Parking lot car accidents can be just as costly as those that occur on roadways. A parking lot crash can involve both serious property damage and personal injuries.
Of course, not all parking lot accidents result in injuries or criminal consequences. But even minor dings and dents to a parked car are still measurable damages to your vehicle. Here are five tips that can help you deal with parking lot accidents.
1. Keep Calm and Call for Help.
If you're involved in a fender bender in the parking lot, your first instinct may be to offer the other driver a helpful expletive or obscene hand gesture before racing off. Ignore this impulse, call for help from a nearby driver or pedestrian, and do not leave the scene after an accident has occurred.
Leaving the scene could end with you facing criminal charges in addition to the damage due to the accident. Speak honestly to any law enforcement officer who comes to the scene and allow them to collect information and write an accurate police report. Once the report is available obtain a copy for yourself and your auto insurance company.
2. Check for Injuries and Damage.
First and foremost, ensure that you and your passengers are not seriously injured -- or even the other driver. If anyone appears to have serious injuries, call 911. If either motorist or their passenger need medical attention make sure to document injuries like bruises or abrasions as much as you can with photos.
After dealing with injuries, evaluate the damage to your car and take photos with an available camera or smartphone. Also take photos of the entire scene of the accident.
3. Exchange Information With the Driver(s) Involved.
Calmly attempt to exchange information with the other driver(s) after a parking lot accident, keeping in mind he or she may not be in the best mood. This includes sharing your insurance carrier and insurance policy number, license plate number, name, driver’s license number, and phone number.
Not only is this practice often mandated by state law, but having the other driver's insurance, license, and vehicle information will help resolve any future claims for damage. Immediately provide all of this information to your insurance provider to help with the claims process.
4. Record Details and Witnesses.
Make sure to document details about the condition of the parking lot, the lighting, the time of the accident, and a description of the other driver's car -- especially if he or she left the scene without exchanging information. Take pictures of the location of the accident as well as any parking space you or the other party may have backed out of. Take additional photos of the entire parking area including any right of way or stop sign where the accident may have taken place. If either motorist or their passenger need medical attention make sure to document injuries like bruises or abrasions as much as you can.
Get the names and contact information of any nearby witnesses whose memory or accounts may be crucial in recreating the scene. You may also want to check with the owner of the parking lot; perhaps surveillance footage is available that shows exactly what happened. You may also look at any backup camera or dashcam recordings from your vehicles or those of witnesses.
5. File a Claim for Damages.
After collecting information and safely leaving the scene of the car accident, contact your car insurance company and file a claim for the damage to your car. If you are uninsured, or the damage or medical bills are far less than your insurance deductible, consider resolving the issue in small claims court.
Have you been involved in a parking lot accident and still have questions? Consult with an experienced car accident attorney or personal injury attorney in your area today for legal advice regarding any property or personal injury claim you may want to consider.
Related Resources:
- Legal How-To: Filing a Minor Car Accident Claim (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)
- 5 Things to Do When You're a Hit-and-Run Victim (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- 5 Things You Shouldn't Do After a Car Accident (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
