What To Do if You Hit a Parked Car

Car accidents can happen anywhere, even when the other car isn’t moving. Hitting a parked car can be scary and confusing, especially if you’re not sure what to do next. Even if you barely dinged the other vehicle, you still have responsibilities and steps to follow. Handling the situation in the correct manner can save you from legal trouble, higher insurance rates, and unnecessary stress.

In this article, we review what to do if you hit a parked car. Legal obligations vary by state, but we’ll review the general legal principles at play, explain the insurance claim process, and discuss what might happen if you leave the scene.

If you’ve hit a parked car, consider speaking with a car accident attorney before calling your insurance company and admitting fault. You can share specifics of the incident with the lawyer in confidence so they can explain your options under state fault and insurance laws. Most importantly, they can protect your interests and help you determine the best way to proceed.

Let’s start with what not to do.

What Happens If You Leave the Scene?

Leaving the scene of an accident involving a parked car is considered a hit-and-run. Doing so is illegal. A hit-and-run accident can lead to serious consequences, even if the damage is minor.

If you drive away without stopping, you could face criminal charges. In most states, leaving the scene of an accident with property damage is a misdemeanor. You could face fines, points on your driver’s license, or even jail time. Repeat offenses often lead to harsher penalties.

While you may think no one saw you, there’s a good chance there are security cameras nearby. Many parking lots and homes have surveillance footage. If the car owner reports the damage and your license plate is captured on camera, you could still be tracked down and face hit-and-run charges.

Leaving the scene can also affect your car insurance. If you’re caught, your insurance provider may raise your insurance rates or cancel your insurance policy. You could also be held responsible for the full out-of-pocket costs.

Legal Obligations After Hitting a Parked Car

No matter how minor the damage, you have legal obligations after a car accident. They include stopping, assessing the vehicle damage, and making a reasonable effort to exchange information with the owner.

Before leaving the scene, you’ll want to take the following steps:

• Stop at the scene of the accident: Don’t drive away
• Check for the vehicle owner: If the car owner is nearby, exchange contact and insurance information
• Leave a note: If no one is around, leave a note with your name, phone number, and insurance details under their windshield wiper or in the door handle
• Take photos of visible damage: Even if you only caused dings or a fender bender, take photos of the damage to both vehicles, the accident scene, and license plate numbers
• Call the police: If there’s any personal injury or significant damage, call law enforcement to file a police report

Many states require drivers to either notify the police or leave a note with insurance and contact information. Failure to do so in these states is often considered a hit-and-run.

You’ll also need to report the incident to your auto insurance provider promptly.

Who’s at Fault if I Hit a Parked Car?

In most cases, the driver who hits a parked car is the at-fault driver. However, there are exceptions. For example, if a car is parked illegally, such as blocking a driveway or extending into traffic, the other driver might share some responsibility.

If a door to the parked car suddenly swung open into your path while you were passing slowly, the parked vehicle owner might be partly at fault. Each instance depends on the details and local law.

Parking Lots vs. Residential Streets

Whether you hit the parked car in a lot or sideswiped it on a residential street, the rules are similar. You may encounter a few different considerations:

• Parking lot accidents often involve security cameras, which can help verify what happened
• On a street, you might need to deal with local police more directly, especially if the car is blocking traffic

Either way, leaving without reporting the incident is still a hit-and-run.

How Insurance Works After Hitting a Parked Car

It’s helpful to learn what to expect when dealing with your auto insurance company after hitting a parked car. Here’s what you need to know:

• Insurance claim: You’ll need to file a claim for vehicle damage
• Deductible: Be prepared to pay your deductible before coverage kicks in
• Collision coverage: If you have collision coverage, it can help cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle
• Liability coverage: Your liability insurance policy typically covers property damage to the other car
• Insurance rates: Expect your driver’s insurance rates or premiums to increase

It’s important to note, however, that this can vary widely depending on state fault and insurance laws.

When To Seek Legal Advice

Hitting a parked car is often a minor incident, but it may pose complex insurance issues or other concerns. If you’re worried about hit-and-run charges or if fault isn’t clear, consulting a car accident attorney may be your best first step, even before filing your insurance claim.

The goal of insurers is to pay as little as possible on each claim. Unprepared motorists often hurt their own claims when dealing with an insurance company. Admitting fault, downplaying their own property damage, or prematurely consenting to recorded statements can make thing much more difficult in the long run.

An attorney can help protect your interests. They can guide you on what to say and what not to say when dealing with insurers. They can also negotiate with the insurance company to prevent you from paying more out of pocket than you need to.

You’ll have very little time after the accident to report it to insurance. The exact deadline depends on your policy, but it’s usually between 24 and 72 hours. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Finding a Trusted Advisor

Most people don’t have a car accident lawyer on standby. That’s why FindLaw’s directory of dedicated car accident attorneys is free and available to the public. You’ll want to find someone licensed in your state who has strong experience dealing with insurers and cases like yours. Click on your location to review background information and ratings for legal professionals.