Car parks are used daily by motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, passengers, and pedestrians across England and Wales. Yet, despite their everyday nature, road traffic accidents in these spaces can lead to serious, sometimes life-changing injuries. Whether caused by a reversing driver, uneven surfaces, or poor signage, car park accident claims can occur if someone else’s negligence was the root cause.
Essential Information
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Anyone injured in a car park accident due to someone else’s negligence may be eligible to make a compensation claim.
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Both road traffic laws and the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 can apply, depending on how the accident occurred.
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Claims can be brought against other drivers, car park operators, or local authorities.
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Compensation can cover not only pain and suffering, but also financial losses, including lost wages and medical costs.
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Our panel of No Win No Fee solicitors could help you make a claim with no upfront legal fees.
Contact Us
Our team of advisors are here to help. Get in touch today by:
- Calling us on 0333 0000729
- Contacting us online
- Using the live chat feature
Jump To A Section
- Who Can Make Car Park Accident Claims?
- Who Is Responsible For An Accident In A Car Park?
- Examples Of Car Park Accidents And Injuries Sustained
- How Much Compensation Could I Get For Car Park Accidents?
- Is There A Time Limit For Claiming Car Park Compensation?
- What Evidence Can I Get To Support My Car Park Claim?
- Can I Make A Car Park Claim Through A No Win No Fee Agreement?
- Why Choose Legal Helpline
- Learn More
Who Can Make Car Park Accident Claims?
Anyone injured in a car park accident caused by someone else’s negligence may be able to claim compensation. This includes:
- Drivers injured when another vehicle collides with them.
- Passengers hurt in a crash while stationary or moving.
- Cyclists or motorcyclists who are struck or who hit hazards in the car park.
- Pedestrians who are hit by a moving vehicle or injured due to poor lighting or uneven surfaces.
Keep reading to learn more about when you could potentially make a claim for an accident in a car park. Or, contact our team of advisors today for more information.
Who Is Responsible For An Accident In A Car Park?
Different people can be responsible for an accident in a car park, depending on how you sustained your injuries.
Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957
The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 imposes a duty of care on those who control or manage land or property that is accessible to the public, including car park operators. They must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of lawful visitors.
If a car park is not properly maintained—for example, if potholes go unrepaired, lighting is inadequate, or signage is missing—the car park owner could be held legally responsible for any resulting injuries.
Highway Code and Road Traffic Act 1988
The Road Traffic Act 1988 and Highway Code apply to all road users, including those in car parks. This means drivers must:
- Observe speed limits and road markings.
- Be cautious and check surroundings before reversing.
- Give way to pedestrians and other vehicles when appropriate.
Failure to follow these duties and others outlined in the RTA and Highway Code could result in a car park accident, for which the negligent party may be held liable.
Our team can tell you everything you need to know about car park accidents when you get in touch. Or, you can keep reading to find some examples of potential car park accidents.
Examples Of Car Park Accidents And Injuries Sustained
Accidents in car parks can result from a variety of negligent behaviours, especially when drivers or car park operators fail to take reasonable care. Common examples of driver negligence in car parks include:
- Failing to check blind spots before reversing, leading to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Speeding or reckless driving which can result in loss of vehicle control and impact.
- Using a mobile phone while driving, which may cause a driver to miss a pedestrian walking behind or beside their vehicle.
- Driving the wrong way down a marked lane, which can result in head-on collisions or confusion among other drivers.
Pedestrian Car Park Accidents
- Trips or slips on uneven surfaces, such as potholes, broken paving or poorly maintained walkways.
- Poor lighting making it difficult to see hazards or obstacles, especially at night.
- Pedestrian walkways not clearly marked, increasing the risk of collisions with vehicles.
- Faulty automatic barriers striking pedestrians due to malfunction or improper installation.
What Injuries Could Be Caused?
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage (subject to the Whiplash Reforms if applicable)
- Fractured bones, often in the wrist, ankle, or leg
- Head injuries, ranging from minor concussion to more serious head trauma
- Spinal damage and impaired mobility, especially if a pedestrian is knocked over by a vehicle
Each of these injuries could have a long-term impact on your health, independence, and ability to work. Pursuing a personal injury claim may help you recover the cost of medical care, lost earnings and provide compensation for pain and suffering. Talk to one of our advisors today to get started.
How Much Compensation Could I Get For Car Park Accidents?
Your compensation award for a car park accident will depend on several factors including the type and severity of injury, the length of your recovery, and how the injury has impacted your personal and professional life.
Compensation is generally broken down into two parts:
- General damages – These compensate for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. This refers to the physical and emotional impact the injury has had on your life. For example, if you’ve suffered a serious spinal injury that has limited your mobility or caused long-term pain, you could receive a higher award than someone with a mild whiplash injury.
- Special damages – These cover financial losses directly linked to your injury, such as medical costs, travel expenses, and loss of income.
To calculate general damages, solicitors and courts often refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This publication provides suggested compensation brackets based on previously settled cases, giving an indication of what similar injuries may be worth. It is a vital tool used during settlement negotiations and court proceedings. You can take a look at some examples of JCG figures in the table below, but please keep in mind that these are only guidelines, and the first entry is not from the JCG.
