Have you ever pulled out of a parking spot and gunned it, only to realize too late that you hit another car? It’s a scary feeling, especially if the other driver is angry. But what exactly do you need to do in such a situation?
First, make sure that everyone is safe. The very next thing you need to do is assess the damage. If the other car is parked and there is only minor damage, you may be able to leave a note with your contact information. If the damage is more severe or the other car is moving when you hit it, you must stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives.
In this blog post, we will outline what to do when you hit a parked car, circumstances that you may face if you hit and leave the car, and last, provide some helpful tips for making the process smoother. Stay tuned!
Can You Hit A Car Without Knowing?
It’s a scenario we’ve all played out in our heads at one point or another – you’re driving along, minding your own business, when suddenly, another car swerves into your lane and collides with you. The other driver claims they didn’t see you, but how is that possible? Weren’t they paying attention?
As it turns out, there are a number of factors that can contribute to a driver not seeing another car on the road. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- The other driver wasn’t looking in your direction: This is often the case at intersections, where drivers may be focused on traffic coming from other directions and fail to see a car in their own lane.
- The other driver was distracted: Distracted driving is a major problem on today’s roads, and it can take many forms – from chatting on the phone to fiddling with the radio. Any time a driver takes their attention away from the road, they’re more likely to miss something, including another car.
- It was dark or foggy: Poor visibility can make it hard for drivers to see what’s ahead of them, particularly at night or in bad weather.
- There was an obstacle blocking the view: This could be anything from a large truck in the next lane to a tree branch hanging over the roadway. If the other driver couldn’t see your car because of an obstruction, they may not be at fault for the accident.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with another driver who claims they didn’t see you, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney or car accident lawyer to discuss your case.
Key Takeaway: None of these excuses absolve the other driver of responsibility if they cause an accident, but it’s important to understand that there are a number of factors that can contribute to a driver not seeing another car on the road.
What To Do If You Hit A Parked Car?
If you’re involved in a fender bender with a parked car, the first thing to do is not to panic. There will likely be little or no damage to either vehicle; even if there is, it will probably not be major.
- Now, stop your vehicle and assess the situation and see if there is any damage to either vehicle. Suppose there is damage; exchange insurance information with the other driver. You should also try to get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- If there is no damage or minor damage, you may not need to exchange information. However, it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution and leave a note for the other driver with your contact information. This way, if there is any damage that isn’t immediately apparent, they can reach out to you.
- In some cases, hitting a parked car can result in more than just damage to the vehicle. If, for example, you hit a parked car and it causes the driver’s side airbag to deploy, you may be responsible for the cost of replacing the airbag. Similarly, if you hit a parked car and it results in the other driver being injured, you may be liable for their medical expenses.
- In some states, it is actually against the law to leave the scene of an accident, even if it was just a parking lot accident. So, if you do not exchange information or call the police, you could be facing legal repercussions.
- If the other driver isn’t around, try to find the vehicle owner and get their information. If you can’t find the owner, you can leave a note on the windshield with your insurance information and a brief description of what happened.
- Once you have the other driver’s information, you should contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. They will likely ask you for a copy of the police report and any other documentation you have.
- Your insurance company will most likely take care of everything from there. They will contact the other driver’s insurance coverage company and work out a settlement. If there is any damage to either vehicle, they will also arrange for repairs.
What Happens If You Hit A Car And Leave?
If you hit a car and leave, there are a few things that could happen.
Police Investigation
The most likely scenario is that the owner of the car will call the police and report the hit-and-run. The police will then investigate and try to find the driver who fled the scene.
If they are able to track down the driver, that person will likely be facing charges for leaving the scene of an accident, which is a crime in most states. In some cases, leaving the scene of an accident can also result in a suspended license or even jail time.
The Owner May Track You
Another possibility is that the car owner may try to track down the driver themselves. This is more likely to happen if there is significant damage to their vehicle or if they were injured in the accident. If they are successful in finding the driver, they may demand payment for the repairs or medical bills. If the driver does not cooperate, the car owner may take them to court.
You May Face Penalties
You could face serious penalties if you hit a car and leave the accident scene. Depending on the damage’s severity and any injuries you may have caused, you could bear criminal charges such as hit and run or even vehicular homicide.
If convicted, you could face jail time, fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. You could even have your driver’s license suspended or revoked in some states. So, if you’ve been involved in a hit and run, it’s essential to know what you could be facing and to seek legal help as soon as possible.
Precautions
If you are ever involved in a car accident, it is always best to stop and exchange information with the other driver. If you cannot do so for some reason, make sure to get the license plate number of the other vehicle and call the police as soon as possible. Leaving the scene of an accident can be a costly financial and legal mistake.
Is Unknowingly Hitting A Parked Car Your Fault?
You’re at fault if you knowingly hit a parked vehicle and drive away. But what if you didn’t see the parked car and unknowingly hit a parked car? Is that your fault? The answer, unfortunately, is not always clear-cut. It depends on the circumstances of the accident and who is at fault.
Situation 1
If you hit a parked car without witnesses, it may be difficult to prove who is at fault. However, if there are witnesses or surveillance footage, this can be used to determine who is at fault.
