{"id":353082,"date":"2017-05-01T15:47:26","date_gmt":"2017-05-01T20:47:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/is-it-a-hit-and-run-accident-if-its-a-parked-car.html"},"modified":"2025-11-29T09:40:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-29T14:40:00","slug":"is-it-a-hit-and-run-accident-if-its-a-parked-car","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/is-it-a-hit-and-run-accident-if-its-a-parked-car.html","title":{"rendered":"Is It a ‘Hit and Run Accident’ if It’s a Parked Car?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Is It a 'Hit and Run Accident' if It's a Parked Car?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Ty McDuffey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Hitting a parked car and leaving without providing your information is considered a hit-and-run accident. The law requires you to make a reasonable effort to notify the owner or leave a written note with your details. Failing to do so can lead to fines, criminal charges, and higher insurance costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

As you’re backing up in a parking lot, you accidentally hit a car parked behind you. You get out of your car and see that there’s been no serious damage to the vehicle. You wonder if you are breaking the law by simply driving away.<\/p>\n

Yes, hitting a parked car and leaving the scene is considered a hit and run. It is against the law in every state<\/a>. Read on to find out how hitting a parked car can turn into a hit-and-run accident and what legal duties you must fulfill before leaving.<\/p>\n

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If you\u2019ve been involved in a hit\u2011and\u2011run, consider enlisting legal help<\/a> to protect yourself from serious legal consequences. If you\u2019re the victim of a hit\u2011and\u2011run, a personal injury lawyer<\/a> can help you pursue compensation for your damages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents<\/h2>\n

Generally, a\u00a0hit-and-run\u00a0accident<\/a> is one in which you leave the scene of an accident before having fulfilled the duties imposed by law, such as:<\/p>\n