Parking Lot Pedestrian Injuries Are Even More Dangerous During the Holiday Rush
Brian O Sutter
Accident Lawyers
Traffic Accidents
Parking lots usually feel like low-risk places, but during the holidays, locations like Walmart become crowded, rushed, and unpredictable. With shoppers juggling long lists, tight schedules, and full parking aisles, the risk of a serious pedestrian injury—especially involving a young child—rises sharply.During the holiday season, traffic in retail parking lots increases dramatically. Vehicles are constantly entering, circling, and pulling out of spaces, often with limited visibility. Drivers may be more stressed, frustrated, or distracted, making it easier to lose track of what’s directly in front of their vehicle.
For small children, the danger is even greater. A three-year-old can be nearly impossible to see over the front of a larger vehicle such as a Jeep or SUV, especially when other cars and holiday crowds create visual clutter. Even a slow, gentle forward movement can cause severe or life-threatening injuries due to a child’s size and fragility.
Many of these crashes happen because drivers believe the area ahead is clear when it isn’t. In a busy holiday parking lot, that simple misjudgment can have devastating consequences.
At All Injuries Law Firm, we’ve represented families across Southwest Florida for more than 35 years in cases where children were injured in parking lots, retail centers, and store entrances. Our team includes Board-Certified attorneys Brian O. Sutter and Bryan Greenberg and Million Dollar Advocates Forum member Corbin Sutter—experience that helps families who suddenly find themselves navigating medical emergencies, insurance issues, and overwhelming uncertainty.
Attorney Perspective
“As a parent and a longtime resident of Charlotte County, this kind of crash is heartbreaking to read. We’ve spent more than 35 years helping families whose children were seriously hurt, and I can tell you that parents often feel overwhelmed and unsure of the next step. Our job is to guide them, protect them, and make sure they have the support they need—both medically and legally—so they can focus on their child’s healing.”
— Brian O. Sutter, Managing Partner & Florida Bar Board-Certified Attorney
Jeep Strikes 3-Year-Old Pedestrian in Walmart Parking Lot on South McCall Road
Charlotte County, FL — November 25, 2025 - Florida Highway Patrol Troopers responded to a serious pedestrian crash at the Walmart located at 2931 South McCall Road at approximately 8:25 PM Tuesday evening.
According to the FHP report, Vehicle 1, a 2018 Jeep driven by a 27-year-old Englewood woman, had been parked facing west in a marked parking space. Next to the Jeep, Pedestrian 1, a 3-year-old child, was standing beside his family’s vehicle while his mother secured an infant sibling in a car seat.
The report states that the child walked in front of the Jeep and remained still. As the Jeep moved forward and turned to the right, the front of the vehicle struck the child.
The young pedestrian suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital for emergency care. The driver was not hurt.
FHP notes that the crash remains under investigation.
This type of incident is devastating for any family. At All Injuries Law Firm, we have spent more than three decades helping injured people throughout Charlotte County and Southwest Florida understand their rights and navigate the immediate challenges after a serious crash.
FAQs Related to Parking Lot Pedestrian Crashes
How common are serious pedestrian injuries in parking lots?
More common than most people expect. Even at low speeds, vehicles can cause severe injuries to young children, especially in congested areas where visibility is limited.
Is the driver always at fault in a parking-lot pedestrian crash?
Not automatically. However, drivers do have a duty to ensure the path is clear before moving. Liability depends on witness statements, surveillance footage, lighting conditions, and the driver’s movements at the time of the crash.
What should parents do after a child is struck by a vehicle?
Medical care comes first. Afterward, families should gather available information—such as the crash report and any photographs—and speak with an injury attorney. Claims involving minors in Florida include special protections and may require court approval for larger settlements.
Does it matter that this happened in a Walmart parking lot rather than a road?
No. Serious injury claims can still be brought even when a crash occurs on private property like a retail parking lot. Driver negligence can still create liability.
Can a family recover damages for a seriously injured child?
Yes. Compensation may include medical care, long-term treatment needs, pain and suffering, and additional related costs. Because children may require extended care, these claims must be handled with long-term planning in mind.
Why do families rely on All Injuries Law Firm for child-injury cases?
Because our firm has served Southwest Florida for over 35 years, representing thousands of injured people and securing numerous six- and seven-figure recoveries for serious injuries. Our team includes Board-Certified attorneys Brian Sutter and Bryan Greenberg, and Million Dollar Advocates Forum member Corbin Sutter, providing deeply experienced guidance when a child’s future is at stake.