Parking lots may seem like relatively safe areas compared to busy roads and highways, but that is part of the reason why they can be so dangerous for pedestrians. Even careful drivers sometimes stop observing commonplace safety measures once they arrive at their destination. 

Instead of signaling for turns and paying attention to what’s in front of them, motorists often make sudden, unexpected moves and concentrate on finding a space. In Bremerton, a woman walking in the parking lot of the Happy Laundry laundromat off State Route 303 was struck by a car driven by a woman who drove off before police could report to the scene. The victim suffered serious, but not life-threatening, injuries. A warrant was issued for the arrest of the alleged hit-and-run driver.

While the specific circumstances that contributed to the Happy Laundry incident were unclear at the time, there are several reasons why collisions between vehicles and pedestrians occur in parking lots, such as:

• Disorganized driving and walking patterns — Though some parking lots have defined walkways and arrows indicating that traffic should only move in one direction, these guidelines are frequently ignored or missing. With people and cars moving in various directions, it might not be possible to avoid being struck, particularly if the motorist has their eye on where they want to park. 

• Unsafe speed — Whether a specific speed limit is posted or not, it is critical that vehicle operators drive slowly enough in a parking area to react in a timely manner if someone unexpectedly walks out from behind a car. 

• Obstructed visibility — Large vehicles and blind spots often impede a motorist’s line of vision, especially when they’re backing out of, or into, a space. 

• Poor lighting — Many parking lots lack sufficient illumination, and in some cases, lights are not working properly. After the sun goes down, pedestrians can be difficult to see, especially if they are wearing dark clothing. 

Even at lower speeds, pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, concussions, spinal cord damage and internal bleeding. In severe cases, these collisions can be fatal, particularly if the pedestrian is struck with significant force or dragged beneath the vehicle.

GSJones Law Group, P.S. in Port Orchard represents victims in personal injury and wrongful death actions arising from pedestrian accidents and other types of vehicle collisions. If you or a family member was harmed due to someone else’s carelessness in a parking lot or on the road, please call 360-876-9221 or contact us online. We assist residents of Kitsap, Mason and Jefferson counties, as well as Vashon Island.