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It’s Black Friday in Michigan—the busiest shopping day of the year. Cars circle packed lots at Somerset Collection, Twelve Oaks, and countless local malls, waiting for an open space. Suddenly, two vehicles back out at the same time. The sound is more of a thud than a crash. “Just a bump,” one driver says, brushing it off while both hurry to get back to shopping.
But that “minor” parking lot impact can cause far more than a dented bumper. Even at low speeds, the human body can absorb a surprising amount of force, leading to soft-tissue injuries, whiplash, or even concussions. And because parking lots are private property, determining fault isn’t always straightforward—especially when insurance companies are quick to downplay damages.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, our attorneys understand that these seemingly simple accidents can create complicated legal and medical problems. For more than two decades, we’ve helped Michigan drivers and pedestrians navigate the aftermath of parking lot crashes with the same care, clarity, and integrity that define every case we handle. Whether you were hit while backing out, walking to your car, or simply caught in the chaos of a holiday rush, our team is here to protect your rights.
Understanding Parking Lot Accidents in Michigan
Parking lot crashes may happen at slower speeds, but legally, they’re still motor vehicle accidents under Michigan’s no-fault insurance law. These incidents occur on private property, not public roads, which means police may not always respond or file a report unless there’s an injury. That lack of documentation can make it harder to prove what really happened—especially if the other driver’s story changes later.
Because of this, it’s essential to gather your own evidence after a parking lot accident:
- Take photos of both vehicles, the surrounding area, and any damage.
- Get names and contact information for witnesses.
- Ask store management to preserve surveillance footage that may show the collision.
Even if the crash seemed minor, filing a report with your insurance company and seeking prompt medical care can protect your claim. Under Michigan’s no-fault system, your own insurer typically covers your medical expenses and lost wages, but determining fault still matters for recovering additional compensation—especially if another driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
Common Causes of Michigan Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lot crashes spike during high-traffic retail events like Black Friday for several reasons:
- Backing out of spaces without checking blind spots.
- Distracted driving—using phones, GPS, or searching for open spots.
- Poor signage or lighting, making it difficult to see pedestrians or traffic flow.
- Pedestrian collisions, often involving shoppers walking between rows of vehicles or children darting ahead of parents.
Each of these factors can raise complex questions about shared fault, visibility, and duty of care—issues that require a skilled attorney to untangle.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we investigate every angle, from store surveillance to vehicle positioning, to determine exactly what happened and who bears responsibility.
Shared Fault in Michigan Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lot accidents often involve shared fault — meaning more than one driver may be partially responsible for the crash. Under Michigan’s comparative negligence law (MCL 600.2959), each driver’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. If a driver is found more than 50% at fault, they cannot collect damages for pain and suffering, though they may still recover no-fault benefits for medical care or lost wages.
This law becomes especially important in the close-quarters chaos of a busy parking lot.
Common examples of shared fault include:
- Two vehicles backing out at the same time. Both drivers have a duty to check surroundings and proceed slowly, so each may bear partial responsibility if they collide.
- A driver speeding through an aisle while another pulls out. Even if the driver exiting the space should have yielded, the speeding vehicle’s negligence may increase their share of fault.
In these gray-area cases, evidence is everything. A parking lot accident attorney in Michigan can investigate by reviewing store surveillance, obtaining witness statements, analyzing vehicle damage, and even reconstructing how the collision occurred. The goal is to minimize your percentage of fault and ensure you receive the maximum compensation available under Michigan law.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, our attorneys are skilled in presenting these nuanced arguments to insurance companies and courts. We know how to show that a momentary mistake doesn’t erase your right to be treated fairly or compensated for your injuries.
The Role of Store Surveillance and Witness Statements
When it comes to parking lot accidents — especially on busy shopping days like Black Friday — store security footage and witness accounts can make or break your case. Many retail properties have cameras positioned to monitor parking areas, entrances, and loading zones, but this footage is often erased within days.
That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly:
- Notify store management immediately and request that any video showing the accident be preserved.
- Gather names and contact information of anyone who saw what happened, including shoppers, employees, or delivery drivers.
- Take photos of the scene — including vehicle positions, skid marks, lane arrows, stop signs, and lighting conditions. These small details often help establish who had the right of way.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, our team routinely sends formal requests to retail stores and their security departments to obtain surveillance footage before it’s deleted. We also interview witnesses and work with accident reconstruction experts when needed to build the strongest possible case.
Even in what seems like a simple fender-bender, objective evidence can be the key to proving negligence — and ensuring you’re not unfairly blamed for an accident you didn’t cause.
Dealing with Insurance After a Parking Lot Accident
In Michigan, even parking lot collisions fall under the state’s no-fault insurance system, which means that your own insurance company is generally responsible for covering your initial losses — no matter who caused the crash. These Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits can make a major difference after an accident, even one that seems minor at first.
Here’s what’s typically covered under Michigan’s no-fault policy:
- Medical Expenses: All reasonable medical care related to your accident, including emergency treatment, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Up to 85% of your lost income (for up to three years) if your injuries keep you from working.
- Replacement Services: Compensation for household tasks you can’t perform due to your injuries, such as cleaning, cooking, or childcare.
However, don’t assume your insurance company is on your side. Adjusters often try to minimize “minor impact” claims, arguing that low-speed collisions couldn’t have caused serious injury. They may even pressure you to provide a recorded statement before you’ve had a chance to speak with an attorney — a mistake that could hurt your case later.
Before you sign anything or give a statement, contact a parking lot accident attorney in Michigan who understands how to deal with insurers and protect your rights. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we ensure that every claim is handled with care, backed by medical documentation, expert analysis, and decades of personal injury experience.
When to Contact a Parking Lot Accident Attorney in Michigan
Not every parking lot collision requires a lawyer — but when injuries, fault disputes, or insurance problems arise, having an experienced advocate can make all the difference. You should speak with an attorney as soon as possible if any of the following apply:
- There’s disagreement about who’s at fault, or multiple drivers were involved.
- You suffered significant injuries even though the vehicles show little or no visible damage.
- Your insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or undervalued.
- The accident involved a pedestrian, bicyclist, or delivery vehicle, creating complex liability issues.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, our attorneys don’t just file claims — we investigate every detail. We obtain police reports, request store surveillance, speak with witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction specialists when necessary. Our team then negotiates directly with insurance companies to secure fair compensation — and if they refuse to do what’s right, we’re fully prepared to litigate and take your case to court.
Get the Legal Support You Deserve After a Parking Lot Accident
No accident is “too small” to deserve attention. Even a low-speed parking lot collision can cause real injuries and financial stress — and the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.
If you’ve been involved in a parking lot accident in Michigan — whether as a driver or pedestrian — don’t wait for the insurance company to decide what your claim is worth. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help you gather evidence, access medical care, and secure the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call 248-584-1300 or Toll-Free 1-855-LISS-LAW (547-7529)
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