Last minute Christmas shopping with packed mall and shopping center parking lots makes for a greater chance that you you will get into a fender bender!
Did you know that Parking lot accidents increase by 20 percent during the busy holiday season?
So if you hit, scrape or damage a parked car, or if you’re the victim of such an accident, don’t panic and don’t pretend that it didn’t happen. Do the right thing and take care of the situation. Leave a note if you caused damage so that the person can reach you to take care of the damage. Take care of it yourself if you can or better yet, call your insurance agent and let them take care of it,
Helpful tips when find your car has been damaged:
http://www.kristv.com/story/34049021/parking-lot-accidents-tips
Ask others in the parking lot if they witnessed anything And head back into the store to find out if they have security camera footage that you can check.
Call the police if it is a hit and run. They’ll document the accident and this may help you with your insurance claim?
Contact your insurance agent. Let him or her know what happened as soon as possible. Your agent will help you determine the next steps. Record evidence. Take pictures of the damage with your phone or a camera, if you have one on hand.
What to do if you‘re in the car when the accident happens:
If you think you were at fault, take photos and give the other person your insurance information.
If you feel you weren’t at fault… ask questions, take good notes and take photos of both cars. Jot down their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number and insurance company as well as their policy number. Ask to see their drivers license card and proof of insurance to make sure they are who they claim they are. Gather as much information as possible.
Ask others in the parking lot if they witnessed anything. Also head back into the store and find out if they have security camera footage you can check.
IF YOU’RE THE WITNESS
Take photos and then help the owner of the damaged car if the offending driver is gone. Help the car owner document the damage. Give them your contact information, in case his or her insurance agent or the police need to contact you for further comment.
Remember to Slow down and park away from the crowd toward the end of the parking lot. There’s plenty of space out there.
Wishing you and your family and Merry and Safe Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Because We Care
Ed Cantu