Parking Lot Car Accidents and Fault

There are several ways that car accidents happen in parking lots:

• A driver backs out of a parking space and hits another vehicle that is already in the lane of travel
• Two drivers back out at the same time and strike each other
• A driver pulling out of a space hits a vehicle already in the lane of travel
• One driver turns the wrong way, resulting in an accident
• The driver in front stops suddenly, and the driver behind can’t stop
• A driver cuts off another driver in an attempt to get a parking space
• A driver fails to stop for pedestrians
• The driver misjudges the space and hits a parked car

When a parking lot is privately owned, it means an individual or company owns the lot or garage, usually for financial profit. The owner or manager of a privately owned lot has a duty to keep the property:

1. Safe for use
2. Easy to navigate
3. Free of hazards or obstructions

In addition, the owner of the lot or garage could be liable if dangerous conditions or negligence led to fender benders on the premises.

If a lot is publicly owned, it may be on land owned by the government, such as local, state, or federal government entities. Depending on state rules, you may still be able to claim compensation for injuries. However, you should consult with a car accident attorney to understand the laws and your options.

In general, police do not respond to a parking lot accident unless there are injuries, significant property damage, or the accident is blocking traffic. However, you can contact the police if you’d like to file a report, so there is documentation of the incident. You can also file a report online after the accident if the police cannot make it to the scene.

Legal experts share the general right of way rules² in a parking lot as:

1. Cars in thoroughfares (lanes that connect to a road) have the right of way
2. Vehicles approaching the thoroughfares must yield to drivers in those lanes
3. Whenever there is a “stop” or “yield” sign, it gives the right of way to the other driver
4. Drivers reversing or leaving a parking space must yield to oncoming traffic in feeder lanes

Also, it’s essential to use common sense while navigating a parking structure. If you see a car is moving and the driver does not see your vehicle, you should exercise caution and yield to the moving vehicle.

If you’re in a car accident in a parking lot, here are steps to follow to ensure you get the help you need and you can file a successful claim:

1. Seek medical treatment if you or others are injured.
2. Call the police.
3. Exchange contact information with others involved. If you can’t find the other driver, leave your name and address in a safe place where the other driver can easily find it.
4. Contact your auto insurance company.
5. Take photos of the scene, damage, and injuries.
6. As soon as you can, write out a narrative of what happened. Put in all the details, even if you don’t think they’re significant.
7. Work with an attorney to secure surveillance video that may be available and contact witnesses.

If you hit another car in a parking structure, it’s vital that you take the right steps, especially if the driver of the other vehicle is not present. You should:

• Stay at the scene and do not leave. Even if you think nobody saw the incident, witnesses or surveillance footage could lead to hit-and-run charges.
• Do your best to find the car’s owner. For example, if you’re in a store, let management know the car’s description so they can announce it over the loudspeaker.
• If you can’t find the driver, leave a note that includes your basic contact information and leave it on the care.
• Write down the other car’s license plate number.
• Take pictures of the damage.
• Call the police to document the accident.

When you’re in an accident in a parking structure or lot, Nevada law requires³ you to stop your vehicle. You must find the other driver and give them your name and address. If you can’t find the driver, you can leave your information conspicuously in or on their vehicle. You must also call the police.

If you don’t do these things, you’ve committed a hit and run under Nevada law. You face jail time, suspension of your driver’s license, and points on your license. If you later claim the accident isn’t your fault, you’ll have a harder time making your case if you choose to flee the scene of the crash.

Parking lot accidents can be serious. Some people speed or drive recklessly when they’re in a parking structure. There are often pedestrians involved who don’t have a vehicle to protect them.

The insurance company might claim your accident can’t be serious because it happened in a parking structure. However, Nevada law requires the insurance company to pay you fairly for the value of your claim under the insurance policies in place at the time of the crash. If the insurance company isn’t eager to pay you what you deserve, an attorney can help you negotiate or bring a formal claim for fair compensation.

All at-fault accidents will go on your driving record. However, not-at-fault accidents generally do not go on your record, depending on your state. This is why it’s so important to determine fault with any accident, including parking structure fender benders.