The dazzling lights and relentless energy of Las Vegas can be exhilarating, but navigating busy parking lots can be a stressful experience. Unfortunately, parking lot accidents are a common occurrence in Las Vegas, leaving drivers confused about who’s responsible for the damages. Unlike accidents on public streets governed by traffic laws, parking lot incidents fall under a different set of rules. The Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys give you the information you need about who is responsible for a parking lot accident.
Nevada Law and Parking Lot Accidents
Las Vegas parking lots are considered private property. This means that Nevada’s traffic laws don’t directly apply, and police may not be obligated to respond to minor fender benders. However, the concept of negligence still plays a crucial role. In simpler terms, whoever acted with carelessness or recklessness that caused the accident will likely be held liable for the damages in a settlement.
Determining Fault in a Las Vegas Parking Lot Accident
Several factors come into play when determining fault in a parking lot accident in Las Vegas. Here are some common scenarios and who might be responsible:
- Backing Out of a Parking Space: Drivers pulling out of a parking space must yield the right of way to those already in the driving lane. If they fail to yield and cause a collision, they’ll likely be found at fault. However, if the driver in the traffic lane was speeding or driving recklessly, they could share some of the blame.
- Dooring Accidents: These occur when a driver or passenger opens their car door into the path of an oncoming vehicle, bicyclist, or motorcycle. The driver or passenger who opened the door without due care is typically found at fault.
- Two Drivers Vie for the Same Spot: When two drivers compete for the same parking space, the one who has to make a more significant maneuver to get into the spot (often requiring them to cut across traffic) is more likely to be held responsible for any resulting accident. This amount of fault could determine eventual settlement amounts, since Nevada follows comparative negligence law.
- Following Too Closely: Just like on public roads, tailgating in a parking lot is dangerous. If the driver in front brakes suddenly and you rear-end them, you will likely be considered at fault for following too closely.
- Negligent Security: While rare, parking lot owners can be held partially responsible if poorly designed layouts, inadequate lighting, or malfunctioning signage contribute to a parking lot accident in Las Vegas. For instance, if a poorly lit corner creates a blind spot where accidents frequently occur, the lot owner might share some liability.
Get Help With a Parking Lot Accident in Las Vegas with ER Injury Attorneys
The Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys are here to help you if you’ve been injured in a parking lot accident in Las Vegas. Our team is prepared to fight for you and build you a strong case for financial compensation.
ER Injury Attorneys is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach us right now by dialing 702-878-7878 or online through LiveChat. You can also fill out this encrypted contact form. ER Injury Attorneys represents accident victims throughout Southern Nevada, including Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and beyond. Get in touch with us today to get the legal advocacy you need.