Black Friday, known for its shopping chaos and record-breaking sales, brings thousands of shoppers to popular malls across the country. One of the busiest shopping hubs in Greenville, SC, Haywood Mall, experiences heavy traffic, especially during Black Friday. Amidst the hustle and bustle, parking-lot accidents are a common occurrence. These incidents may seem minor at first, but they can quickly escalate into complicated legal and insurance disputes. If you find yourself in a parking-lot crash at Haywood Mall, it’s essential to know what evidence to gather before leaving the scene to ensure you are properly compensated and protected.
1. Document the Scene of the Accident 
The first step after any accident, even if it seems minor, is to thoroughly document the scene. Parking-lot accidents often happen in busy areas with limited visibility, and the circumstances can quickly become unclear. It is crucial to have clear documentation that can be referred to later, either for your insurance company or in the event of a lawsuit.
- Take Photos of the Vehicles: Begin by photographing both vehicles involved in the crash. Focus on capturing clear images of any visible damage, whether it’s scratches, dents, or broken parts. Take several pictures from different angles to ensure you have comprehensive documentation.
- Capture Wide Shots of the Scene: In addition to focusing on the vehicles, take wide shots of the surrounding area. This helps to establish the context of the accident. Did one vehicle back out suddenly? Was there an obstruction that made the crash unavoidable? A wide shot can clarify these details.
- Photograph Parking Signs or Obstacles: Sometimes, parking signs or obstacles such as shopping carts, light poles, or curbs can contribute to a crash. Make sure to take pictures of any such items that may have played a role in the accident.
- Check for Environmental Factors: If the weather played a role, such as wet or icy conditions, photograph any visible weather effects in the area. Road conditions, lighting, and even the time of day can be relevant when determining fault.
The more detailed your documentation is, the stronger your case will be later on. Always take your time to capture all possible angles, and don’t rush the process.
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2. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
After documenting the scene, the next crucial step is to exchange information with the other driver involved in the crash. You may be tempted to skip this if the accident seems minor, but it’s essential to gather the proper details in case issues arise later.
- Personal Information: Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses with the other driver. Make sure you get the correct spelling of their name and the proper contact details. If they’re reluctant to provide this information, insist on it politely.
- Insurance Information: Ask the other driver for their insurance provider’s name, policy number, and any other relevant insurance details. This will be essential when filing an insurance claim and determining who is responsible for the damages.
- Driver’s License Details: It’s also essential to note the driver’s license number of the person you’re dealing with. Make sure the license is valid, and take a picture of their driver’s license if possible.
- Vehicle Information: Be sure to record the make, model, color, and license plate number of the vehicle involved in the crash. This information will help when filling out your insurance claim and reporting the incident to the police if needed.
- Witness Contact Information: If there are any witnesses present, make sure to ask for their contact details as well. Witness testimony can play a significant role in supporting your version of events if there’s a dispute about who was at fault for the crash.
Remember to remain calm and courteous during this exchange. Even if the other driver seems uncooperative, stay professional and ensure that all necessary details are recorded.
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3. Report the Accident to the Police
Even though a parking-lot accident may seem like a minor incident, it’s essential to involve law enforcement, especially if there’s significant damage or injuries involved. Filing a police report ensures that there’s an official record of the accident.
- Call the Police: In Greenville, SC, accidents, even those that occur in parking lots, should be reported to the police. If there are injuries, property damage, or any uncertainty about who is at fault, always call the police immediately.
- Request a Copy of the Report: The police officer who responds will file an official report. Be sure to request a copy of this report for your records. This document will contain valuable information about how the accident occurred, which can be useful when dealing with insurance companies or legal issues later on.
- Cooperate with the Authorities: When the police arrive, provide them with all the information you have documented, including photos, witness contact details, and insurance information. The more complete your cooperation, the better the final report will be.
Having a police report gives your case credibility and helps establish an unbiased account of the accident, which can be helpful if there’s any disagreement between you and the other driver or insurance company.
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4. Look for Surveillance Cameras or Security Footage
Many shopping malls, including Haywood Mall, have surveillance cameras throughout the parking lot and common areas. These cameras can be a critical piece of evidence in determining who was at fault.
- Ask Mall Security to Review Footage: Once the accident has been documented and reported, inquire with Haywood Mall’s security staff to see if they have any surveillance footage of the incident. Security footage can provide an objective record of what happened and may offer a clearer picture of the crash.
- Check for Camera Locations: If there are any visible cameras in the area where the accident occurred, point them out to security. These cameras may have captured the vehicles and the surrounding environment before, during, and after the crash.
- Request Footage as Soon as Possible: Surveillance footage can be overwritten after a certain period, so make sure to request the footage immediately after the accident. The sooner you act, the better your chances are of obtaining usable evidence.
Keep in mind that mall security may be hesitant to release footage unless requested formally, and sometimes they may require written permission or a police report before providing footage. It’s crucial to act promptly and politely.
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5. Seek Medical Attention, Even If You Don’t Feel Injured
After any accident, it’s essential to monitor your health closely. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain or discomfort, it’s best to see a healthcare professional.
- Whiplash and Delayed Symptoms: Some injuries, such as whiplash or soft tissue damage, may not be apparent until hours or even days after the crash. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible ensures that any potential injuries are properly documented.
- Document All Medical Visits: If you visit a doctor or hospital, make sure to keep a record of all your visits, diagnoses, and treatments. This documentation can play an essential role in supporting your injury claim later on.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may require follow-up care. Always keep track of all follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, or other treatments related to your accident.
In some cases, a lack of medical documentation can make it harder to claim compensation for injuries later. Always err on the side of caution and seek medical care immediately following any accident.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
As soon as you’ve gathered all the necessary information and sought medical attention, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Most insurance policies require prompt reporting, and failing to notify them in a timely manner could jeopardize your claim.
- Provide Detailed Information: When you contact your insurance company, provide them with all the information you’ve collected, including photos of the damage, police reports, witness contact details, and medical records. The more thorough your report is, the faster your claim can be processed.
- Follow Up Regularly: After reporting the accident, stay in regular contact with your insurance adjuster to check on the status of your claim. If there are any updates or requests for additional documentation, ensure you provide them promptly.
- Understand Your Policy: Review your insurance policy to understand what is covered in the event of a parking-lot crash. In some cases, your policy may have specific clauses or exclusions related to accidents in private parking lots.
7. Avoid Discussing Fault at the Scene
One of the most important things to remember after a parking-lot crash is to avoid admitting fault. Even if you think you may have contributed to the accident, it’s crucial not to discuss or accept responsibility at the scene.
- Let the Authorities Decide: It’s best to let the police, your insurance company, and, if necessary, the courts, determine who is at fault based on the evidence provided. Anything you say at the scene could be used against you later.
- Stick to the Facts: When speaking with the other driver or witnesses, stick to the facts. Avoid speculating about the cause of the accident or discussing what happened in detail unless it’s a matter of recording your observations.
By refraining from discussing fault at the scene, you protect yourself from inadvertently complicating the claims process or damaging your case.
Parking-lot accidents at Haywood Mall during Black Friday may seem like minor incidents, but they can quickly turn into complex situations involving insurance claims, liability disputes, and medical treatment. By following these simple steps and collecting the right evidence, you can safeguard your rights and ensure that you’re properly compensated for any damages or injuries sustained in the crash.
If you’ve been involved in a parking-lot accident or any other type of car crash, contact Christian & Christian Law today. Our experienced attorneys in Greenville, SC, are here to help guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about this subject click here: Who’s Liable in a Parking Lot Accident in South Carolina