Car accidents on private property are more common in Las Vegas than most visitors – and even residents – realize. Many driving locations, from parking lots to driveways, are owned by private individuals or businesses. Navigating a car crash that happens on private property can be a challenge due to the unique laws that apply to these cases.
Get Medical Care
As with any car accident in Las Vegas, your priority should first be your safety and health. Check for injuries after an accident on private property. Get medical care immediately, either by calling for an ambulance or going to the nearest hospital. Document your injuries and medical care by asking for copies of your treatment records.
Report the Accident
You should still report a car accident that occurs on private property to the police in Las Vegas. Even if the damage seems minor or the other driver doesn’t want to involve the police, crash reporting is a good idea to provide official documentation of the accident and your injuries. Do not admit fault for the accident when speaking with police officers or the other driver.
Exchange Information
You still need to exchange names and critical information with the other driver involved in a private property crash. Do not leave the scene until you’ve gotten the other driver’s full name, address, phone number, car insurance details, vehicle registration number and license plate number. Gather eyewitness information, as well.
If the owner of the private property is available, get their information. Depending on the state of the property and grounds, there is potential for a premises liability claim involving the private property owner. The owner may be held liable if a hazard or defect contributed to the crash, such as missing street signs or dangerous potholes.
Document Thoroughly
For a strong accident claim, you need to gather certain information and evidence right away, while still at the scene. If you can, use your phone to take clear pictures of the crash scene. Be sure to capture images of both vehicles, property damage, road debris, skid marks, road and weather conditions, and the surrounding area.
If the private property has dangerous conditions that you believe contributed to the accident, such as a parking lot with inadequate lighting, take pictures and videos of the hazard. Speak with witnesses, write down your police report number and look for video cameras (including dashcams) that may have recorded the crash.
Understand Your Rights
Car accidents that take place on private property in Nevada come with unique legal implications related to premises liability law. If a road defect contributed to the crash, the private property owner could be held liable if they were negligent. Property owners should have residential or commercial insurance policies to pay in these situations.
If a car accident occurs on property owned by a casino in Las Vegas, this type of case can come with its own specific liability laws. A valet driver could be held accountable, for example, if he or she damaged your vehicle while parking your car. The casino itself could be held responsible for failing to hire or train a qualified valet driver. Furthermore, the casino can be held liable for defects on the resort’s property.
Contact an Attorney
If you were recently involved in a car accident that occurred on private property rather than a public street or highway, contact a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer for a free evaluation of your case, rights and options. A lawyer can carefully investigate your crash to determine liability. Then, while you relax and recover, your lawyer can file a claim on your behalf against a driver, a property owner or another party to pursue maximum compensation.