Parking lot accidents are usually minor dents or bumps, but they can be frustrating for many. Imagine parking a spotless car in the lot and returning to a scratched one. Ideally, the offender is obligated to approach the damaged car owner and compensate for the damages. But what if there is no offender and your parked vehicle gets damaged? Let us tell you how to deal with car accidents in parking lots in the UAE.
Dealing With Parking Lot Accidents
Dealing with a car accident in a parking lot varies from situation to situation. The first one occurs when an unknown person hits your vehicle and the second occurs when you hit someone’s car.
Here are the complete steps to deal with car accidents in the parking lot.
When Your Car Gets Hit in a Parking Lot
If your vehicle is hit in a parking lot and the offender accepts responsibility, follow these steps.
- Call ‘999’ and report the accident to the Police
- Wait for the authorities to show up on the scene
- Note down the offender’s information and take clear pictures of the damage
- Get a police report and file a car insurance claim
If the offender is unknown, follow all the above-mentioned steps; additionally, look for the witness or CCTV footage to strengthen your report.
When You Hit a Car in a Parking Lot
In case you have hit a car in a parking lot, follow these steps.
- Stay calm and don’t leave the scene
- Turn on hazard lights and move your vehicle to a safe place
- Check if anyone is injured or needs immediate medical assistance
- Call ‘999’, report the accident and wait for the authorities’ instructions
- Exchange necessary information with the affected driver like licence number, insurance provider and contact details.
- Obtain a police report of the accident to process the insurance claim
Please remember that you might have to pay a traffic fine in Dubai and other Emirates of around AED 500. Aside from the fine, you will also have to pay an insurance premium fee. The maths is simple: Fine+Premium= total amount needed to be paid after an accident.
FAQs
What would you do when approaching an accident?
Call 999 and inform the Police regarding the accident and wait for their instructions. If the accident is minor, pull your vehicle aside and wait for the authorities.
What should you do at the scene if you are involved in a crash?
Stay calm and check for injuries, call the authorities and report the accident. Ensure your own safety and pull your vehicle aside from the road (if possible).
What is the most important action to be taken immediately after a collision?
Stopping a vehicle at a safe place and evacuating to a safe distance is the most important action to take after a collision.
A car accident in a parking lot may be a minor offence, but reporting to authorities is necessary. Moreover, it also adds to the hassle, as the insurance claim process and repair are also required. To avoid such accidents, avail the advanced safety and driver-assist features present in modern vehicles. These features can help drivers in parking in and out of a cramped space safely. That said, when buying a new or used car for sale in the UAE, make sure it has all the necessary modern features.
If you are a new driver, here are some safe driving tips that you can follow.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on advanced driver-assist features.
Related Posts
