Driving a car is a complicated process; however, learning how to park properly is an additional process that you need to go through.
Very often, accidents happen in a parking lot, and suddenly you face an unpleasant situation to deal with.
Regardless of the circumstances, you need to remain calm and be aware of the further steps you need to take to solve the situation.
First of all, you have to protect yourself legally when going through the process of determining who is at fault.
Parking lot incidents are treated the same way as any other incident, according to parking lot accident stats.
So, make sure that before you enter your vehicle, you are aware of the situation, know your rights, and are covered with appropriate auto insurance, including having the broker’s contact number, so they can immediately assist you in providing the correct information and help you cover all bases.
Here are some useful tips you can use if you ever find yourself in this kind of unpleasant situation.
Stay calm
Don’t get upset if you see someone hit your car and leave the scene without fulfilling their legal duties.
When a driver hits a parked car, the next step would be to identify the owner of the car and leave a written notice.
Each state has its own traffic laws that cover hit-and-run accidents. If someone hits your car, you need to remain calm, call the police, take pictures, and contact your insurance company.
File a claim
You should identify the driver who hit your car and get their insurance information. Then, you should file a third-party claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
Subsequently, you can claim damages under the coverage of the other driver.
If you are unable to locate the driver who hit your car, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company.
In general, uninsured motorist coverage covers drivers who are involved in hit-and-run incidents, but it is not required in every state.
You should check with your insurance company to determine which coverage you have for hit-and-run accidents.
Find a lawyer
First things first, call the police. An officer will record the incident and create a formal accident report. This will be required when you file your insurance claim.
Ask for a copy of the accident report as well as the name and badge number of the officer who assisted you.
Make sure you collect a substantial amount of evidence from the accident scene, including all of the necessary pictures, as well as the date and time of the incident.
Obtaining all this information will make things easier when you file the report with your insurance company.
Contact your insurer as soon as possible after an accident to guide you through the process.
You will be informed by your agent about the requirements for filing a claim and what you can expect during the process.
You may also be able to upload photos and file a claim through mobile apps. Keep in mind, however, that if your vehicle is a company vehicle, you will need to contact the insurance company for that company.
Even if the driver took off after hitting your vehicle, you could still seek compensation as long as you follow all the procedures.
To maximize your claim, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer. This way, you will be well-informed about the steps you need to take after someone hits your car.
Sue the Parking Lot Owner
You may be able to bring a claim against the parking lot owner if the location is not properly maintained or designed.
The fault can be established by showing that the owner has been well-informed about a defect in the property.
However, these cases do not happen often due to the low speed at which drivers are allowed to drive in parking lots.
Regardless, even if there is a slight chance that the structure of the parking lot is not according to the required standards, make sure to include that in your claim.
Final thoughts
Keep yourself and the rest of the drivers and pedestrians around you safe by driving carefully and slowly.
When leaving your car in a parking lot, make sure you leave it in a proper place and are aware of your rights.
For starters, if something happens to your car, implement the proper rules and call the police and your insurance company, as it will be easier to deal with the situation.
