Snowplow Accidents in Parking Lots

Winter in Illinois brings its share of beauty and hazards. Among those hazards are snowplow operations in parking lots: tasks intended to keep pedestrians and vehicles safe but that can unfortunately result in serious accidents, injuries, and legal claims. Snowplow accidents in parking areas are often overlooked in broader winter safety discussions, but they represent a real threat to both drivers and pedestrians. Understanding the causes, statistics, and legal considerations surrounding these incidents can help injured individuals protect their rights and pursue compensation.

“Snowplow collisions are deceptively complex, they happen in the worst driving conditions, involve heavy equipment, and often require fighting through government immunity and contractor defenses. Our job is to take those complexities off your plate and make sure your medical needs and legal rights are front and center.” — John J. Malm, Naperville snowplow accident lawyer

Winter Weather and Accident Risks

Illinois experiences significant winter weather impacts each year. Snow, sleet, and icy conditions contribute to a marked rise in accidents and injuries statewide. According to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, snowy, slushy, or icy pavement conditions contribute to over 1,300 fatalities and more than 116,800 injuries annually in the United States, indicating the broader risks that snowy conditions pose to motorists and pedestrians alike.

Further, the NHTSA estimated that in recent years there were approximately 320 fatal crashes and more than 22,000 injury crashes occurring when snow or sleet were present at the time of the crash, underscoring how winter weather dramatically increases crash risk.

Winter weather also increases the risk of non-collision injuries. Research indicates that snow days are associated with a higher incidence of nonfatal injury crashes overall.

Why Parking Lots Are High-Risk Areas

Parking lots, whether at shopping centers, office complexes, or apartment buildings, present a unique set of hazards in winter:

Congested Space: Vehicles are often closely packed, limiting maneuverability for plows.
Pedestrian Traffic: Parking lots are common places for pedestrians to walk, meaning vehicle-to-pedestrian conflicts are more likely.
Surface Conditions: Snowplow operations can leave behind compacted snow, piles, or ice patches that create trip and slip hazards.
Obscured Sight Lines: Snow piles diminish visibility for both plow operators and other drivers.

Annual parking lot accident data suggests that parking lots account for a substantial share of minor crashes overall, with approximately 20% of all vehicle accidents in the U.S. occurring in parking lots.

While that figure does not isolate snowplow crashes specifically, it highlights how inherently risky parking lots are as shared spaces for pedestrians and vehicles even without winter conditions.

Snow Plow Operations in Parking Lots: The Hazards

Snowplow accidents in parking lots can take many forms. Common scenarios include:

Plow Striking a Parked Car: Snowplow blades can make contact with parked vehicles while clearing snow, especially when visibility is poor. A report on municipal snowplow activity in eastern Illinois cities found that plow collisions with parked cars accounted for significant repair costs in cities like Decatur and Champaign.
Plow Backing Up Into Vehicles or Pedestrians: Plow drivers often need to reverse in tight spaces, increasing the risk of backing collisions.
Pedestrian Strikes: Plow-pedestrian accidents, although less common than vehicle collisions, can cause severe injuries to pedestrians due to the size and mass of plow equipment.
Slip and Fall After Plow Passes: Improper plowing can leave uneven snow piles or ice patches that contribute to later slip and fall incidents.

Snowplow accidents in parking lots may not always be reflected in statewide crash statistics because they are often coded under broader weather-related or property damage categories, rather than “snowplow” specific classifications.

Common Injuries in Snow Plow Accidents

Accidents involving snow plows can result in a range of injuries, depending on the nature of the incident. Injury patterns include:

Vehicle Occupant Injuries

Soft tissue injuries such as whiplash
Fractures from side impacts with heavy equipment
Head injuries due to sudden deceleration or intrusion
Internal injuries from high-force impacts

Pedestrian and Bystander Injuries

Broken bones and fractures
Traumatic brain injuries from being struck and thrown
Spinal cord injuries from major strikes
Lacerations and contusions from contact with metal and snow debris

Secondary Injury Risks

Slip and fall injuries caused by residual ice patches after plow operations
Delayed muscle and joint injuries from falls onto hard pavement surfaces

Inadequate snow removal increases the risk of winter parking lot injuries by up to 30%, according to industry safety reports.

