What you do after being hit by a car in a parking lot will influence the value of your car accident claim. Whether another driver hit you as a pedestrian or while you were in your car, your priority should be your own safety. Once you are out of harm’s way, get legal representation to protect your interests.
If you were hit by a car in a parking lot, take these steps:
- Get medical attention
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Document the accident scene
- Report the incident to the police
- Notify your insurance company of the accident
- Hire a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis
Vaughan & Vaughan is dedicated to serving injured victims across Indiana. So far, we have recovered over $25 million in awards and settlements for our clients; we always fight for maximum compensation. Our car accident lawyers will build a strong case against the driver who hit you in the parking lot. Call us today for a free case evaluation.
Seek Medical Care
Injuries stemming from accidents may not be immediately apparent. For example, a whiplash injury, caused by sudden and forceful movements of the neck and head, often exhibits delayed symptoms. While individuals involved in a car accident may initially feel fine, whiplash symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, and dizziness can emerge hours or even days after the incident.
Parking lots can be especially dangerous for pedestrians. As a pedestrian, you are more likely to suffer severe injuries in parking lots compared to drivers involved in collisions. Limited visibility and distracted drivers scouting for parking spaces increase the potential for accidents.
By seeking immediate medical attention after a parking lot accident, you not only prioritize your well-being but also initiate a crucial paper trail. This documentation records the extent of your injuries and establishes a clear connection between the health issues you may be facing and the specific incident in the parking lot.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
In the state of Indiana, you must exchange information after a car accident. This helps initiate the claims process with insurance companies. The information exchange ensures that all involved parties are informed and can be reached throughout the proceedings.
In the event of a parking lot accident, collect the following information from the other parties involved:
- Names
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Insurance information
- Vehicle registration details
- Vehicle make and model
- License plate numbers
By exchanging these details at the scene, you not only fulfill a legal obligation but also lay the foundation for a cooperative claims process. This upfront sharing of information fosters open communication between all parties involved, ensuring a smoother resolution of the case.
Document the Accident Scene
Once it is safe to do so, document the scene where you were hit by a car. Clear documentation serves as tangible evidence for insurance claims and lawsuits. Insurance adjusters rely on this information to assess liability and determine the extent of coverage.
For documenting the parking lot accident scene:
- Capture clear photographs of the positions and damages of the vehicles.
- Include wide shots to provide an overall perspective of the accident scene.
- Record the date and time of the incident.
- Document relevant weather conditions.
- Obtain contact information from potential witnesses.
- Create a written description detailing the sequence of events.
- Include photographs of license plates and vehicle details.
- Take pictures of any skid marks or other pertinent features.
Your memory can fade with time, and the details of the accident may become blurry. Documenting the scene preserves fresh evidence, ensuring a more accurate account of the incident. A car accident attorney from Vaughan & Vaughan will use this valuable information to strengthen your claim.
Call the Police to Report the Accident
After a parking lot accident, contact the police to report the incident. It is especially important to contact law enforcement if the crash leads to severe injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. The officer responding at the scene will create a police (also known as crash) report in which they note the details of the incident.
The crash report contains an objective description of the accident, which makes it valuable for negotiating a fair settlement with insurance companies. Even when the damages appear minor, involving the police adds more objectivity to the documentation process.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company to let them know that you were hit by a car. By reporting the crash as soon as possible, you protect your credibility. Insurance adjusters can then gather essential information and determine fault in your car accident case more quickly.
While notifying your insurance company is essential after a parking lot accident, proceed with caution. Insurance companies are mainly motivated by financial interests. They want to minimize payouts and increase their profits.
When disputes arise over fault, injuries, or the extent of damages, seek legal advice. Claim adjusters know that you are in a vulnerable position and will try to exploit the situation.
Our parking lot accident attorneys are familiar with the tactics used by adjusters and know how to combat these. We won’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. We will negotiate for a fair settlement. If they refuse to be reasonable, we’ll take the fight to court.
Hire a Parking Lot Accident Attorney
Navigating the legal aftermath of a parking lot accident can quickly become overwhelming without professional legal guidance. A lawyer will help you through each stage of the process, from gathering evidence to filing a winning case.
As a car accident victim, you have multiple options to recover compensation. Our lawyers can review your case in a free initial consultation and go over your options. You may want to file an insurance claim or sue the negligent driver who injured you. Regardless of the path you choose, we will help you navigate the financial recovery process.
Our Parking Lot Accident Lawyers Will Help You Get Compensation
Legal representation becomes particularly important when dealing with injuries that may result in long-term consequences. Consulting a lawyer offers peace of mind, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery while a seasoned professional manages your case.
Vaughan & Vaughan offers personalized legal representation, so we create tailored strategies based on the details of your case and your personal goals. Contact us today to share your motivation for taking legal action.
