Being hit by a car in a parking lot carries the same legal rights as being hit on a public street — and in some cases more, because both the driver and the property owner may be liable.
Driver liability in parking lots
Arizona traffic law applies in private parking lots. Drivers have a duty to yield to pedestrians in crosswalk areas and driving lanes, check before reversing, and maintain a safe speed for the conditions. Running someone down while backing out of a space, cutting through empty spaces at speed, or failing to yield at a lot entrance are all actionable under standard negligence theory. Arizona's pure comparative fault rule (A.R.S. § 12-2505) means your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault — but there's no cutoff. A pedestrian who was walking outside a designated walkway can still recover if the driver was more at fault.
Property owner liability
If the lot's design contributed to the crash — poor lighting, inadequate pedestrian markings, confusing traffic flow, missing stop signs — the property owner may share liability under premises liability principles. Arizona law imposes a heightened duty on property owners to maintain safe conditions for pedestrians walking through their lots. This creates a second potential source of compensation beyond the driver's auto insurance.
After a parking lot pedestrian collision
Call 911 — a police report creates an official record even in a private lot. Photograph all vehicles, their positions relative to lanes and walkways, lot markings, and signage. Note the location of any surveillance cameras. Seek medical care even if you feel okay; pedestrian impacts frequently cause soft-tissue injuries and concussions that don't present immediately. Don't give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with an attorney.
The filing deadline
Arizona gives most personal injury victims two years from the date of injury (A.R.S. § 12-542). See our post on the Arizona personal injury statute of limitations for exceptions.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys handle claims throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.