Tips for Handling Parking Lot Accidents

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Tips for Handling Parking Lot Accidents

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Parking lot accidents may often seem less concerning than high-speed crashes on the road, but in many cases they cause damage that is just as costly. Parking lots are also locations where hit-and-run accidents frequently occur, as well as car collisions. Even when the most minor dents and dings occur in a collision, drivers can still recover compensation for the damages. If a driver responsible for damages is uninsured or simply refuses to take responsibility for his or her actions, car accident attorneys are available to represent the victims.

Here are some steps you should take if you are involved in a parking lot accident.

Stay Calm and Request Help

While you may feel the urge to simply curse another driver and drive away immediately following a minor collision, you should instead ensure that both you and any drivers and pedestrians involved are not injured. You should then call for help from nearby pedestrians or drivers and remain at the scene. If you leave the scene, you could face criminal charges in addition to liability for damages or injuries.

Take Note of Injuries and Damages

If anyone appears injured following a parking lot crash, you should call 911. After you make sure that nobody is injured or that those who are will receive medical attention, you should evaluate damage done to your vehicle by taking photos of all vehicles involved.

Retrieve Information

Even if drivers involved in an accident are seemingly irate beyond reason, you should calmly attempt to exchange information such as insurance companies, license numbers, and vehicle details to help make a successful claim. Having all of the necessary information will also help car accident attorneys recover full compensation.

Along with the parties involved, you should also note the environment around you at the time of the accident, such as the condition of the parking lot, and record witness accounts and contact information. If another car involved left the scene, witnesses may still be able to provide you with an accurate description of the vehicle.

File an Accident Claim

After you have collected all of the necessary information following an accident, you should contact your insurance company and file a claim for damages. Uninsured drivers can still settle cases in small claims court. Car accident lawyers will help drivers involved in parking lot crashes by answering questions they may have and working with all of the information they collect at the scene.