Once known as a US only tradition, Black Friday has become a celebrated ritual in the UK as well. The term is coined because of the bargains that stores provide their patrons in preparation of the holiday shopping season. 
This joyous time of the year usually brings out the best in people, but if you are shopping at any of the high-street stores or shopping centres you may have been involved in a parking lot accident.
It starts out innocent enough. You and several hundred other people patiently wait for the doors of a store to open. Then, you spend a few hours shopping for everyone on your list. You feel proud that you finished shopping so early, and you head towards your car to go home. You get into your car; look carefully on both sides of the car and behind the car before you back up. Everything looked clear but you feel a bump. Your Black Friday may have cost you more than you bargained for.
Parking Lot Accidents: An Accident That Cannot Wait To Happen
Of all the accidents that occur during the Christmas shopping season, almost 30% of them occur in a shopping centre parking lot on Black Friday.Experts usually make predictions for how many consumers will “hit” the shops and shopping centres, but they do not predict how many of those “hits” will occur outside in the parking lots. Between 2010 and 2011, accident claims for Black Friday parking lot accidents increased over 25%.
There are three claims that are commonly filed due to a Black Friday accident:
- Rear end collisions
- Hitting a parked car and/or your car getting hit whilst parked
- Backing into someone and/or someone backing into you
The increase in accidents has been blamed on drivers’ increased negligence due to mobile devices.
What to Do When You Are In an Accident
An accident that occurs in a parking lot will usually not result in a lot of bodily damage to a vehicle simply because you are not travelling fast enough to cause major damage. However, these accidents can cause damage in your wallet with increased insurance prices. There are certain ways that you should respond so your insurance company is not tempted to increase your premium.
If You Hit a Parked Car
Even though the absent driver may be responsible for the accident, leave a note apologising for the fender bender. This is actually required by law in some areas, and your insurance can actually be cancelled if your insurance company finds out you did not leave a note.
If Your Car Is In Motion
It does not matter how minor the accident may seem, call the police. Some jurisdictions will not get involved in a parking lot accident, and if the police refuse to come out, exchange the necessary information with the other driver.
You should always make sure that you do not speed in a parking lot, and if you are involved in an accident, do not become confrontational with the other driver. You can always choose to shop online instead of going to the shops.
Author Bio:
Laura is an experienced writer that has written many articles for uSwitch.com, the United Kingdom’s leading price comparison website. The car insurance industry is one of her specialized niches, and she has helped many people find a car that suits their needs.