Parking Lot Accidents in Long Island: Can I File an Injury Claim?

According to the National Safety Council, “tens of thousands” of parking lot collisions occur each year in the United States. This equates to hundreds of fatalities and countless injuries. If you were injured in a Long Island parking lot crash, you might be wondering about your next steps. Can you pursue compensation for your medical bills and lost income? What makes parking lot collisions different from highway or road crashes? These are questions you might want to ask an experienced Long Island auto accident attorney.

Teen Driver Almost Flies Into the Water After Parking Lot Mishap 

In May of 2025, a teen driver almost crashed her vehicle into the water at Brookhaven Town Marina. Police say that while trying to park her Jeep, the minor suddenly accelerated and crashed through a barrier. The Jeep then tumbled down into the dock below, narrowly missing the water and landing on a floating structure. The entire incident was captured on video, and the footage has gone viral.

Common Causes of Parking Lot Crashes on Long Island 

Parking lot crashes seem to be occurring more frequently, perhaps due to various factors. First, people are now more reliant on self-driving technology like Autopilot and “Auto Park” features. Some of this software might not be as reliable as many drivers assume.

The National Safety Council also notes that distraction is a major issue in parking lots. When leaving a parking lot, a driver might set up their next music playlist, enter GPS data, or send texts. Teens may be particularly vulnerable to these distractions, and studies show that they are also more likely to engage in personal grooming while in parking lots. This might include checking makeup or hair in the mirror instead of watching the road.

Are Drivers Supposed to Yield to Pedestrians in Long Island Parking Lots? 

Yes, the general rule is that drivers must yield to pedestrians in parking lots. Technically speaking, parking lots are not “roads.” You might argue that these are in fact “walking areas” where people get out of their vehicles and walk to nearby stores. As a result, drivers must slow down and proceed carefully when in parking lots. If there is a marked crosswalk in a parking lot, however, pedestrians should use it to cross.

Key Takeaways 

• Parking lot accidents are extremely common in Long Island and across the country
• Drivers must yield to pedestrians and stop signs when navigating parking lots
• If you were injured due to a collision in a parking lot, you can file an injury claim

Can a Long Island Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me? 

An auto accident lawyer on Long Island may be able to help after a parking lot crash. These incidents should lead to compensation in exactly the same way as any other crash. If a negligent driver struck you in a parking lot, you can hold them accountable. To learn more about your next steps, consider continuing this dialogue alongside Cohan Law, PLLC.

Sources:

 nsc.org/road/safety-topics/distracted-driving/parking-lot-safety?srsltid=AfmBOor08kUZu8wK9kcp3lBdKZabLCdpnhfvV3WIETqdSnuzAPdWveBy

mensjournal.com/news/inexperienced-teen-driver-gets-into-wild-accident-on-long-island