Parking lot car accidents can be confusing when it comes to liability. If you were involved in such a crash and are wondering what your next steps are, read on. This article will break down what to do after a parking lot crash and how fault is determined, and why you should make sure you consult with a Las Vegas car accident attorney about your case.
What to Do Immediately After a Parking Lot Car Accident
The first thing you need to do is remain calm. Take a deep breath and make sure everyone involved is safe and unharmed. Turn on your hazard lights immediately and guide people away from traffic to avoid further accidents. Call 911 for emergency responders if someone is injured.
Call the Police
Contact the local police to report the accident. Even for minor fender benders in parking lots, it’s a good idea to file an official police report. The report will document details about the incident and help determine who’s at fault. Ask the officers if they will come to the scene or if you need to file the report over the phone or at the station. Provide the same information you exchanged with the other driver(s).
Get Insurance and Contact Information
Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, exchange insurance, and contact information with the other driver(s), get their name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, insurance details, vehicle make and model. Provide the same information about yourself as well. Take pictures of the vehicles involved, license plates, insurance cards and driver’s licenses.
Gathering Evidence From the Scene
After an accident in a parking lot, it’s important to gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. This will help determine who’s at fault and support any insurance claims.
Use your phone to take photos of everything involved, like the vehicles, the surrounding area, any damage, street signs, and the positions of the vehicles after the impact. The more pictures, the better. Video footage is even more helpful. These visual records can reveal details that may be missed in the stress of the moment.
Determining Fault in Parking Lot Crashes
Carefully assess the details of what happened. Note the positions and movements of all vehicles involved before, during, and after the impact. Take photos from multiple angles to capture the whole scene. Look for any hazards like potholes or debris that could have contributed. All of these details will be important for determining fault.
- Who had the right of way? In parking lots, the vehicle backing out of a space must yield to vehicles driving down the lane. If someone was backing out and hit your vehicle traveling the lane, they will typically be found at fault. However, if you were speeding down the lane, you may share some liability.
- Were any traffic signs or signals ignored? Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light is a clear indication of fault. Look for any other signs, like arrows directing traffic, that were disregarded.
- Could the accident have been avoided? Even if someone violated your right of way, ask yourself if the accident was truly unavoidable. Defensive driving techniques like slowing down in parking lots and being highly alert can sometimes prevent a crash, even when you have the right of way. If safe driving may have avoided the accident, fault may be shared.
Reach Out to an Experienced Las Vegas Car Crash Lawyer
The law firm of Las Vegas Lawyers 360 has experienced attorneys ready to help you navigate the legal complexities of parking lot car accidents. Our attorneys understand that these crashes can be confusing, with ambiguous fault and unique circumstances. We will carefully evaluate the details of your case to determine the best legal strategy and path forward.
Call us at (702) 789-6668 to schedule your free consultation and start building your claim. We are here to help you get the justice you deserve.