In Virginia, do the statutory rules of the road apply to the operation of cars in privately owned parking lots?

Car Accidents in Privately Owned Parking Lots and Privately Owned Premises

No. The Virginia Supreme Court has written that governmental regulations or road rules have no application in lawsuits involving car accidents in privately owned parking lots and other privately owned premises. Instead, statutory laws of the road apply only to the operation of cars and other motor vehicles on public streets and highways.

The duty to exercise ordinary care

However, a person operating a car or other motor vehicle in a parking lot does have a duty to exercise ordinary care because of the circumstances, meaning the degree of care that an ordinary, careful person would exercise under the same or similar circumstances.

The duty to exercise ordinary care includes but is not limited to maintaining a proper lookout. This means the driver must use ordinary care to look in all directions for vehicles, persons, and conditions that would affect his or her driving, see what a reasonable person would see, and react as a reasonable person would avoid a collision.

Statutory rules, according to the Virginia Supreme Court

Furthermore, according to the Virginia Supreme Court, statutory rules regarding the operation of cars and other motor vehicles on public roads may indicate a desirable degree of care in operating such vehicles in privately owned parking lots and other privately owned premises, even though the statutory rules of the road are not binding.

Given the circumstances, whether the driver of a car or other motor vehicle in a parking lot has violated his or her duty to exercise ordinary care is specific to the facts of the individual case.

Injured in a parking lot accident, either as an occupant of a vehicle or as a pedestrian

A person hurt in a parking lot accident, either as an occupant of a vehicle or as a pedestrian, should consult one of our personal injury lawyers in Virginia Beach regarding his or her potential personal injury claim.

We can advise the injured person as to the applicable law governing the accident, the value of the personal injury claim, the proper approach for making a claim to the insurance company, and the proper handling of a personal injury lawsuit if the filing of a lawsuit becomes necessary.

Related Injury Law FAQ’s

In Virginia, is it lawful for a person to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk or crosswalk, and if so, what are the rights and duties of such a person?

Do the statutory rules of the road apply to the operation of cars in privately owned parking lots?

In Virginia, is it possible to recover money from a drunk driver above the amount ordinarily allowed in a personal injury case?

If a person is injured in a car accident in which the injured person’s vehicle was struck by a vehicle that skidded on a slippery road, is the driver of the vehicle that skidded considered negligent?

In Virginia, can a plaintiff in a personal injury case recover if the plaintiff was partially responsible for the accident that caused the plaintiff’s injury?

Can a jury find a driver negligent for operating a motor vehicle at an excessive speed if the driver was traveling at a speed less than the speed limit?

Schedule a Consultation With Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC

At Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC, we are here to help navigate the complexities of post-accident procedures and legal matters. Our experienced team ensures you receive the support and compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys handle injury claims ranging from bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and car accidents to drunk driving accidents and wrongful death claims.

Give us a call and let our experience work for you. We have been helping the people of Virginia since 1955 and are ready to help you. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

If you need a Personal Injury Attorney in Virginia Beach, contact us at (757) 486-2700.

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