What You Should Do After a Hit and Run Accident in a Car Park
There’s no such thing as a minor car accident, is there? Even the smallest of collisions can cause big frustrations, while also causing a ripple effect that can have an impact on other areas of your life.
Medical issues such as whiplash are common even in low-speed collisions, and there’s also the likelihood that your car will have to be taken off the road while repairs are carried out.
Ordinarily, you could launch a claim for compensation safe in the knowledge that you have swapped details with the driver responsible for the accident. But what do you do in the event of a hit and run accident in a car park?
Here’s what we suggest:
- Take photographs
Even if the offending driver stops, you should try and take pictures of the scene. Pictures like this are even more important in a hit and run. If possible, you should also try and capture their registration plate as they leave. Even from a distance, this could prove helpful when the police get involved. Not stopping after a collision is a criminal offence, after all.
- Speak to witnesses
Alternatively, you can ask witnesses for their recollection and to make a statement. Independent testimony like this can be invaluable when it comes to making a claim, as it will corroborate your version of events.
- Check for CCTV
You may find that the car park operator has CCTV showing what happened. Not only will this show that the other driver is categorically at fault, but you may also be able to retrieve their registration details from the video.
Of course, it’s only natural to worry about the outcome of a claim where the at-fault party cannot be found, as it is their insurer who ultimately pays the settlement, after all.
In these cases, it may be necessary to claim any initial costs from your own insurer. If that is not possible, then your solicitor can take your case to the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB), a not-for-profit organisation established and funded by insurers.
It should go without saying that anybody who makes a claim using a MASS member solicitor will receive the necessary medical care, regardless of whether the at-fault party has been identified. It’s just what we do!
Ross Jackson, author of What You Should Do After a Hit and Run Accident in a Car Park, works for MASS member firm Winn Solicitors.
This blog has previously appeared on Winn Solicitors website.
Has this happened to you?
If you have been suffered because of an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please contact a MASS Solicitor – contact details can be found here.