Parking Lot Accidents in Ontario: Why They Can Be More Serious Than You Think

August 12, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

For many drivers, the most stressful part of a trip isn't navigating Highway 401 or driving through downtown Kitchener- it's finding a parking spot at a busy shopping centre.

Whether you're visiting Cambridge Centre, Conestoga Mall, The Boardwalk, Sunrise Centre, St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, or your neighbourhood grocery store, parking lots are often crowded with vehicles, pedestrians, shopping carts, delivery trucks, and distracted drivers.

Because speeds are relatively low, many people assume parking lot collisions are little more than an inconvenience. In reality, these crashes can cause significant injuries, complicated insurance disputes, and confusion about who is responsible.

Understanding how parking lot accidents happen—and what to do if you're involved in one—can protect both your health and your legal rights.

In the News

Waterloo Regional Police regularly respond to collisions in commercial parking lots throughout the region. While many involve property damage only, others result in injuries to drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.

Parking lots are unique because vehicles are constantly changing direction, reversing, yielding, and sharing space with people on foot. That combination creates a surprising number of opportunities for collisions.

Why Parking Lots Are More Dangerous Than Many People Realize

Unlike public roads, parking lots weren't designed for continuous traffic flow.

Drivers face multiple challenges, including:

• Vehicles backing out of parking spaces.
• Drivers searching for available spots rather than watching traffic.
• Pedestrians walking between parked vehicles.
• Children unexpectedly running ahead of parents.
• Shopping carts crossing traffic lanes.
• Delivery vehicles making frequent stops.
• Poor visibility caused by larger SUVs and pickup trucks.

Because so many things are happening at once, even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a collision.

Common Types of Parking Lot Collisions

Two Vehicles Backing Up

One of the most common parking lot crashes occurs when two vehicles back out of adjacent spaces simultaneously.

Determining fault often depends on factors such as:

• Driver attentiveness
• Speed
• Visibility
• Witness statements
• Security camera footage

In some situations, responsibility may be shared.

Backing Into a Moving Vehicle

Drivers reversing from a parking space generally have a responsibility to ensure the way is clear before entering a travel lane.

However, that doesn't automatically make them entirely responsible. If another driver was speeding through the lot or distracted, liability may become more complex.

Vehicle-Pedestrian Collisions

Parking lots are filled with pedestrians carrying groceries, pushing strollers, or loading vehicles.

Drivers should expect people to appear unexpectedly from between parked cars.

Pedestrians also have responsibilities, including remaining attentive and avoiding distractions while walking.

Opening a Vehicle Door

Another common incident occurs when someone opens a vehicle door into the path of a passing vehicle or cyclist.

These seemingly minor incidents can still result in injuries and insurance claims.

Low Speed Doesn't Mean Low Risk

Many people believe that if the damage to a vehicle is minor, nobody could have been seriously injured.

Unfortunately, that isn't always true.

Even collisions at speeds below 20 km/h may result in:

• Whiplash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Concussions
• Shoulder injuries
• Wrist fractures
• Knee injuries
• https://www.ddinjurylaw.com/chronic-pain-lawyers

Occupants often aren't expecting a collision while parking, making them more vulnerable to sudden movements.

Local Perspective: Busy Parking Lots Across Waterloo Region

Some of the busiest parking areas in Waterloo Region experience extremely high traffic volumes, especially on weekends and during the holiday shopping season.

Popular locations include:

• Cambridge Centre
• Conestoga Mall
• The Boardwalk
• Costco
• St. Jacobs Farmers' Market
• Large grocery stores
• Recreation centres
• Hospital parking lots

Drivers should slow down, remain patient, and expect unexpected movements from both vehicles and pedestrians.

Who Is At Fault?

Unlike collisions on public roads, determining fault in a parking lot isn't always straightforward.

Responsibility may depend on:

• Whether a driver was reversing.
• Right-of-way.
• Vehicle speed.
• Driver distraction.
• Security camera footage.
• Witness evidence.
• Parking lot layout.
• Traffic signs or directional arrows.

Insurance companies investigate each collision individually.

Because parking lots are often privately owned, different legal considerations may also apply.

Myth vs. Fact

Myth
"It's private property, so traffic rules don't apply."

Fact
Drivers still owe a duty of care to others using the parking lot. Negligent driving can still result in liability.

Myth
"If there's only a small dent, nobody could be injured."

Fact
Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and chronic pain frequently occur in relatively low-speed collisions.

Myth
"You don't need to report a parking lot accident."

Fact
Depending on the circumstances, reporting requirements may still apply. It's also important to notify your insurer promptly.

Practical Tips After a Parking Lot Collision

If you're involved in a collision:

• Check everyone for injuries.
• Exchange driver and insurance information.
• Photograph: Vehicle positions
• Damage
• Parking space markings
• Directional arrows
• Traffic signs
• Weather conditions
• Look for surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident.
• Obtain witness contact information.
• Seek medical attention if you experience pain—even if symptoms appear later.

Understanding Your Rights

Ontario's no-fault insurance system generally applies to motor vehicle accidents occurring in parking lots.

Depending on the circumstances and the severity of your injuries, you may qualify for accident benefits regardless of who caused the collision.

If another driver's negligence contributed to your injuries, additional legal remedies may also be available.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help explain your options and ensure important evidence is preserved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the right-of-way in a parking lot?

It depends on the specific circumstances, including parking lot design, traffic flow, signage, and whether a vehicle was reversing.

Should I call police after a parking lot accident?

If someone is injured or the collision meets Ontario's reporting requirements, you should contact the appropriate authorities or a Collision Reporting Centre as required.

Can I receive accident benefits after a parking lot collision?

Yes. Depending on your circumstances, Ontario's accident benefits system may provide medical, rehabilitation, income replacement, and other benefits regardless of fault.

What if the parking lot has security cameras?

Surveillance footage can become important evidence. If possible, identify nearby cameras and request that the footage be preserved before it is overwritten.

A parking lot collision may seem minor at first, but injuries and legal issues aren't always immediately apparent. If you've been injured in a parking lot accident, understanding your rights early can help you navigate Ontario's insurance system and focus on your recovery. The team at Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law is here to provide experienced guidance and support when you need it.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.