Liability in Snow Plow Parking Lot Accidents

In Illinois, liability for snowplow accidents in parking lots can be complex and depends on the circumstances of the incident and the roles of parties involved. The key legal concepts involve:

Duty of Care

Property owners and snow removal contractors owe a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions on their premises. This includes appropriate snow removal, avoiding piling snow in hazardous locations, and ensuring safe conditions around plow operations.

Negligent Snow Plowing

Property owners and contractors can be held liable when their snow plowing efforts create or worsen a dangerous condition that leads to injury. For example, when snow piles are left in high-traffic walkways or when plow operators drive negligently, injured parties may assert claims for negligence.

Government Entity Defenses

When the accident involves a municipal or government-owned plow, additional defenses such as governmental immunity may apply. These defenses can complicate claims and require experienced legal navigation.

Comparative Negligence

Under Illinois law, an injured person’s own conduct may affect recovery. If a plaintiff is found partially responsible, for example, failing to watch for a reversing plow, their recoverable damages may be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault.

Preventing Snowplow Accidents in Parking Lots

Although unpredictable winter weather contributes to risk, certain best practices can mitigate the hazard of snow plow operations in parking lots:

For Property Owners and Managers

Develop a Snow Removal Plan: Prioritize safe snow stacking away from pedestrian routes.
Communicate with Tenants: Provide clear instructions on parking restrictions during snow removal.
Mark Boundaries and Obstacles: Use reflective markers and signs to guide plow operators.
Train and Supervise Contractors: Ensure contractors follow best practices for plowing and backing in tight spaces.
Apply De-icing Materials Promptly: Salt and sand treated areas reduce slip and fall risk after plowing.

For Pedestrians and Drivers

Use Designated Walkways: Stay within cleared areas and avoid walking behind plow vehicles.
Stay Alert in Winter Conditions: Snowplow drivers may have limited rear visibility.
Give Plows Space: Maintain appropriate distance from plows when walking or parking.
Wear Appropriate Footwear: Shoes with good traction can reduce slip risks.

Frequently Asked Questions about Snowplow Accidents in Illinois Parking Lots

Q: What should I do immediately after a snowplow accident in a parking lot?
A: Seek medical attention for any injuries, document the scene with photos, exchange information with involved parties, and collect witness contact details if possible. Prompt documentation can be critical to building a strong legal claim.

Q: Can I file a claim if a snowplow hit my parked car?
A: Yes. If a snowplow operator negligently struck your vehicle, you may file a claim against the responsible party, whether that is a private contractor, business, or municipal entity, depending on ownership and control of the plowing operation.

Q: Are municipalities liable when their snowplow causes an accident?
A: Government entities may assert immunity defenses under certain conditions, but those defenses have limitations. An experienced Illinois snowplow accident attorney can assess whether a municipality or contractor can be held liable in your case.

Q: Does Illinois law treat snowplow accidents differently from other vehicle collisions?
A: Snowplow accidents are treated under general negligence law, but complications like weather conditions, governmental immunity, and contractor relationships may affect how claims are handled.

Q: What if I slipped and fell in a parking lot after snow plowing?
A: Slip and fall claims may be possible if a property owner or plow contractor created or exacerbated a hazardous condition through negligent snow and ice removal. Evidence such as timing, condition photos, and maintenance logs is important.

Contact the 5-Star Rated Illinois Snowplow Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Snowplow accidents in parking lots are not rare anomalies. They are a reflection of the complex interplay between winter weather, human error, large equipment, and shared spaces. In Illinois, where snow and ice are recurring seasonal realities, these incidents can result in devastating injuries, costly vehicle damage, and significant legal complexity.

Understanding the risks and legal landscape can help victims make informed decisions about their rights and options. If you or a loved one has been injured in a snowplow accident in a parking lot, whether struck by a plow vehicle, injured in a slip and fall after plowing operations, or suffered property damage, time matters. Prompt attention to your injuries and legal claim helps preserve critical evidence and enhances your ability to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. Our experienced Illinois snowplow injury attorneys understand snowplow accident claims and the challenges they present. We will advocate on your behalf, guide you through the legal process, and fight to hold negligent parties accountable. Do not navigate this difficult time alone, call 844-MALMLAW now to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.