{"id":353142,"date":"2017-04-25T16:46:17","date_gmt":"2017-04-25T21:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-to-do-when-you-hit-a-parked-car.html"},"modified":"2025-11-18T11:44:41","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T16:44:41","slug":"what-to-do-when-you-hit-a-parked-car","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-to-do-when-you-hit-a-parked-car.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Do if You Hit a Parked Car"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

What To Do if You Hit a Parked Car<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

If you hit a parked car<\/span>, you must stop at the scene, attempt to contact the vehicle owner<\/span>, and leave your contact and insurance information<\/span> if they’re unavailable. Leaving the scene without reporting the accident is a hit-and-run<\/span>, which is illegal and can result in criminal charges<\/span>, fines, and license penalties. You’re also required to report the incident to your insurance company<\/span>, usually within 24-72 hours.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Car accidents<\/span> can happen anywhere, even when the other car isn\u2019t moving. Hitting a parked car<\/span> can be scary and confusing, especially if you\u2019re 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<\/span><\/a>, and unnecessary stress.<\/p>\n

In this article, we review what to do if you hit a parked car<\/span>. Legal obligations<\/span> vary by state, but we\u2019ll review the general legal principles at play, explain the insurance <\/span>claim<\/span> process<\/span><\/a>, and discuss what might happen if you leave the scene.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve hit a parked car<\/span>, consider speaking with a car accident<\/span> attorney<\/a> before calling your insurance company<\/span> and admitting fault. You can share specifics of the incident with the lawyer in confidence<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start with what not <\/em>to do.<\/p>\n

What Happens If You Leave the Scene?<\/h2>\n

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

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

While you may think no one saw you, there\u2019s a good chance there are security cameras<\/span> nearby. Many parking lots<\/span> and homes have surveillance footage. If the car owner<\/span> reports the damage and your license plate<\/span> is captured on camera, you could still be tracked down and face hit-and-run<\/span> charges<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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

Legal Obligations<\/span> After Hitting a Parked Car<\/span><\/h2>\n

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

Before leaving the scene, you\u2019ll want to take the following steps:<\/p>\n