Parking Lot Accident Laws
Las Vegas, Nevada
Parking lot accident claims
If your accident in a parking lot resulted in a severe injury, call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case.
We represent clients in Las Vegas and Nevada.
We also represent tourists injured while visiting Las Vegas or Nevada.
Parking lot rules
Most large parking lots have stop signs and other traffic control devices to guide motorists. Drivers in parking lots must follow these stop signs and use caution when backing out of a stall.
Parking lot accident laws
Generally, the parking lot accident laws are the same as those for typical auto accidents on the street.
If you accidentally hit another car, you need:
• Stop your vehicle
• Find the other driver and give them your contact information. If you can't find the driver, leave your contact information in or on their vehicle.
Hit-and-run after a parking lot accident
In Nevada, you commit a hit-and-run crime if you hit another car in a parking lot and don't leave your contact information or insurance information. A hit-and-run incident in a parking lot may also result in a license suspension, increased insurance premiums, and civil liabilities.
Private parking lot accident
If your parking lot accident occurred on private property (e.g., a shopping center, business parking area, or facility), police typically respond only if someone is seriously injured or there's major property damage. Police generally don't issue citations or determine fault on private property, but you may still have a claim against a negligent driver, even if no ticket was issued.
Paid garage accident liability
Many ask, "Can I sue a parking lot owner if the accident happened in a paid garage?"
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The paid garage is private property; in most cases, you will not be able to recover against the private parking lot.
However, there may be instances where you may have a case based on what the parking company knew or should have known regarding the risk of accidents in their lot.
If you have enough evidence to prove it, your parking lot accident will become a premises liability accident.
How can I obtain surveillance video of a parking lot accident?
Most parking lots have security cameras that record activity 24/7 and store footage for a limited time. These recordings are often deleted within days or weeks. An attorney can send a Preservation Letter to the property owner or management, requiring them to save the footage as evidence. Once preserved, your attorney can request a copy of the video showing how the accident occurred.
Surveillance footage can be critical. It may capture the crash itself, vehicle details, traffic violations, lighting conditions, or missing signs that contributed to the accident. It can also show how long a hazard existed before your injury. For help securing evidence or reviewing your case, call 702-432-1000 for a free consultation.
Who is at fault in a parking lot accident in Las Vegas or Nevada?
Fault depends on how the crash happened and who failed to use reasonable care. Each situation is different, but some patterns are common.
• Both vehicles are backing up: Both drivers share fault.
• One backing, one moving straight: The backing driver is usually responsible for failing to yield the right of way.
• Through-lane (main aisles) vs. parking-lane: Drivers in through-lanes have the right of way. Vehicles exiting spaces or crossing lanes must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles.
• Pedestrian accidents: Drivers who strike pedestrians are almost always at fault.
• Stop or yield signs: Failing to obey posted signs makes a driver responsible for violating right-of-way rules.
Can a parking lot owner or manager be liable?
If poor lighting, faded lane markings, missing signs, or blind spots contributed to the accident, property owners or managers may share liability. Unsafe design or lack of maintenance can turn a crash into a premises liability claim.
Who pays for damages after a parking lot accident?
Under Nevada law, the at-fault party - or their insurance company - must pay for medical costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, and other related damages.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please call 702-432-1000.
Do insurance companies cover parking lot accidents?
Yes. In Nevada, most auto policies cover parking lot accidents, even those that occur on private property. Liability insurance pays if you caused the crash; the other driver's coverage applies if they were at fault. If you were injured, speak with an attorney. If not, you can usually handle the claim yourself.
Parking lot accident - No police report. What should I do?
If there's no police report, you can still file a claim. In parking lot accidents without injuries, gather photos, witness names, and video evidence to handle it yourself. If you were hurt, contact an attorney to protect your rights and pursue injury compensation.
Parking lot fender bender - No police report. What should I do?
If there's no police report after a parking lot fender bender, take photos, exchange insurance information, and look for witnesses or cameras. Report it to your insurer. The fender bender claims you can usually handle on your own without an attorney.
Do I have to follow stop signs in a parking lot?
Yes. Drivers must follow stop signs in parking lots, even on private property. Ignoring a posted sign and causing a crash can make a driver negligent or at fault for violating the duty of care. Police may not issue a citation unless there's serious injury or damage, but insurance companies and courts still view failure to stop as negligence.
Who's responsible if a car hits an open door in a parking lot?
Usually, the person who opened the door is at fault because they failed to check for oncoming traffic. Drivers and passengers must make sure it's safe before opening a door. If the approaching driver was speeding or driving too close, both may share fault under Nevada's comparative negligence law.
Insurance companies and courts consider the vehicle's parking location, the extent of the door's opening, and whether the approaching driver had sufficient time to stop. Photos or surveillance video from the parking lot often help determine fault.
Someone scratched my car in a parking lot - What should I do?
If someone scratched your car in a parking lot, take photos, look for witnesses, and check for cameras. Report it as a hit-and-run if the driver left. Contact the property manager or an attorney to help recover repair costs and secure video evidence.
Do I have a valid injury claim after being involved in a parking lot accident?
If you can answer "yes" to any of the questions listed below, you may have a valid liability claim and need to talk to an attorney for parking lot accidents.
• I got injured in a parking lot accident while driving through the parking lot or pulling out of a parking spot in Las Vegas,
• I got injured in an elevator connected to the parking lot structure,
• I got robbed while getting in/out of your car in a parking lot,
• The lighting fixture fell on me, and I got injured while I was walking in a parking lot,
•I got hit by a car in a parking lot, got hurt, and ended up in an emergency room.
What to do if you get injured in a parking lot accident
The same as after any car accident:
• First, seek medical help: can you walk?
• Take many pictures of your injury and the surrounding area,
• Get eyewitness information if you can,
• Contact a lawyer who has experience handling parking lot accident cases.
We can help
Parking lot accident laws could be very confusing.
If your accident in Las Vegas or Nevada resulted in a severe injury and you ended up in a hospital, call us to discuss your case. We can help you get compensated for your medical bills and other damages.
We work on a contingency basis, which means - if we cannot get your settlement money, we don't get paid, and you don't owe us anything.
To schedule an appointment, call us at 702-432-1000 and ask to speak with an attorney who handles parking lot accident cases.
The initial consultation is free.
We serve clients in Las Vegas, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and the rest of Nevada.
Last updated on November 7, 2025.
