Let’s say you’re driving down the street and hit a parked car by accident. What do you do? When it comes to accidents involving unattended vehicles, many drivers incorrectly leave the scene of an accident, thinking no one saw them. But it doesn’t take much to find a culprit. Here are five things to do after hitting an unattended car or truck.
Look for Owner
According to state law, you should within 96 hours of the collision make a written report to the nearest office of your state’s Department of Transportation if the unattended vehicle was damaged or if the damage appears to be more than $1000.
If you have damaged or hit an unattended vehicle, remember to look for the owner. Stay at the scene and call an emergency number; for instance, you can call 911 if needed. If no one is around, try to find the owner through local businesses or houses nearby.
Leave Your Information on the Vehicle
Whether you are parking your car or unloading groceries, there is always the possibility of an accident happening. If a vehicle is damaged by another car and no one is present to witness the event, you do not need to escape since it can lead to many troubles after you are traced with authority.
You must leave your vehicle’s name, address, and registration number, with the person in charge of the unattended vehicle or property on their windshield.
Take Photos of the Damage to Both Vehicles
Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, as well as photos of the damage to the unattended vehicle. These photos will come in handy if the owner is trying to hold you responsible for more damage caused by the collision or if they make further damage claims in the future. Photos should include wide shots of each damaged area, as well as close-ups that clearly show any dents or scratches. It’s a good idea to take a photo of each vehicle’s odometer to establish precisely how many miles were on it during the accident.
Contact Lawyer
The consequences of hitting an unattended vehicle can be a nerve-wracking experience, but the aftermath doesn’t have to be. If you are caught in this situation, knowing what to do immediately following the accident is essential. Get professional legal advice while in an unrecoverable situation after hitting a parked car. A lawyer will aid legal procedures to take and ensure the matter is appropriately dealt with.
Contact Your Insurance Provider As Soon As Possible
Call your insurance as soon as possible to start the claims process. Any information you have about the other vehicle-like a license plate or the driver’s name, can be helpful to let the representative know. Review your policy. At the top of your declarations page, you can find this information under property damage liability coverage and uninsured motorist property damage coverage. Both should be in effect if you have an active auto policy.
Yes, you could have done things to protect yourself from hitting an unattended vehicle. However, even the most careful drivers can cause damage to an unattended vehicle. When it does happen, take the above few helpful steps that will get you through the process of handling an accident with an unattended vehicle—and help you keep your driving record clean.
