Parking lot accidents are more common than you think. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), tens of thousands of car crashes happen in parking lots and garage structures each year across America. These accidents result in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injured victims. In fact, car insurance companies report a spike in parking lot accidents claims on Black Friday and run above average throughout the holiday shopping season. Because many of these fender-benders go unreported, the actual number of parking lot accidents is likely higher than the data suggests.
Who is at Fault in a Parking Lot Accident?
Determining who is at fault in a Nevada parking lot accident may not be so easy. Below is some basic information that can help determine fault in a Nevada parking lot collision.
Right-of-Way
While smaller lots have only one row of parking and one lane for cars to enter and exit parking spaces, bigger lots have numerous lanes with parking spots on either side and lanes around the lot’s perimeters. Under either scenario, the vehicles in the through lanes have the right of way. And, if there are stop and signs present, those indicate who has to yield.
Legally Parked Vehicle
If you or someone accidentally hits a legally parked vehicle, then that person is likely at fault. This includes backing into a parked car, clipping the car in the lot, or hitting the parked car with your car’s door when opening it. If you leave the scene of the accident without trying to contact the car’s owner, this can be considered a hit-and-run.
Avoiding Parking Lot Accidents
There are several things you can do to avoid a Nevada parking lot accident. These include:
- Driving slowly and following any posted speed limits or even driving at a lower speed to avoid a crash;
- Follow the lanes instead of cutting across the parking lot;
- Use your turn signals to let others know when you intend to turn, waiting on a parking space, or entering or exiting a lane;
- Park away from congestion even if it is tempting to circle the lot to find a space closer to the entrance, because it is safer to do so and easier to exit;
- Choose a space your car fits in, when you are parked in the middle of the parking space lines. If you park too close to one side or the other, you risk someone damaging your car or you damaging theirs;
- Use caution when backing out. Keep an eye out for vehicles driving down the lane, backing out of parking spaces, and even pedestrians walking by;
- Make eye contact and check your surroundings, checking for cars that are backing out with blind spots. Be sure to give the driver time to back out and make eye contact with them.
Contact a Nevada Lawyer
If you are the victim of a parking lot accident in Nevada, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at H&P Law will fight for the monetary compensation you deserve. Do not wait to talk with an attorney. Contact us today for your initial case evaluation.
