Car park crashes are just one of those unhappy occurrences that can happen at any moment in time. Whether it is a small scrape or a bigger collision, knowing precisely what to do afterward is very important. The smallness of car parks, added to the bad lighting and high volume of people passing through them, can make these incidents stressful in this situation contact us “not at fault” for replacement and repair services. Here’s what to do if you find yourself caught up in a car park crash.
1. Keep Calm and Safety First
The step in this case would be to remain cool. Panicking would lead to rash decisions, so take a minute to collect your composure. Always check for injuries first to yourself, your passengers, and also others involved. If any person gets hurt, then call emergency services without any time waste.
2. Move to Safety
In the event of an emergency, where all the vehicles are obstructing the flow of traffic and also creating hazards, and it is safe to do so, move them to a safer position within the car park. Take photographs of the scene before moving the vehicles. Take pictures of the positions of the cars, any visible damage, and surroundings. These photos will be very useful for insurance claims and any disputes in the future.
3. Exchange Information
In the case of any road accident, it is always important to exchange details with another driver involved. Be sure to obtain the following details:
a. Full name and contact information
b. Driver’s license number
c. Vehicle registration number
d. Insurance details
e. The make and model of vehicles involved
If there are any witnesses present at the time of the crash, then obtain their contact information as well. Witness statements can also be very helpful if a dispute arises regarding what occurred.
4. Document the Accident
Apart from capturing the scene, write down all the details of the incident while it is fresh in your mind. Note down the time, date, and the circumstances surrounding the scene of the accident like weather conditions, light conditions, and layout of the car park. If there are security cameras in the car park, mark down the locations of these; this footage may be available later to support your claim.
5. Report the Accident
In some instances, the police need to be notified of the accident. For example, in Victoria, you will need to notify an accident if the damage is large, if any person has been injured, or if some parties failed to exchange details. You should also inform your insurance company regarding the accident as soon as possible. Give them all the details and documentation you have, including photos and witness statements. Even if you’re not sure whether to make a claim, it’s always better to inform your insurer early on.
6. Check Your Policy
Knowing what is covered by your insurance policy in the event of a car park crash is very important. Generally, Full coverage insurance including car replacement will repair your car and any other cars involved, regardless of fault. If you have only third-party insurance, it will pay out for the other vehicle involved but not for your own. Also, note the excess on your policy the amount you pay is what you will pay first, and after that payment, your insurer will then cover the remaining costs. It may well be more economical to cover minor repairs yourself rather than making a claim which could affect your premiums, depending on the extent of the damage.
7. Deny Responsibility
Whenever describing your car accident to the other driver or when testifying to eyewitnesses, try not to accept fault or make any statement that sounds anything like an admission of liability. Even when you feel you are to blame, let your insurance company or police make an appropriate judgment based on the evidence.
8. Consider Legal Advice
If there is a dispute over who was responsible or if the accident caused significant damage or serious injury, you should consider contacting an attorney. An attorney who has experience handling motor vehicle accidents can guide you through the process and help protect your interests.
9. Status of Your Claim
Stay in contact with your insurance company and, if necessary, your legal representatives, after you have filed the report. Ensure all claims are settled without any glitches and repairs required are attended to without any hassles. Keep copies of everything related to the accident.
If you’re unlucky enough to be involved in a car park crash, the sooner you know what to do, the less stressful this potentially distressing experience will be. Keeping calm, securing all the relevant details, and taking the time to read your insurance policy mean that you will be able to cope with the consequences of an accident. Follow these steps, whether minor or more serious, to ensure protection against injustice at the scene.
