What To Do When You Hit a Parked Car

You backed up too quickly and slammed into the car parked behind you. You don't see any witnesses, and the damage to the other car doesn't look that bad. Although it can be tempting to drive away, don't do it. Leaving the scene of even a minor auto accident can result in fines, criminal penalties, and the loss of your license.

Each state has its own unique set of laws regarding a driver's duty and responsibilities after a collision. For example, failure to follow these duties in North Carolina may result in civil liability or criminal penalties such as a misdemeanor.

Although any car accident can be stressful, handling a minor collision doesn't need to be complicated. This article explains what to do when you hit a parked car.

Wait for the Owner

Think being in a car accident is bad for your insurance rates? Being found guilty of a hit-and-run accident is much worse. Up to six points can be added to your driver's record, and you could even face criminal charges. Although you may not see any witnesses to the collision, you can't be certain no one is watching.

If you hit a parked vehicle, don't leave the scene of the accident. Wait by the car for a reasonable amount of time so you can let the owner of the vehicle know what happened. If you are in a store or business parking lot, go inside and look for the owner.

When you speak with the car's owner, understand that they may be shocked or frustrated by the news. Stay calm. Let them know you take responsibility for the damage. Exchange information, including your phone numbers and driver's insurance information.

Leave a Note

If you can't find the owner, leave a note on the car before you leave the scene of an accident. Provide the following details:

• Your name
• Your contact information
• Your auto insurance policy information
• An explanation of what happened

You can now legally leave the area, and the owner can choose to contact you if they want compensation for the damage.

Look for Witnesses

Obtaining witness statements is a great way to support your account of the accident. Use your cell phone to record a brief description of what they observed. You can also have a witness write and sign a brief statement while you wait for the owner. Be sure to get the name and contact information of all witnesses.

Take Pictures

It's important to create a complete record of the accident. Take pictures of the impact zone on each car and the license plate number. You should also take a few pictures of the area where the accident occurred.

Phones can get lost or damaged. So, it's a good idea to print out or back up these photos of the damage as soon as you can.

If your accident is near a storefront, ask the store owner if they have security cameras. If they do, ask for security footage of the parking lot, if any, and request that they preserve the footage or provide you with a copy.

Call the Police

If there's significant damage to the other vehicle, many state laws require you to call the police. Since it's difficult for the average person to estimate damage, you may not know if law enforcement presence is needed. Play it safe. Call your local police department and ask. If police presence is required, you should obtain a police report or accident report to provide to the driver's insurance company if necessary.

Contact Your Insurance Company

You may believe that if the car owner doesn't call back, you don't need to contact your insurance provider. This is a bad idea. The owner of the damaged car has two to three years to make a property damage claim. If you fail to notify your own insurance company of an accident immediately, they can refuse the insurance claim.

Your insurance coverage and deductible rates shouldn't be affected just because you admitted to hitting another motor vehicle. Your auto insurance company can provide additional information regarding liability coverage, collision coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and whether an adjuster will be needed.

Discuss Your Car Accident With an Attorney

It's generally not against the law to be involved in a traffic accident, but it does create responsibilities that must be taken seriously. If you've been involved in a traffic collision, you can get legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney. Even a minor traffic collision can cause complex insurance issues. It's important to understand your rights during the car insurance claims process and settlement process.

You may have questions about bodily injury claims, and a personal injury attorney can provide a one-on-one consultation. Additionally, a car accident lawyer can guide you through the process to determine who is at fault before you conclude that you are the at-fault driver.