The Hidden Dangers of Valet Parking
In Las Vegas, valet parking is more than a convenience — it’s an expectation. From casinos and luxury hotels to fine dining and entertainment venues, thousands of vehicles are handed over to valets every day. But what happens when a valet crashes your car, damages property, or injures someone while operating your vehicle?
These accidents raise serious questions about liability. Is the valet personally responsible, or does the casino bear the blame? This blog explains how Nevada law handles valet-related accidents and what victims should know.
Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm is a premier personal injury law practice in Las Vegas, dedicated to delivering justice for accident victims. With a reputation for relentless advocacy and client-focused representation, The Firm ensures injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve.
Common Valet Parking Incidents
- Vehicle Collisions – Valets crash guest vehicles into others or stationary objects.
- Pedestrian Injuries – Valets speeding through tight parking areas hit guests or employees.
- Property Damage – Damage to other vehicles, walls, or casino property.
- Unauthorized Use – Valets take cars for personal joyrides or reckless driving.
- Theft or Missing Property – Belongings stolen from inside the vehicle.
While many casinos carry commercial insurance, their policies may exclude or limit coverage depending on who was at fault.
Who’s Liable for Valet Accidents?
- The Casino or Hotel – Usually responsible for employee actions under “vicarious liability.”
- The Valet Company – If the valet service is an independent contractor, its own insurance may apply.
- The Driver (Valet) – Personally liable if they acted recklessly or outside the scope of employment.
- Vehicle Owner – Rarely at fault unless they knowingly provided a defective vehicle.
Determining liability often requires examining employment contracts, surveillance footage, and insurance policies — tasks best handled by an experienced attorney.
Nevada Law on Valet Liability
Under Nevada law, businesses offering valet services owe a “duty of care” to guests. This includes safe handling, storage, and operation of customer vehicles. If negligence leads to injury or damage, the employer and their insurer can both be held liable.
Challenges in Valet Accident Claims
- Confusion over whether the valet is a direct employee or contractor.
- Casinos may attempt to shift blame to third parties.
- Surveillance footage is often erased within days unless preserved quickly.
Real-World Scenarios
- A valet crashes a Lamborghini into a pillar outside a Strip casino.
- A guest is struck by a reversing vehicle in a hotel’s valet lane.
- Valets take a car for a joyride, causing property damage and serious injury.
What to Do After a Valet-Related Accident
- Call the police and ensure an incident report is filed.
- Take photos of damage, injuries, and the scene.
- Obtain witness contact info and employee names.
- Request a copy of the casino or valet company’s insurance policy.
- Contact an attorney experienced in casino injury cases.
How The Firm Can Help
At The Firm, Preston Rezaee, Esq., and his team gather surveillance footage, employee records, and service contracts to establish fault and recover compensation for damages, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Valet parking should offer peace of mind — not costly repairs and medical bills. If you were injured or suffered property damage due to valet negligence in Las Vegas, The Firm is here to help you navigate Nevada’s complex liability laws and secure the justice you deserve
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