At first glance, parking lots may seem like generally low risk driving environments. Speeds are slow, distances are short, and drivers are usually focused on finding a space rather than racing to a destination. But in busy neighborhoods like Westwood, shopping center parking lots are actually some of the most common places where collisions and injuries occur.
Westwood’s commercial areas attract a constant mix of UCLA students, hospital employees, residents, and visitors. Popular destinations like grocery stores, restaurants, and retail centers create steady traffic throughout the day. The result is a crowded and sometimes chaotic environment where vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists are all trying to move through tight spaces at the same time.
One of the biggest hazards in parking lots is limited visibility. Cars parked closely together can block sight lines for drivers backing out of spaces and when two vehicles reverse at the same time, they may not see each other until it is too late to stop. Even small impacts can lead to injuries, particularly for passengers who are not expecting the sudden jolt.
Pedestrians face risks as well, considering that many people walk through these parking lots while carrying groceries, looking at their phones, or guiding children across the lanes. Drivers who are focused on finding an open space may not notice someone walking behind their vehicle. This can lead to dangerous situations, especially in areas where foot traffic is heavy.
A common cause for parking lot accidents is drivers cutting through parking rows to save time. Instead of following the designated lanes, some drivers move diagonally between parked cars to reach another part of the lot. These shortcuts can surprise pedestrians and other drivers who are expecting vehicles to follow a predictable path.
There are a variety of places to eat and shop in Westwood, which usually means a handful of those businesses are going to work with delivery services. With the rise of food delivery and app based shopping services, drivers frequently stop in loading areas, fire lanes, or temporary spaces while they pick up orders. This can block visibility and force other vehicles to navigate around unexpected obstacles.
Despite the word “structure” being in the name, parking structures are just as much the Wild West as a parking lot. Multi level garages near UCLA and the surrounding retail areas often have tight turns, narrow lanes, and limited lighting. Drivers entering or exiting ramps may encounter oncoming vehicles suddenly, especially when visibility is reduced around corners.
A lot of this points to common confusion about right of way. Unlike standard roadways, parking lots do not always have clearly marked traffic controls. Drivers may assume they have the right of way when pulling into a lane or approaching an intersection within the lot. When two drivers make different assumptions, collisions can happen quickly.
Although many parking lot collisions happen at relatively low speeds, the injuries can still be serious. Pedestrians struck by vehicles may suffer fractures or head injuries. Drivers and passengers can experience whiplash or back injuries from even minor impacts.
Parking lots may seem like routine parts of everyday life, but in busy areas like Westwood they require the same level of attention and caution as any city street. Staying alert and aware of your surroundings can help reduce the risk of a crash and keep both drivers and pedestrians safer. When accidents occur in a parking lot, determining responsibility can sometimes be complicated. Liability may depend on driver behavior, traffic patterns within the lot, or even the property owner’s maintenance of the area. Poor lighting, unclear signage, or dangerous design features can all play a role in increasing risk.
Attorney Kamelia Jalilvand has worked with individuals throughout Los Angeles who have been injured in a wide range of vehicle related incidents, including parking lot collisions. By examining the details of an accident and identifying contributing factors, she helps injured people understand their rights and the legal options available to them.