How to Handle Parking Lot Accidents

Generally, most car crashes and vehicle collisions happen on the road where everyone’s speeding along and trying to do their thing but parking lot accidents are also quite common.

Many people have experienced going to a mall or a restaurant and parking their car only to find when they get back to the parking lot that someone dented, scratched, or backed into their cars. Most parking lot accident are also fender-benders because a lot of people fail to look before moving their vehicle but fortunately, most collisions are low-speed.

So excluding a hit and run scenario, what should you do in case you get involved in a parking lot accident? Here are the following steps to follow especially if you get hurt or your car gets damaged:

• Stop the vehicle. If you’re not injured or if the other driver was injured, call for emergency assistance or ask for the police to come.
• Exchange information with the other party; make sure you get his name, number, and insurance information.
• Get the statements and information of the witnesses to the accident, if there are any.
• If you have a camera or a cellphone with a camera, take a picture of the collision or the damages. Make sure you also take pictures of the parking lot to help identify other factors which may have caused the crash.
• If the police do not go to you and your car is damaged after a parking lot accident, file a walk-in report at the nearest police station. A walk in report is your written statement about the accident that transpired. All the details pertinent to the accident should be indicated. This will serve as an important evidence later if you file a claim.
• Also, whether the accident is hit and run or if the other party refuses to admit liability, try to obtain a video of any surveillance camera in the area. Most commercial establishments like malls have security cameras so you can use the video as further evidence to your claim.
• Call your insurance company as soon as possible, especially if you sustained damages from the accident. They will be able investigate the incident and likely, prosecute the liable driver later on.

Parking lot accidents may not be as grievous freeway or intersection crashes but it may involve the same property damage or injury which may require compensation.

If the liable party is unwilling to admit fault or your insurance company refuses to pay you, hire a personal injury lawyer to defend your claim. A personal injury lawyer will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after the parking lot accident.