Situation 2
If you hit a parked car and it is determined that you are at fault, you may be liable for damages to the other vehicle. You may also be ticketed for hitting a parked car. If the owner of the parked car caused the accident, they might be liable for damages to your vehicle.
Situation 3
In most cases, yes, it is your fault. Even if you didn’t see the car, it’s your responsibility to be aware of your surroundings and to make sure there are no obstacles in your path. The driver ensures that the path ahead is clear before proceeding. If parked cars are on either side of the road, the driver needs to be extra careful to avoid hitting them.
Rare Exceptions
- There are some exceptions. If the parked car was illegally parked or parked in a way that made it difficult to see, you may not be held responsible for the accident. For example, if the parked car was illegally parked in a way that made it difficult to see, the driver of the moving vehicle may not be at fault.
- Additionally, suppose the parked car was hit by another vehicle before being hit by the driver of the moving vehicle. In that case, the driver of the moving vehicle may not be at fault. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and assume that you will be held responsible for any damage you cause to a parked car, regardless of the circumstances.
Does Your Insurance Go Up If Someone Hits Your Parked Car?
If someone hits your parked car, your insurance rates will likely go up. This is because insurance companies view such accidents as being particularly risky, and they ensure they are compensated for the potential losses.
In most cases, your rates will not go up if another driver hits you while your car is parked. This is because it is generally considered to be the other driver’s fault if they hit your parked car.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
- For instance, if you live in a state with no-fault insurance, your own insurance company may cover the damages to your car, regardless of who was at fault.
- Additionally, if you have collision coverage, your insurance company may cover the damages to your car, even if you were not at fault.
However, whether or not your rates increase depends on several factors; let’s have a look at some:
Severity Of Accident
If the accident was minor and there was no damage to your car, your rates are unlikely to go up. However, if the accident was more severe and your car sustained significant damage.
Insurance Company’s Policy
Insurance companies typically have different policies regarding accidents involving parked cars. Some companies may forgive one accident, while others may not. It’s essential to check with your insurance company to see what their policy is.
Claim History
Your claims history is also a factor that insurance companies consider when determining whether or not to raise your rates. If you have a history of making claims, your insurance company may be more likely to raise your rates after an accident.
Overall, whether or not your parked car insurance rates go up after an accident depends on several factors. If you’re concerned about your rates increasing, it’s best to contact your insurance company to discuss their policy.
Suppose you are unsure whether your insurance policy will cover damages caused by another driver hitting your parked car. In that case, it is always a good idea to check with your insurance agent or company. They will be able to give you specific information about your policy and what it covers.
What To Do If Someone Scratches Your Car While Parked?
No one likes finding their car scratched up, mainly if it was done by someone else. While it may be tempting just to ignore it and hope it goes away on its own, that’s not always the best course of action. Instead, here are a few things you can do if someone scratches your car while parked.
Talk To The Person Who Did It
If you know who scratched your car, you should first talk to them about it. See if they’re willing to take responsibility and pay for the damage. If they are, great! You can avoid going to the police or taking them to court. If they’re not willing to take responsibility, however, you may have to take matters into your own hands.
File A Police Report
If you don’t know who scratched your car or if the person refuses to pay for the damage, you can always file a police report. It is important if the damage is severe or if you have video footage of the incident. The police may identify the culprit and bring them to justice. Even if they can’t, filing a report will create a record of the incident in case you need it later.
File A Small Claims Court Case
In some cases, you may be able to file a small claims court case against the person who scratched your car. It is typically only an option if the damage is relatively minor and you have evidence that the other person was responsible. You’ll need to fill out some paperwork and appear in court, but it’s generally a relatively straightforward process.
Take Your Car To A Professional
Finally, if all else fails, you can always take your car to a professional to have the damage repaired. It is usually the most expensive option, but it will ensure that your car looks as good as new. Once you’ve covered up the scratch, you can protect it by applying a clear coat of polish or car wax. It will help to seal the paint and prevent further damage.
FAQs
Can You Leave If You Accidentally Hit A Parked Car And There Is No Damage?
If you accidentally hit a parked car and there is no damage, you may be able to drive away simply. However, if there is any damage, even if it’s minor, you should leave a note with your contact information. If the parked car owner comes back and finds that you’ve left, they may call the police, and you could be charged with a hit-and-run accident.
Who is liable if you hit an illegally parked car?
The driver may be held responsible if you hit an illegally parked car. However, the driver may not be held liable if the vehicle was parked in a no-parking zone or a handicapped spot without a permit. It is always best to check with your local law enforcement to determine the specific laws in your area.
Is insurance coverage available for hit-and-run parked cars?
Yes, insurance typically covers hit-and-run parked cars. However, the amount of coverage may vary depending on your policy and the state you live in. In some states, hit-and-runs are considered comprehensive damage, while others may have collision coverage. Check with your insurer to see what type of coverage you have for hit-and-runs.
Final Considerations
If you find yourself in this situation, take a breath and assess the damage. Exchange information with the other driver, and contact your insurance company. Remember these steps, and you’ll be able to handle the situation like a pro. You may be surprised at how smoothly everything goes when you take the time to stay calm and act rationally.
