There are multiple circumstances which may contribute to the cause of a traffic accident. Limited visibility, tight parking quarters, inclement weather, and even a vehicle stopped in the street can cause a potential accident with a parked car.
While a traffic accident with an unattended vehicle is a relatively minor offense in most cases, it doesn’t give you the right to simply leave the scene without consequences. Leaving the scene of an accident is against the law, even when nobody is present or injured in the other vehicle.
When you hit a parked car, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your driving privileges. Taking the appropriate action after a traffic accident with a parked car can help you avoid potential legal action and possibly even salvage the rate of your insurance premiums.
If this is not a regular occurrence for you, then you may need some guidance on exactly what you should after you hit a parked car. Here’s what you need to know to help protect yourself and your driver’s license after this unfortunate accident.
Stay on Scene
While it can be tempting to drive off after you hit a parked car, that is the worst decision you can make. Fleeing the scene of a traffic accident is illegal and it is grounds for a hit and run charge. Don’t let this high stress experience control your impulses, even if you think there is nobody around.
There is often somebody in a nearby place of business who witnessed the accident. In today’s digital age, the event may have even been caught on surveillance film. An unnecessary hit and run charge can add up to 6 points on your driver’s license significantly increasing your insurance premiums in addition to the stiff penalties you’ll be forced to pay.
Find the Vehicle’s Owner
Even if you are not able to locate the owner of the vehicle you hit, you must make a valiant effort and be able to prove that you did. The last thing you want is to find out the owner of the vehicle you hit was just a few steps away, or worse witnessed you fleeing the scene.
If you hit a parked car on the street, you should knock on nearby doors and ask if people know the owner or where they may be. If you hit a parked car in a crowded parking lot, then you should take the time to enter the closest business.
Take the license plate number and a description of the vehicle with you. Ask the attendant at the customer service desk to call the car’s owner over the loud speaker and see if anyone responds.
You should also notate the name of the business, the time of day, and the name of the attendant you spoke to. At the very least, they can serve as a witness to your attempt to find the vehicle’s owner which can help prevent that hit and run charge.
Document the Damage
You are already in a predicament and the last thing you want is to pay for additional damages that you did not cause. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to thoroughly document the damage you did cause. Take pictures or a quick video recording of the vehicle from all angles, including the new damage.
You’ll want to ensure you capture the vehicle’s license plate, color, make, and model for verification purposes. A few quick pictures or a video recording can help document the condition of the vehicle when you left it. It can also help document the next important step in the process to help protect yourself and prove you took the appropriate steps.
Leave Your Contact Info
When you hit a parked car and you can’t find the vehicle’s owner, it is still important to exchange relevant information. After an unsuccessful attempt to locate the owner and properly documenting the damages with photo or video evidence, you’ll want to take the time to leave a note. Leaving a note can go a long way because it’s the right thing to do and it’s legally required.
You should include relevant information along with a brief explanation of what happened. You should include your name and contact information, such as your phone number and email address along with the date and time.
If you happened to be driving a borrowed vehicle, then you must also include the owner’s contact information as well as your own. Place the note under the windshield wiper or another secure but obvious location.
Consider Notifying the Police
The law requires police notification and crash reports for any accidents involving fatalities, bodily injuries, or property damage exceeding $1,500 in damages. While it can be difficult to estimate vehicle damages, you should always error on the side of caution.
If you aren’t sure of the cost of damages you caused, then call the police and stick around to answer questions. The police will attempt to locate the car’s owner along with telling you where and when you can pick up a copy of the report.
Get Legal Assistance
When you hit a parked car, you can cause more damage than you think. Fortunately, there are many contributing factors which may help reduce your fault in the accident.
You should always consult with an experienced attorney who handles car accident cases. They can help you properly notify your insurance company without admitting more fault than you are responsible for.
Try Not to Hit a Parked Car
Of course, it’s always advisable to try not to hit a parked car. Accidents happen and it can sometimes be unavoidable, but you may not be 100 percent responsible for the accident. There can often be contributing factors that help reduce your fault, but you’ll never know about them unless you partner with an experienced attorney who handles car accident claims.
Knowing that you took the appropriate steps after the incident helps them aggressively defend your rights and protects your interests. While it can be tempting to flee after you hit a parked car, it’s best to follow the important steps outlined above. It can save you from criminal charges, steep fines, and possibly even a suspended driver’s license.
Also read: Eric Sansom Car Accident: What happened to Eric Sansom?