So You’ve Just Had A Parking Lot Accident, What’s Next?

Nobody wishes to be involved in a parking lot accident, especially after a long day when things appear to be running smoothly.

Yet there are situations in which driving a car can be burdensome, if not frustrating.

Things happen when you least expect it and all you need to do is take immediate action.

While finding an available parking spot takes few minutes of your time, you need to check your surroundings and shun hitting, scrapping, or damaging other vehicles close to yours.

But, what if your vehicle got damaged in a parking lot?

Regardless of the circumstances, here are some easy steps on how to cope with a parking lot accident?

What should I do if I damage a car in a parking lot?

At times, supermarkets, district malls, and other places of interests hum with visitors, mostly during the weekend or festive days, which increases the chances of getting involved in a parking lot accident.

So, the first thing you need to do is stay at the place of the scene, irrespective of the nature of the incident.

Remember that there could be a witness or even cameras who can disclose full evidence of the accident, adding more fuel to the problem.

Gather specific information about the affected car owner (ex: license plate), go inside the store, find a customer service desk, report the incident, and let them contact the owner of the vehicle promptly.

If you are unable to report the problem, write a note detailing your contact information, a brief explanation of the incident, and place it in a visible spot on the car.

Of course, you are strongly advised to take pictures of the damage and jot down the license plate number for your own records.

Contact the police. Banking on how severely the car was damaged, you may need to report the accident to the police.

They can create a better report of the incident and help you find the car owner.

What should I do if my car is damaged in a parking lot?

You will need to contact your auto insurance agent and provide full description of the incident right away.

Insurance agents are expert advisers who are willing to provide further guidance and support.

Again, you will need to keep a proven record of facts by taking pictures with your smartphone or camera, as it could make things rather less complicated.

Note-taking is crucial. The more relevant notes you take about the incident, including the other driver’s information, nature of the accident, and insurance details, the better for you to report and support your case.

“More is always better.”

Check for witnesses, who can give their input about the incident and/or ask the store or building if they have security camera footage you can access.

What should I do if I witness a car accident in a parking lot?

You may not the victim nor the perpetrator, but you could still be a witness and that comes along with recommendations on how to handle it wisely.

If you witness a car accident in a parking lot, you should provide assistance by documenting the damage, and provide your contact information in case their insurance agent or the police officer need to contact you for more information about the incident.

While nobody is free of experiencing an accident when parking a vehicle, you are advised to be extra cautious and carry on with your duty as a responsible citizen.

SEE ALSO: Now You Can Fix Your Car Regardless Of Your Abilities