Parking Lot Accidents Are Common in Vegas

Parking lot accidents occur frequently in Las Vegas. Insurance companies often downplay the seriousness of parking lot accidents to avoid paying fair compensation to injured victims. However, these accidents often involve people driving recklessly or at high speeds and frequently cause serious injuries. Pedestrians are most at risk for injury because they do not have a vehicle to protect them.

What Causes Parking Lot Accidents?

Parking lot accidents happen in Las Vegas for various reasons, including:

• The driver backs out of a parking space and hits a moving vehicle behind him.
• Two cars back out at the same time and hit each other.
• A driver suddenly stops and is rear-ended by the driver behind.
• The driver tries to pull into a parking space and hits the car parked next to it.
• A driver does not stop for pedestrians.
• One driver cuts off another to get into a parking space.

Determining Fault for a Parking Lot Accident

In Nevada, the general rules of negligence apply for parking lot accidents like other accidents. The individual who acted carelessly or recklessly is most likely to bear liability and the responsible party’s insurer should pay for damages, including medical bills for the injury victim.

It could be difficult to prove who is at fault in a parking lot accident. These lots are often privately owned. Traffic signs might not be posted, or they may seem confusing to drivers and pedestrians. In some cases, the parking lot owner could be held accountable for the accident.

Additionally, the police may not respond after a parking lot accident is reported. Since parking lots are considered private property, officers do not have the authority to issue tickets. They can still conduct an investigation and create a report that the parties can use as evidence when filing insurance claims, however.

What Drivers Should Do If They Are Involved in a Parking Lot Accident

Drivers who are involved in a parking lot accident should stop their vehicles and check for injuries and property damage. Exchanging contact information with other drivers, passengers, and witnesses, taking photos of the scene, and seeking medical treatment for injuries can help a Las Vegas car accident lawyer build a solid case if an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit is filed.