Parking Lot Accidents in California

Part of owning and driving a car is that accidents will happen. Unfortunately, no matter how prepared you might be, you’ll be caught off guard when you inevitably end up in a vehicle collision. In these moments, the split-second decisions you make could have a drastic impact on the injuries and damages sustained.

There are many different ways in which things can go awry in a parking lot. The majority of these can be avoided by ensuring that you are always conscientious of the world around you and that you are being patient with pedestrians and other drivers

In the event that an accident happens, regardless of the circumstances, it is essential that you have a plan in place and are prepared to act when handling the aftermath of a parking lot accident.

I Damaged a Car in a Parking Lot

Do not flee the accident scene, even if it seems like it shouldn’t matter. This will make things will go from bad to worse very quickly. If a customer or a security camera has recorded you, you will wind up with serious hit-and-run charges for something that was probably a small fender-bender.

Make all reasonable attempts to locate the driver of the other car. You could try looking in the place of business that is nearest to the now damaged vehicle and talking to whoever is working the customer service area. It is possible that they will make an announcement concerning the cars make and model over the PA system.

Write a note and leave it under the windshield wiper of the other car. If your efforts to find the other person prove useless, then jot down your basic details like your name, phone number, and a short description of the accident. Make your own notation of the other vehicle’s license plate and take a picture of the damage if you have a phone or a camera with you.

My Car Was Damaged in a Parking Lot

Contact your insurance representative and inform them of the accident. It is important that they get started on your claim as soon as possible.

Take note of as much data as you can gather. Collect information about the location, damages, involved parties, and any witnesses. Take plenty of photographs of the damage and the area. Also be sure to contact police and obtain a copy of the police report, which will make working with insurance companies much easier. If you find a witness, take their statement, name and up-to-date contact information.

If you can find the driver of the other vehicle, write down all of the information that you possibly can (name, plate number, insurance carrier, etc.) and write down their side of the story also. Any clues that you can obtain will be beneficial down the road.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, it is critical that you get in touch with a skilled car accident attorney as soon as you are able to do so. The Los Angeles Injury Group will work hard to ensure that you recoup any damages that you sustained during the accident. Trying to figure out California’s legal system can be a complicated and frustrating endeavor, and we are here to guide you through the process and arrive at the best possible outcome. If you would like a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our qualified car accident attorneys, please give us a call at (310) 954-7248 today.