Parking lot collisions are common. It is very unpleasant to walk out of the grocery store to find that your parked car has been hit. So, what do you do if your car was hit while parked?
The steps to take after your parked car is hit is the same as any other accident. First, call the police and report the incident. If anyone was in the car and is injured, report that to the police and if necessary, request emergency assistance. Note that for minor accidents on private property (like grocery store parking lots or in subdivisions), police may refuse to respond to the incident. If they do, be sure to note the time of your call and to whom you spoke, so that you can document that you attempted to call the police.
Second, take as many pictures and videos as possible of the vehicle damage and accident scene. This will be the only time you can capture that evidence, which may be important, especially if the other person’s insurance company is denying responsibility.
Third, make sure to collect the other person’s information, including their name, contact information, insurance company, and insurance policy number. This will allow you to file a claim without having to wait on a police report.
Other tips include looking around the parking lot for surveillance video and asking for a copy of the video showing the incident. If the accident happens in a store parking lot, you may even ask the store to document it by filling out an incident report.
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Our legal library is full of articles on a variety of topics related to personal injury claims in Louisiana. Learn about how accidents happen, what to do when you are a victim, and how an attorney can help you fight for the compensation you may deserve.
