Would it surprise you to learn that roughly 14% of vehicle accidents with property damage occur in commercial parking lots?
Unlike personal injury cases, a lawyer can resolve a property damage claim case relatively quickly. Parking lot accidents are so common that many people don’t even bother retaining a lawyer. (We’ll have another blog soon about when that isn’t a good idea.)
There are still a number of serious risks including whiplash and torn ligaments (one of the most egregious–backing over a pedestrian,) however in the majority of cases, the only damage is to property.
If you’ve been involved in a parking lot accident here are some things to remember.
Call the Police
The officer who arrives will begin to assess the scene of the accident immediately. The report generated will serve as a very useful document to the insurance companies and lawyers who may later get involved in settling your claim.
If your parking lot accident was the fault of another driver (perhaps, you were walking and struck by a backing vehicle,) you’ll want to let the police document that conclusion. The Police report will serve as a critical anchor point in any settlement negotiation.
Check for Broken or Damaged Items
Now’s the time to take a quick survey of your belongings.
Take photographs of the damage to both vehicles from a few angles. Take photographs of items inside or outside of the car that may have also been damaged. These photographs will help you with the part that comes next. Take photographs and notes on the parking lot of the accident, too.
The more documentation you have, the easier it will be to file a claim.
File a Personal Injury Claim
Next, you’ll want to file a claim with your insurance company.
This process varies depending on who your insurance carrier is, the nature of your coverage and the circumstances of the accident. This is the point in the process where it can be helpful to involve a Denver personal injury attorney in your parking lot accident.
(We’ll update this post soon with more information about how filing claims works, but in the meantime we’re always happy to give free consultations!)
