What To Do If You’ve Hit a Parked Car
Have you found yourself in a crowded parking lot and you accidentally hit a parked car, nothing serious, but you can see the car is now scratched or slightly dented? You may be left wondering what the next step is and how you can cover yourself as much as possible so you’re not stuck with the repair bills. Below are a few tips on what you can do after you have hit a parked car.
Don’t Flee from the Scene
If you hit a parked car and leave the scene without waiting to contact the owner of the vehicle, you could be charged with a hit-and-run. Even if the damage is not substantial but it is noticeable, stick around to speak to the car’s owner. If you leave, there are chances that the accident was recorded as many park lots have cameras that record 24/7. The owner will likely be able to track you down if you leave the scene of the accident.
Leave a Note
It’s wrong to leave the scene, but if you wait for a long time and you still can’t contact the owner of the vehicle, leave a note. This note should contain your name, phone number, email, and any other essential contact information. However, do not provide any insurance-specific information. Most of us are aware of this cliché but leave the note under the windshield wiper blades so it won’t blow away.
Document the Scene
After you have hit a parked car, document the scene as much as possible. Take photos of the cars involved in the parking lot accident. You can also take pictures of things that may have caused the accident, such as small parking spaces, carts, and any other obstacles that made parking a harder maneuver.
Call the Poli
No matter how small of a collision, an accident should always be reported to your local police. This way you can file a report and get even more assistance to contact the owner of the vehicle. It’s good to get a head start on this, as a police report will contain important details to aid you in your insurance claim later.
Get in Touch with your Insurance Agent
After being involved in an accident, after contacting the authorities, you should always contact your insurance agent next. The insurance company will ensure you have provided all essential information and how to efficiently document evidence of the accident if you need more assistance. It’s important to give your insurance agent a heads up before the other motorist files a claim.
Contact an Attorney
If you have hit a parked car or if your car has been hit, call an attorney to get legal representation as soon as possible. Our expert attorneys at Utah Personal Injury can help you maneuver through all the complexities of filing a claim and negotiating with insurance companies. Call today to get a free consultation.
