Parking Lot Rights-of-Way

Parking Lot Rights-of-Way

Just like the roads, parking lots have distinct rights-of-way to promote the safe flow of traffic. While complying with rights-of-way is always important, it’s absolutely crucial in parking lots, where there aren’t traffic signals and people are more likely to be distracted.

To help you stay safe in parking lots and minimize your accident risk whenever you’re walking or driving in them, here’s an overview of parking lot rights-of-way.

Pedestrian Rights-of-Way in Parking Lots

Generally, motorists in parking lots should yield to pedestrians whenever possible. Whenever you’re a pedestrian walking through a parking lot, here are the rights-of-way to follow:

• Crosswalks: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in crosswalks.
• Crossing an aisle: When no crosswalk is present, pedestrians should wait for the vehicle in the aisle to stop and allow them to pass.
• Walking down aisles: Pedestrians walking on the side of the aisle, facing traffic, will have the right-of-way over vehicles backing out of spaces.

Hurt in a Parking Lot Accident?

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Vehicle Rights-of-Way in Parking Lots

For motorists entering or moving through parking lots, here are some general rights-of-way:

• Backing out of a spot: Motorists backing out of a parking space must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians passing through the aisle. Parked motorists will have to wait for a clear path or others to stop and allow them to pass.
• Turning out of an aisle: Drivers making a left-hand turn into an aisle will have to yield to and wait for oncoming traffic to let them pass. Motorists making a right-hand turn into an aisle will typically have the right-of-way and be able to enter that aisle freely.
• Exiting the parking lot onto the main roadway: Motorists on the main roadway will have the right-of-way, meaning those exiting the parking lot will have to yield and wait for a safe opening in traffic.

When In Doubt About Parking Lot Rights-of-Way…

• Yield: It never hurts to let a pedestrian or vehicle go first whenever you’re not sure about who has the right-of-way. When in doubt, wait for a bit and let someone else pass.
• Take it slow and read: If you’re moving slowly, you’ll be able to read signage and pavement markings that can help you figure out how to safely move through the parking lot.
• Follow the rules of the road: Generally, rights-of-way in parking lots are similar to those on roadways, where vehicles are also required to yield to pedestrians whenever possible and vehicles moving on a main thorough have the right-of-way over those entering it. So, think about rights-of-way on the road because, often, the same logic applies to the rights-of-way in parking lots.

Hurt by Someone Who Failed to Yield the Right-of-Way in a Parking Lot? Contact the Amaro Law Firm

Whenever negligence causes parking lot accidents, victims can turn to an experienced Houston parking lot accident lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm for help. We can help identify exactly who’s at fault and hold them accountable so victims can get the justice and compensation they deserve.

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At the Amaro Law Firm, our attorneys are devoted to helping victims successfully navigate the claim process focus on healing. While we know money can’t undo the damage caused by serious parking lot accidents, we also know that the recoveries from these cases can help restore lives.

The Amaro Law Firm’s record of excellence and success in motor vehicle accident cases has earned us a 5-star rating on Google and Facebook, glowing testimonials from former clients, and a 10 rating on Avvo.