desai evaluates property owner liability in every parking lot accident case.
While the California Vehicle Code applies primarily to public roads and highways, certain provisions apply on private property as well. DUI laws, reckless driving laws, and hit-and-run laws apply everywhere including private parking lots. Right-of-way rules may not technically apply on private property, but the general duty of care does. Every driver must exercise reasonable care regardless of location. Additionally, many parking lots post their own traffic signs and markings that drivers are expected to follow. Violating posted parking lot rules can be evidence of negligence in a civil case.
Security camera footage from a parking lot can be requested directly from the property owner or management company. However, many systems overwrite footage within days or weeks, so time is critical. An attorney can send a formal evidence preservation letter demanding the property owner retain all footage related to your accident. If the footage is destroyed after receiving this letter, the court can impose sanctions and allow the jury to presume the footage would have been unfavorable to the property owner. Contact Anand Desai Law at (833) 270-7800 immediately after a parking lot accident to preserve this critical evidence.
Yes. Parking lot accidents are covered by auto insurance just like any other car accident. The at-fault driver's liability insurance should cover your injuries and property damage up to their policy limits. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your own UM coverage applies. If the property owner shares liability, their commercial general liability insurance may also provide coverage. Collision coverage on your own policy covers your vehicle damage regardless of fault. Anand Desai Law identifies and pursues all available insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.
Hit-and-run laws apply in parking lots just as they do on public roads. Under California Vehicle Code §20002, leaving the scene of a property-damage accident is a misdemeanor. Under CVC §20001, leaving the scene of an injury accident is a felony. If the driver left, file a police report immediately. Check for security cameras in the parking lot and nearby businesses. Note any vehicle description or partial plate number. If the driver cannot be identified, you can file a UM claim with your own insurance. Attorney Anand Desai investigates hit-and-run parking lot accidents using security footage and other evidence.
Yes. There is no minimum speed threshold for a valid personal injury claim in California. Insurance companies often use the 'minor impact soft tissue' (MIST) designation to automatically undervalue low-speed parking lot accident claims. However, scientific studies have proven that injuries including whiplash, disc herniations, and concussions can occur at impact speeds as low as 5 mph. The amount of vehicle damage does not necessarily correlate with the severity of occupant injuries. Attorney Anand Desai has experience overcoming MIST defenses and proving that real injuries resulted from low-speed parking lot collisions.
Pedestrian strikes in parking lots can cause serious injuries even at low speeds because the pedestrian has no protection. Drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care in parking lots, particularly in areas where pedestrians are expected such as near store entrances, crosswalks, and between parked vehicles. Backing drivers have an enhanced duty due to limited rear visibility. Property owners may share liability if they failed to provide safe pedestrian walkways, adequate lighting, or traffic calming measures. Attorney Anand Desai represents parking lot pedestrian accident victims and pursues compensation from all liable parties.
The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim from a parking lot accident is two years from the date of the accident under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. If the property owner is a government entity (such as a city-owned parking garage), you must file an administrative claim within six months. However, you should act quickly to preserve security camera footage, which may be overwritten within days. Contact Anand Desai Law at (833) 270-7800 as soon as possible after your parking lot accident.
Anand Desai Law handles all parking lot accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront — no consultation fee, no retainer, and no hourly charges. We advance all costs including evidence gathering, expert analysis, and litigation expenses. We only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you. If we do not win, you owe nothing. Many parking lot accident victims assume their case is too small for an attorney, but we evaluate every case and fight for fair compensation regardless of the initial perceived severity. Call (833) 270-7800.
Anand Desai is a dedicated personal injury attorney serving Glendale and the greater Los Angeles area. A graduate of Loyola Law School with an undergraduate degree from USC, Anand has been a member of the California State Bar (#249768) since 2007, bringing 20+ years of legal experience to every case he handles.
Anand specializes in personal injury law, with particular expertise in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and catastrophic injury cases. His deep understanding of California personal injury law, combined with his tenacious negotiation skills, has helped him secure millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients.
What truly sets Anand apart is his commitment to his community. His firm is one of the only law offices in Glendale that offers services in 11 languages, including Spanish, Armenian, Hindi, Gujarati, Korean, Tagalog, Farsi, Mandarin, Japanese, Vietnamese, and English — reflecting the rich diversity of the communities he serves.
“I fight for every client like they’re family. When you hire me, you’re not just getting a lawyer — you’re getting someone who genuinely cares about your recovery and your future.”
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