Step by Step Guide for Accidents in a Parking Lot

July 21st, 2020 by Fix Auto USA

Parking lot accidents are common, even though drivers often take precautions to avoid them. If you are involved in a parking lot accident, there is no need to worry. Here are seven steps to help you get through a parking lot accident.

1. Stay at the Accident Scene

Under no circumstances should you drive away from a parking lot accident, regardless of whether you are involved in a fender bender in a parking lot, a door-ding hit-and-run, or any other type of accident. Instead, take a deep breath, stay calm, cool, collected, and get ready to handle the incident as best as possible.

2. Find the Other Car Owner

If you inadvertently strike another car in a parking lot, there are a few things you can do. You can wait for the other car owner to return to their vehicle, explain what happened, and exchange car insurance information. Another option is to leave a note for the other driver that includes your name, phone number, and a brief explanation of what happened. For those who are parked at a store, it may be beneficial to go inside the store, head to the customer service desk, and find out if the store can make an announcement over its loudspeaker to find the other driver.

3. Call the Police

Call the police to document the parking lot accident. The police may be able to help you locate the other driver as well.

4. Capture Photos of the Cars Involved in the Accident

Use your smartphone’s camera to take photos of your car and the other vehicle involved in the parking lot accident. In addition to capturing photos of both cars’ damage, you can use your smartphone to take photos of the other driver’s license plates.

5. Take Notes

Retrieve as much information as you can from the other driver involved in the parking lot accident. Along with the driver’s name and car make and model, you should get their phone number, driver’s license number, and car insurance information.

6. Find Witnesses

If you leave your car in a parking lot and find your vehicle was damaged while you were away from it, seek witnesses. Anyone who is near your car may be able to provide insights into what may have happened to your vehicle. You can also visit a store or other business that manages the parking lot to see if surveillance footage can be reviewed that may show what happened to your vehicle.

7. Get in Touch with Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company to let it know about your parking lot accident. Even if your car has only experienced minor damage after it was side-swiped in a parking lot or involved in a hit-and-run in a parking garage, you should let your insurer know about the incident. That way, your insurer can help you get your car repaired as quickly as possible.

Of course, if you witness a parking lot accident in which the offending driver leaves the scene, you can provide assistance. In this scenario, you can wait for the driver to return to their car to explain what you saw. You can also call the police and help document the damage caused during the accident.

Get Your Car Repaired Following a Parking Lot Accident

A car accident can happen in a parking lot, even if you try to keep your vehicle away from all others. Fortunately, if your car is involved in a parking lot accident, Fix Auto can help you repair your vehicle.

Fix Auto employs automotive professionals who are committed to their craft, and they can help you repair dents, dings, and other vehicle damage after a parking lot accident. To learn more or to schedule a car service appointment, please call us today at 1-800-INFO-FIX.

 

This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Glendale, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing customers in Glendale,  as well as Maricopa County neighborhood.