How To File a Police Report for an Accident in a Parking Lot
Parking lots are among the most common places for minor car crashes. Even if no one is injured, you still should document the accident for insurance purposes. But jurisdictions vary on the protocol for reporting accidents in public and private lots. If you are involved in such an accident, know the steps you should take in order to ensure the most accurate insurance claim.
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Instructions
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Gather information at the scene. After an accident, it's essential to collect details about the other driver, including his name, insurance company and phone number. If the driver will not release his information, at least write down the make, model and license plate number of his car to later give to police.
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Call non-emergency police line. Ask if an officer can come to the parking lot to file a report. Some police jurisdictions will not file a report at the scene. In this case, ask if an officer can at least travel to the accident and explain reporting procedures. A record of your police call and/or subsequent police visit can later help your insurance claim.
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Collect witness statements. Write down names and numbers of anyone who may have seen the crash and ask if they will give you a written statement at a later date. Eyewitness accounts of the crash from third parties could benefit your case, especially if you were not at fault.
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Go to the police station. If a report was not taken at the scene, most police departments can supply you with an accident report form to fill out. Make sure to include the exact time, location and details of the crash. This report can later be submitted to insurance companies.
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Contact owner or leasing agent of parking lot to ask about possible video surveillance. Some parking lots have surveillance cameras, which may have captured the crash. Ask if it's possible to receive a copy of the tape.
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Tips & Warnings
In some cases, police permission or a court subpoena may be required before a parking lot owner can give you surveillance tapes.
Remain cordial with the other driver. Even if other parties become hostile, do your best to remain calm and civil at the accident scene. Keeping the situation under control until police arrive benefits all involved parties.