The last two figures reflect compensation under the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, which are part of the whiplash reforms introduced to standardise awards for low-value soft tissue injuries in certain road traffic accident claims.
| Injuries | Compensation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple severe injuries and special damages | Up to £1,000,000+ | A combination of multiple severe injuries along with financial losses, like lost earnings |
| Moderate Brain Damage (i) | £183,190 to £267,340 | A personality change, intellectual deficit, effect on sight and an effect on speech are all included in this bracket. |
| Less Severe Brain Damage | £18,700 to £52,550 | A good recovery takes place, and the claimant will be able to take part in a normal social life. |
| Moderate Back Injuries (i) | £33,880 to £47,320 | This bracket contains things like compression and crush injuries that cause a less severe level of residual disability than in the brackets above. |
| Moderate (i) Neck Injuries | £30,500 to £46,970 | Fractures and dislocations that cause immediate, serious symptoms, and may require spinal fusion. |
| Moderate Pelvis And Hip Injuries (i) | £32,450 to £47,810 | Significant injuries to the hips or pelvis that don't cause any serious disability. |
| Less Serious Leg Injuries (a) | £21,920 to £33,880 | Fractures From Which an Incomplete Recovery is Made or Serious Soft Tissue Injuries |
| Moderate Shoulder Injuries | £9,630 to £15,580 | Frozen shoulder that causes limited physical movement. |
| 1+ Whiplash injuries & psychological injuries | £4,345 | Symptoms that last between 18-24 months |
| 1+ Whiplash Injuries | £4,215 | Symptoms that last between 18-24 months |
Bear in mind that compensation settlements are influenced by the strength of your evidence, including medical records, prognosis, and the circumstances of your accident.
What Other Damages Can Car Park Compensation Cover?
Car park accident claims can also compensate for a wide range of financial expenses linked to your injury, including:
- Medical expenses: Private consultations, physiotherapy, prescription costs, and mobility aids.
- Loss of earnings: Salary loss during recovery, as well as reduced future earning potential.
- Travel expenses: Fuel, parking or public transport costs for medical or legal appointments.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of damaged vehicles or personal items.
- Care and support: Including professional carers or unpaid care from family or friends.
All these costs must be evidenced with documentation such as invoices, receipts or wage slips. The more detailed your records, the greater your chance of recovering your losses in full.
To learn more about car park compensation, contact our team of advisors today. Or, keep reading to learn more about the car park accident claims process.
Is There A Time Limit For Claiming Car Park Compensation?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, there is a standard 3-year time limit for starting a personal injury claim. This typically begins from the date the accident occurred, or the date you became aware that negligence caused your injury.
Some exceptions apply:
- Children under 18: The 3-year limit is paused until they turn 18, since minors cannot make their own claims. A litigation friend (such as a parent or guardian) can claim on their behalf before that.
- Lack of mental capacity: The limitation period is suspended until mental capacity is regained, if this is possible. A litigation friend can start a claim for them.
It is always recommended to begin your car park accident claim as early as possible to avoid complications.
Act quickly to avoid missing out. Call Legal Helpline today and protect your right to compensation.
What Evidence Can I Get To Support My Car Park Claim?
Evidence plays a critical role in proving your case and maximising your compensation settlement. Useful forms of evidence include:
- Medical records: Detailing your diagnosis and treatment.
- Independent medical assessment: Usually arranged during the claims process.
- Photographs: Of injuries, the accident location, or visible hazards like potholes or barriers.
- CCTV footage or dashcam recordings: Showing how the incident unfolded.
- Insurance policy and contact details of all parties involved.
The more comprehensive your evidence, the easier it will be to show that the defendant acted negligently. Remember, if you need help, our team of advisors are on hand 24/7 to assist. Get in touch today to learn more about proving car park accident claims.
Can I Make A Car Park Claim Through A No Win No Fee Agreement?
Yes, if you have a valid claim, you could instruct a solicitor from our panel under a kind of No Win No Fee agreement referred to as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This allows you to:
- Avoid paying upfront solicitor’s fees.
- Pay nothing to your solicitor if your case is unsuccessful.
- Pay a capped success fee, which is a small percentage of your compensation, only if you win your claim.
This makes the process of claiming car park accident compensation with a solicitor much more accessible. Contact our team of advisors today to learn more about making car park accident claims with a No Win No Fee solicitor, or keep reading to find out why should work with us.
Why Choose Legal Helpline
Choosing the right support for your car park accident claim can make all the difference. At Legal Helpline, we connect you with expert legal professionals who are committed to getting you the outcome you deserve.
Here’s what we offer:
- Access to our trusted panel of No Win No Fee solicitors.
- A free initial consultation with no obligation.
- Decades of experience in road traffic accident and personal injury compensation cases.
- Clear communication, ongoing updates, and support throughout the claims process.
Whether you’re claiming for a minor whiplash injury or a complex case involving severe injuries, we are here to help you every step of the car park accident claims process.
Contact Our Advisors
Don’t leave it too late to begin your car park accident claim. Our knowledgeable and approachable advisors are here to help 24/7. Whether you’re ready to begin or just need more information, our advisors are on hand to answer your questions.
- Calling us on 0333 0000729
- Contacting us online
- Using the live chat feature
Learn More
For more helpful road traffic accident claims guides:
- Learn how to make a rear shunt accident claim
- Get help making a taxi accident claim
- Information on claiming if you were hit by a stolen car
Or, for further resources:
- See the latest updates to the Highway Code
- Learn about THINK! road safety
- Find out how to request CCTV footage of yourself
Thank you for reading our car park accident claims guide.
