Senior drivers face unique challenges.
61-Year-Old Woman Crashes Into St. Bernard, Backs Into Multiple Vehicles at the Shops at Lincoln Heights
According to a KSAT News report, a senior driver crashed her vehicle into a popular clothing store on the North Side.¹
Police say the accident happened at around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 21st, in the 900 block of E. Basse Road at the Shops at Lincoln Heights on the North Side. A 61-year-old woman reportedly lost control of her vehicle before crashing into the St. Bernard clothing store. She then backed out, hitting three other vehicles in the parking lot.
There were people in the store at the time of the accident, but no one was injured. The store will remain closed for repairs, but SAFD reported the building sustained no major structural damage.
Did You Know?
8,950 accidents in Texas last year were caused by a driver backing up without safety.²
Why Parking Lot Accidents Are So Common
Parking lots may seem safer than highways, but the reality is very different. Tight spaces, limited visibility, and heavy foot traffic create constant risks for both drivers and pedestrians. It only takes a small mistake—pressing the wrong pedal, glancing down at a phone, or forgetting to check mirrors—for a fender bender or even a serious injury to happen.
The crash at Lincoln Heights is a perfect example of how quickly a small mistake can spiral. A momentary loss of control didn’t just damage one store—it also involved multiple vehicles and shut down part of a busy shopping area.
Common Causes of Parking Lot Crashes
Several patterns show up again and again in parking lot accidents:
-
Backing accidents – Drivers reversing without fully checking mirrors or blind spots.
-
Pedestrian collisions – Shoppers crossing between parked cars can be difficult to see.
-
Speeding in lots – Some drivers forget that low speeds are essential in crowded areas.
-
Driver distraction – Looking at a phone or even scanning for an open spot can take eyes off the road.
-
Pedal errors – Accidentally hitting the accelerator instead of the brake often leads to storefront crashes.
Each of these issues is preventable with extra care, but unfortunately, they happen daily in Texas.
Who Is Liable in a Parking Lot Accident?
Determining liability depends on the circumstances. In many cases, liable parties can include:
-
The driver – If a motorist fails to yield, backs into another car, or strikes a pedestrian, they may be responsible.
-
The property owner – Parking lot design flaws, poor signage, or inadequate lighting can make an accident more likely. If so, the owner may share liability.
-
Other parties – Vehicle defects, such as faulty brakes, could also make the manufacturer accountable.
While these crashes happen on private property, injured victims still have the right to pursue compensation for their losses.
Safety Tips for Drivers in Parking Lots
Most parking lot accidents are preventable with a little extra caution. Here are some practical ways to stay safe:
-
Always check mirrors and blind spots before backing up.
-
Drive slowly and assume pedestrians may step out unexpectedly.
-
Park farther from entrances to avoid the busiest, most congested areas.
-
Use extra caution near storefronts, where foot traffic is heaviest.
-
Stay off your phone—distractions in a parking lot can be just as dangerous as on a highway.
Injured in a Parking Lot Accident? Call Shaw.
A trip to the store shouldn’t end with a trip to the hospital. But when drivers or property owners fail to take basic safety precautions, shoppers and pedestrians can pay the price.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a parking lot accident anywhere in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
-
Ambulance Costs
-
ER Treatment
-
Surgeries
-
Medical Bills
-
Pain and Suffering
-
Property Damage
-
Missed Work
-
Wrongful Death
-
And More
We’ll help you find out if you have a case—for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. No fees. No obligations. Just expert legal advice.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first.
We look forward to serving you.