Parking Lot Injuries

Why are there so many parking lot accidents?

There are several reasons why there are so many parking lot accidents every year, including:

• Not paying attention: Many parking lot accidents occur due to the driver not paying close attention while driving in the parking lot. Drivers may be focused on finding a spot and lose track of their surroundings, leading to an accident with another vehicle or pedestrian. 
• Poor visibility: Parking lots can sometimes have blind spots that make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles or pedestrians in their vicinity as they pull into a space or exit a row of cars. This can lead to collisions when two vehicles are moving at different speeds and don’t have time to react before colliding with each other. 
• Speeding: Some drivers tend to speed through parking lots, which increases the chances of having an accident due to decreased reaction times when obstacles appear suddenly along the way. 
• Backing up: Drivers often back up too quickly without looking behind them, resulting in collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects like light poles and walls that cannot move out of the way easily enough for either driver’s safety.
• Distractions: Distractions in the form of cell phones, passengers, or other items can lead to drivers not paying attention while driving and increase the risk of an accident.

How to reduce the risks of being in a parking lot accident? 

Whether you are a pedestrian or driver navigating a parking lot, you can reduce the risks of getting into a parking lot accident by:

• Paying attention: Be alert and aware of your surroundings while walking or driving in a parking lot, especially when backing up or navigating tight spaces. 
• Slow down: Obey the speed limit posted in the lot, as well as any other signs indicating to slow down. 
• Look before you back up: Always look behind you to make sure there are no pedestrians or vehicles in your path before reversing out of a space or row of cars. Do not rely solely on your backup camera. 
• Avoid distractions: Put away your cell phone and resist the urge to multitask while walking or driving in a parking lot. 
• Stay visible: Wear bright clothing if walking through a parking lot at night and use reflective materials on bags or jackets so drivers can see you more easily.

What should I do if I am involved in a parking lot accident?

You should treat a parking lot accident like a car accident on the road or highway. Remain at the scene and call the police to file a police report. If you or someone else is injured, call 911 and seek medical treatment. Other things you should do include the following:

• Exchange information: Gather as much information as possible from other drivers and witnesses, including names, contact info, insurance policy numbers, license plate numbers, etc. 
• Take pictures: If it is safe to do so, take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident and any damages resulting from the collision. 
• Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance carrier to report the incident and provide them with all relevant details regarding the accident for their review. 
• Talk to a personal injury lawyer: Depending on the accident’s severity, it may be beneficial to contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights and guide you through making an insurance claim.

What if a drunk driver was responsible for the accident?

Drunk driving is still against the law, even in a parking lot. If a drunk driver is responsible for an accident, it is important to contact the police immediately. The driver can be held accountable for their actions and could face criminal charges for drunk driving.

In addition, you could file an injury claim or lawsuit in civil court with assistance from a Las Vegas parking lot accident lawyer to help you seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company if they are found liable for your damages.

What if I am involved in a parking lot hit-and-run accident?

If you are involved in a parking lot hit-and-run accident, you should still follow the same processes as you would for a hit-and-run car accident. The most important thing is to remain calm and seek medical treatment if you sustain injuries. 

You should also remain on the scene and call the police to file a police report. If there were any witnesses around, attempt to get their contact details and any information they might have, like the license plate number, make, or model of the fleeing vehicle. 

Any damage and injuries would be covered by your insurance, so, you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible. 

What types of injuries are common in parking lot accidents?

Injuries sustained in a parking lot accident can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries. In some cases, victims may experience whiplash due to the sudden force of impact with another vehicle or object. 

More severe accidents can also lead to fatalities depending on both vehicles’ speed and the severity of any collision-related trauma. In addition, pedestrians can be severely injured or killed.

How does premises liability relate to parking lot accidents?

Premises liability is the legal concept that a property owner or occupier has an obligation to maintain their premises in a safe condition and protect visitors from foreseeable risks of harm. In the context of parking lot accidents, suppose the parking lot was not properly maintained (e.g., poorly lit, potholes left unfixed), and someone is injured as a result of these conditions. 

Then they may be able to recover damages from the property owner or occupier for failure to take reasonable steps to ensure safety on their premises. As such, when premises liability comes into play, the parking lot owner could be the negligent party. Therefore, consulting with an experienced car accident attorney is highly recommended. 

What are some examples of premises liability parking lot accidents?

• Slip and fall accidents: If a parking lot is not properly maintained, there may be opportunities for visitors to slip or trip on debris or uneven pavement, which could lead to injury. 
• Vehicle collisions: Poorly marked lanes and signage can create confusion about who has the right of way, leading to potential vehicle collisions between drivers trying to maneuver around each other in a tight space. 
• Inadequate lighting: Parking lots that are poorly lit, especially at night, increase the risk of pedestrians being hit by vehicles as they negotiate their way through the lot. This also increases the chances of theft or vandalism occurring in dark corners.

What must I do to file a parking lot accident lawsuit in Las Vegas?

After contacting an attorney, they will advise you on whether you have sufficient grounds to file a parking lot lawsuit in Las Vegas against the negligent party. Your lawyer will help gather evidence and file the complaint with the appropriate court in Las Vegas. 

Before going to trial, your lawyer will attempt to reach a settlement with the responsible party and their insurance company. If a settlement cannot be reached, they will take your case to trial. However, the vast majority of cases are settled and never go to trial. 

What are the benefits of getting help from a Las Vegas parking lot accident attorney?

A Las Vegas parking lot accident attorney can help you understand and protect your rights if you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence. An experienced attorney can advise you on the best course of action for filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and collecting the rightful compensation you deserve from the at-fault party. 

An attorney will also be able to inform you of any laws or regulations that may be relevant to your case and provide legal representation in court if necessary.

How much does a Las Vegas parking lot accident attorney cost?

There are no upfront costs to get help from a Las Vegas parking lot accident attorney, like Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys. Our personal injury lawyers offer free case evaluations and consultations, so getting a solid legal opinion never hurts and costs absolutely nothing. 

Should you have grounds to file an injury claim against the at-fault party, your lawyer will explain their contingency fee structure, usually a percentage of the settlement they obtain or the amount won at trial. Your lawyer only takes payment if they settle your case or win it at trial.