Public Parking Lot Injuries On The Las Vegas Strip

Car Accidents In Parking Lots

Accidents involving cars make up a concerning percentage of injuries and deaths reported in parking lots on the Strip. These accidents are primarily caused by:

Distracted Driving

Some drivers let their guards down in parking lots because they believe they are “done” with the difficult part of driving — dealing with lanes. Accordingly, they are likely to engage in other activities: returning phone calls, replying to text messages, watching videos, taking photos, adjusting the radio, programming the GPS, scrolling through social media, and so on.

An inattentive driver may not notice a pedestrian or a vehicle backing out. In turn, they may cause an accident.

Negligence

Negligence in the parking lot is not uncommon among drivers. Some drivers will speed to find parking lots or refuse to yield to a pedestrian/driver if they believe doing so may jeopardize their chances of getting a parking space. 

If a speeding driver in a parking lot comes across a reversing vehicle or pedestrian, they may not have enough time or space to come to a full stop.

Poor Maintenance

Parking lot injuries occur at alarming rates in poorly maintained parking lots — those with faded lane markings and potholes. A parking lot that is poorly designed, for example, one without designated entrances and exits, allowing traffic to flow uncontrollably, is also dangerous.

Poor Visibility

Due to the closeness of parked and moving cars, many parking lots have reduced visibility. A driver may not notice a pedestrian or a car backing out.

To solve the blind spot issue, many parking lots have visible signages to guide drivers, but some don’t. A driver may ignore signage, putting other people at risk.

Inadequate lighting and harsh weather conditions also result in the limited visibility of parking lots.

If a driver hits you in a parking lot, a Las Vegas car accident attorney can help you build a strong case.

Premises Liability Cases

Slip-and-fall accidents are a problem in parking lots. Poor lighting and uncontrolled shopping carts can cause a pedestrian to slip and fall. 

A parking lot without effective ways to drain excessive water will typically have pools of standing water, which can be slip-and-fall hazards. The accumulated water can create a slippery surface or cause someone to lose their footing, especially children and older adults. 

Inadequate lighting in parking lots can also encourage criminal activities. You may be stolen from when entering your car, or the vehicle may be stolen.

Injuries You Can Sustain In A Parking Lot 

Depending on the incident you are involved in, you may suffer different injuries in a parking lot, including broken bones, road rash, head injuries, burns, neck injuries, soft tissue injuries, lacerations, brain injuries, scrapes, bruises, and so on.

What To Do After A Parking Lot Accident

If you are injured in a parking lot, you need to be cautious about your next steps. What you do or fail to do may significantly impact your case. Here is what to consider doing:

Confirm If You Are Injured

Before making any movements, check for injuries from head to toe. If you notice excess pain or bleeding, avoid moving, as doing so can worsen the condition. Remain calm and call for help.

Exchange Information

If you can move, go to the other party and exchange contact details (name, address, phone number/email, insurance company information — name and policy number) and vehicle information (make, model, year, color, license plate numbers, and so on). 

If you can’t move, ask someone to help you with this. Or the other party can come to you if it’s safe for them to move.

Take Photos And Videos

Take photos and videos of the scene and your injuries if you can move. If your vehicle is hit, photograph the damages, which can be a broken headlight, dent, broken bumper, deployed airbag, or scratch.

Obtain Witness Statements

If someone witnessed the accident, get their contact information and statement. Witness statements can strengthen your case considerably.

Seek Medical Attention

If you had called 911, this can be a given. However, if you hadn’t, perhaps because you lack visible injuries, you should still seek medical attention. Your adrenaline rush may be masking pain. You may have sustained a serious internal injury that may not show symptoms until hours or days later. Thus, it will be best to get immediate medical attention to treat any hidden injuries.

Report The Accident

Whether the car accident you are involved in is minor or major, report it to the police. A police report can serve as a great piece of evidence in your personal injury claim. Further, it can provide vital insight into the incident from the officer who assessed the scene.

If your injury is caused by a pothole, puddle of water, poor lighting, cracks, unclear parking lot striping, or unattended carts, ensure the management is aware of it before you leave the premises.

How To Stay Safe In A Parking Lot

You can employ some tips to stay safe in a parking lot. These include:

• Staying alert: You should always be alert in a parking lot, whether you are a driver or pedestrian. Pay attention to your actions and those of others.
• Obey traffic signage: Obey all the traffic signs you come across in a parking lot, including stop, no parking, fire lane, directional, and speed limit signs, among others.
• Consider embracing technology: For additional safety, embrace technological tools aimed at eliminating parking lot accidents, such as backup cameras and monitoring systems.

Experienced Attorney In Las Vegas For Parking Lot Injuries

You may be eligible to file a parking lot injury lawsuit if someone else’s negligence results in your injury. The team at Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, will help you determine the right angle to approach your claim. Don’t disregard your case because it happened in a parking lot. Call 702-382-0000 for a free consultation.

Sources:

Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents. (n.d.).

Distraction Can Often Cause Parking Lot Injuries. (n.d.).

What to Know About Parking Lot Accidents. (2022).