Does a pedestrian always have right of way in a parking lot? | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Not always.

Drivers must watch for and yield to pedestrians in parking lots, but the laws of Virginia only guarantee right of way to pedestrians who are in crosswalks or at parking lot entrances.

A driver who hits a pedestrian while pulling out of a parking space may still be held responsible for acting negligently and settling insurance claims, but the victim should partner with an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer to ensure that fault is assigned correctly.

EJL