Accidents involving parked vehicles are surprisingly common, leaving many drivers unsure of how to handle the situation when their car is hit. Whether the other driver leaves a note or flees the scene, knowing how to proceed can help you recover damages and protect your rights.
What Should I Do if My Parked Car Is Hit?
If you discover that your parked car has been hit, act promptly. Assess the damage to your vehicle by walking around it and inspecting for any visible dents, scratches, or more significant damage. Take photos of the affected areas from various angles. This documentation may be useful later when dealing with insurance companies or filing a police report.
Check to see if the driver who hit your car left a note. Sometimes, responsible drivers will leave their contact information and insurance details. If there is no note, try to identify any witnesses or look for nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the accident.
It is also important to contact the police, especially if the damage is significant or if the other driver did not leave a note. A police report can serve as an official record. Finally, notify your insurance company about the accident and provide them with relevant details and photos.
What Should I Do if the Other Driver Did Not Leave a Note?
If the driver who hit your parked car did not leave a note, you are dealing with a hit-and-run situation. Even in these unfortunate cases, you still have options. Begin by contacting the police to file an official report. This will help establish the facts of the accident, and in some cases, the police may be able to track down the responsible driver.
You should also inform your insurance company. Depending on your coverage, they may be able to assist in covering the repair costs. In many cases, collision or uninsured motorist coverage will apply.
What if the Other Driver Left a Note?
If you are fortunate enough that the driver who hit your car left a note, you should reach out to them as soon as possible. Contact them to exchange insurance information and discuss how to handle the repair process. Filing a police report is still a good idea, as it helps establish a formal record of the accident.
Once you have their insurance details, you can provide that information to your own provider, who may be able to facilitate communication with the other driver’s insurer. In most cases, the responsible driver’s insurance will cover the damage to your vehicle, but this process can take time.
Will My Insurance Cover the Damage to My Parked Car?
That depends on the type of coverage you have. Collision coverage is the most likely policy to apply in these situations, as it generally covers damage to your vehicle from any accident, regardless of fault. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, this may also apply if the driver who hit your car cannot be identified or does not have insurance.
Comprehensive coverage may come into play if your car was damaged by something other than a collision, like vandalism or a fallen tree. We strongly recommend reviewing your insurance policy to understand the extent of your coverage, and be mindful that filing a claim could affect your premiums depending on the circumstances.
The Knowledgeable West Chester Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Offer Trusted Legal Guidance for Parked Car Accidents
If your parked vehicle was damaged in an accident, you may have options. The knowledgeable West Chester car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can help you understand your legal rights. To learn more, submit our online form or call our Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, offices at 610-565-3701. We serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.