What to Do if You're in a Parking Lot Accident
Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys
After going to Target, Wal-Mart or the mall, one can see how much traffic and movement there is in parking lots. Cars are coming and going, shoppers are walking to and from the store, and there is a lot of action taking place that increases the chances of parking lot car accidents in Georgia.
Some common causes of fender benders and car crashes in parking lots include:
- Cars constantly pulling into or out of parking spaces.
- Pedestrians not paying attention to moving cars while walking into or out of the store.
- Drivers being so focused on getting a close parking spot that they fail to pay attention.
- Drivers not looking for pedestrians or cars before backing out of a parking space.
Although most parking lot accidents cause minimal damage, some accidents in parking lots can cause serious property damage and personal injuries.
Steps to Take Following a Parking Lot Accident
Just as if you were in a car crash in Georgia on any city street or interstate, you should treat parking lot accidents the same way.
This means that you should do the following:
- If you can move your car out of traffic, pull it over to a safe location.
- If you or anyone is injured, call for emergency medical assistance.
- If possible, get out of your car and exchange information with the other driver.
- Use your cell phone or other camera to take pictures of any damages sustained.
- Do not discuss fault with the other driver or drivers.
- Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- If it was a hit-and-run or if there were any injuries, call the police to file an accident report.
- If the responding officer won’t file a report, at least get their name and badge number.
- Make notes of the date, time, exact location, details, weather conditions, and parking lot environment immediately following the accident.
- Contact your personal injury lawyer if your damages are extensive or if you have been injured to find out how to best protect your rights.
After any type of car accident, it can be hard to stay calm, especially when you know the other driver was at fault; however, it is important that you try to stay calm and assess the damages and injuries. Emotions can get the best of anyone following an accident, but yelling at another driver may only make the situation worse. Instead, focus your efforts on the steps listed above and make sure that anyone who is hurt seeks medical attention.
Once you have made sure that everyone is getting the medical attention they need, yourself included, call a qualified Atlanta car accident attorney. You will need a legal advocate who can represent your best interests.
Fill out our simple, online contact form to request a free case evaluation regarding your accident case today.
