Parking Lot Accidents: Who’s Responsible and How to File a Claim in Texas
Many people assume that if a car accident happens on private property, like a Target parking lot or other shopping centers, the “rules of the road” don’t apply. This is not true. Even on private property, courts and juries often apply the standard of a “reasonably prudent driver.” Essentially, the question becomes: Did each driver act as a reasonably careful person would under similar circumstances?
How Traffic Rules Apply on Private Property
While parking lots and private driveways often lack stop signs, traffic lights, or marked lanes, general rules of the road still govern driver behavior:
A person backing out of a parking space must yield to vehicles traveling through the lane.
A driver traveling straight through a lane typically has the right of way over someone making a turn.
Speeding, distracted driving, or failing to watch for pedestrians can still be considered negligent, even on private property.
These rules are essential because negligence is a key factor in Texas car accident cases, whether on public roads or private property.
Can You File a Case Against the Property Owner?
In some situations, you may wonder if the property owner (like Target or another retailer) could be liable. While it is rare in standard car accident cases, there are exceptions. For example:
Premises liability cases arise when someone slips, falls, or is injured due to unsafe property conditions.
If a crash occurs because the property owner failed to maintain the lot, blocked lanes, or created unsafe conditions, there may be grounds for a claim.
However, proving liability against a property owner in a car accident case is difficult, and these cases require detailed investigation and expert legal guidance.
Why You Need a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer
Accidents on private property can be complex. Determining who had the right of way, whether traffic rules applied, or if property owner negligence contributed to the crash requires experience. A skilled Texas personal injury attorney can:
Investigate the accident and gather evidence
Interview witnesses and review surveillance footage
Determine whether the property owner may share liability
Calculate damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Negotiate with insurance companies or take the case to trial if necessary
If you or a loved one were injured in a parking lot crash, private driveway accident, or other private property car accident in Texas, it’s important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, and deadlines for filing claims can pass.
