How to Handle an Accident in a School Parking Lot

School parking lots can be chaotic.

Cars are backing out in every direction, parents are trying to keep the pickup line moving, kids are walking between vehicles, and everyone seems to be in a hurry.

It's the perfect environment for a fender bender.

If it happens to you, the important thing is knowing what to do next. Even a low-speed parking lot accident can cause more damage than you initially realize, and a few simple steps at the scene can make the insurance and repair process much easier later.

At Lackey Body Works, we've helped drivers throughout Southwest Missouri deal with plenty of unexpected accidents. Here's what we recommend.

First, Make Sure Everyone Is Okay

Before looking at your bumper, check the people in the vehicles. If someone is injured or needs emergency assistance, call 911.

Remember that you're still in an active school parking lot. Children, buses, and other vehicles may be moving around you, so turn on your hazard lights and stay aware of what's happening nearby.

If the vehicles can be safely moved out of active traffic and it's appropriate to do so, getting them somewhere safer may help prevent another accident.

Once everyone is safe, you can start figuring out what happened.

Take More Pictures Than You Think You Need

Your phone is one of the most useful tools you have after an accident. Take pictures of your vehicle, the other vehicle, both license plates, and the surrounding area.

Step back and get a few wider pictures showing where the vehicles were positioned, parking spaces, lane markings, signs, and anything else that helps show what the scene looked like.

If someone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact information.

School parking lots may also have security cameras. If you think footage could be important, ask school staff who you should contact about it. It's better to ask sooner rather than assume footage will still be available weeks later.

Exchange Information

A small scrape can be tempting to handle with a quick handshake and a phone number. That's not always a good idea. Exchange the appropriate contact, driver's license, vehicle, and insurance information before leaving.

And don't assume a bumper only needs a little touch-up because that's all you can see.

Modern bumpers can have brackets, sensors, cameras, and other components behind the exterior surface. A minor-looking impact may need a closer inspection before anyone knows what the repair will involve.

That's one reason we recommend having collision damage professionally evaluated rather than judging it in the parking lot.

Do You Need to Call the Police?

That depends on what happened and applicable Missouri reporting requirements.

If someone is injured, a driver leaves the scene, someone refuses to exchange information, there's substantial damage, or something about the situation doesn't feel right, contacting law enforcement may be appropriate.

When you're unsure about your reporting responsibilities, call local law enforcement and ask.

Because you're on school property, school staff may also need to know about the accident, particularly if it affects traffic flow, buses, pedestrians, or school property.

Small Accident, Hidden Damage

Parking lot accidents tend to happen at low speeds, so it's easy to assume the damage is only cosmetic.

A parking lot collision can damage:

• Bumpers

• Fenders

• Doors

• Mirrors

• Headlights or taillights

• Paint

• Auto glass

• Wheels

• Exterior trim

Newer vehicles can also have driver-assistance technology located in bumpers, mirrors, and windshields.

At Lackey Body Works, our technicians can inspect the vehicle and help determine what actually needs attention instead of relying on what can be seen from a few feet away.

Could Paintless Dent Repair Be an Option?

For the right type of dent, paintless dent repair can be a great solution.

If the paint is still intact and the location and shape of the dent allow it, PDR may be able to restore the panel without conventional bodywork and refinishing.

But it isn't appropriate for every dent. Sharp creases, damaged paint, or more significant collision damage may require traditional repair methods.

The easiest way to know is to have an experienced technician look at the damage.

Don't Let the Insurance Process Overwhelm You

Once you've documented the accident, contact your insurance company as appropriate and keep your photos, witness information, and other driver's details handy.

Insurance claims can feel confusing when you don't deal with them every day. We do.

Lackey Body Works can help customers navigate the repair side of the insurance

process while keeping the focus where it belongs: getting the vehicle properly repaired.

We're Here When You Need Us

Nobody plans on getting into an accident during school drop-off.

If it happens, remember the basics: make sure everyone is safe, take pictures, exchange information, follow the appropriate reporting steps, and have the vehicle inspected before assuming the damage is minor.

At Lackey Body Works, we've spent years helping families throughout Aurora, Monett, and the surrounding Southwest Missouri communities get their vehicles back on the road after accidents.

From collision repair and paintless dent repair to auto glass replacement and insurance claim assistance, we're here to make an inconvenient situation a little easier.